Love makes itself vulnerable

Would you risk your life just to share a meal with your dearest friends? Is it worth it? Jesus apparently thought so.

After raising Lazarus from the dead, simmering tensions erupt into open hostility. Fearful and insecure, the religious leaders order the assassination of Jesus, lest the masses believe in Him, sparking a clampdown by the Roman government (John 11:45-53). Jesus becomes a fugitive, on the run for His life. He escapes into the wilderness. The Son of God fully relinquishes His security, accepts His destiny, becomes so very vulnerable...

Then suddenly, He comes out of hiding, and goes to Bethany, a city along the route from Galilee to Jerusalem. Jesus leaves His refuge and travels to a populated town, risking capture and death plots - all to meet his dearest friends Lazarus, Mary and Martha, and to share a meal with them (John 12:1-2).

This is the face of love, this is how Jesus loves. He puts Himself out there, in harm's way, subjecting Himself to great danger and risk, just to visit His friends, sit with them, eat with them, love on them. He willingly made Himself so vulnerable so He could love you, love me, not content just to think fondly of His beloved from a safe distance, but embraced risk and danger, to personally manifest love...

Love makes itself vulnerable.

"...love one another, as I have loved you..." (John 13:34)