The Power of Vulnerability: Embracing Love and Risk
John 13 is such a powerful chapter.
I was in Chicago recently, visiting my friends Megan and Greg after the TGCW conference, and we found ourselves diving into this very passage. Greg made a point that really stuck with me: Jesus models a love that INITIATES. I agreed with him at the time, but the more I’ve reflected on it, the more I’ve realized just how wild and awe-inspiring that truth really is.
(SIDE NOTE: If you or someone you know lives in the Chicago area, especially Arlington Heights, I can’t recommend my friends' church enough! They have six locations, so there's probably one close to you. It’s definitely worth checking out if you’re looking for a church home!)
The Power of Vulnerability: Embracing Love and Risk
Have you ever been the first to introduce yourself at a party? Or the first to say, "I love you" in a new relationship? It’s nerve-wracking, right? Vulnerability always carries a bit of fear—fear of rejection, fear of not being accepted. And let’s be honest, no one likes that feeling. But what if vulnerability wasn’t something to avoid but something we embraced, knowing that it could lead to deeper connections and more meaningful relationships?
We’re blessed to serve a Savior who not only embraces vulnerability but initiates it. Jesus doesn’t shy away from risk; He offers Himself fully for us. A beautiful illustration of this can be found in John 13.
In verse 3, we’re told, “Jesus, knowing that the Father had given all things into his hands, and that he had come from God and was going back to God, rose from supper.” In this moment, Jesus, the King of Kings, chooses to demonstrate His love in an unexpected way: He washes His disciples’ feet.
Can you imagine what that must have been like for the disciples? There they were, gathered with their teacher, their leader, and suddenly, He begins to take on the role of a servant, washing their feet—an act of humility that would have left them utterly bewildered. Jesus, in His vulnerability, initiates this profound moment, breaking down any barriers of pride or misunderstanding, and showing them what true love looks like.
But this isn’t a new concept for God. We see this theme throughout the Bible, beginning all the way back in Genesis. God created us in His image, giving us a beautiful reflection of Himself, but He also gave us the free will to reject Him. And reject Him we did—just a few chapters in. Yet, even in the face of our rejection, God didn’t pull away. Instead, He made a promise in Genesis 3:15 that He would restore what was broken, sending a Savior who would crush the serpent. God’s love didn’t wait for our perfection; it initiated a pursuit, offering hope despite our failures.
I remember the early days of dating my husband. He was very clear about his intentions from the start, and I was both excited and a little freaked out. Things were moving fast, and I was scared of what it meant. I wanted marriage, but I also loved my independence. Adam, however, made it clear that he wasn’t interested in just being my friend—he wanted to pursue me. But here’s the kicker: he was willing to wait until I figured out what I wanted. No man had ever been that clear or patient with me, and honestly, it left me feeling safe to process my feelings without worrying about being rejected. Adam assumed all the risk, giving me space to decide without the fear of being “friend-zoned.” If you ask him, he’ll tell you it was totally a God thing, but I’ll always be thankful for that clarity. Sometimes, God calls us to assume all the risk, all the vulnerability, and all the patience in our relationships, just like Jesus did for us.
Inviting others into our lives, our homes, and our hearts is always a risk. When we open ourselves up, we’re letting others see our messes, our flaws, our hopes, and our struggles. Sometimes it’s beautiful—those deep conversations and shared moments of joy. But sometimes it’s painful, especially when people don’t handle us with care. Yet, in those moments of pain, God’s abundant care fills in the gaps. Even when we face heartbreak, He meets us with comfort and compassion.
For me, learning to let others into these sacred spaces has been a life-changing experience. Yes, it’s meant opening myself up to hurt, but it’s also meant receiving the kind of community and friendship that has been with me in my highest joys and my deepest sorrows—through singleness, infertility, miscarriage, loss, moving, anxiety, and depression. These relationships, built on vulnerability and risk, have shaped me in ways I could never have imagined.
This lesson has taught me something profound: God has given us each other as gifts—both in this life and the next—to walk together in community and enjoy Him forever. We were never meant to live this life alone. Jesus, in His vulnerability, initiated the ultimate relationship with us, and now, He calls us to do the same. He calls us to pursue each other with love, to risk rejection, and to open our hearts even when it feels scary.
In all of this, Jesus doesn’t just show us how to love; He empowers us to love with His unwavering strength and grace. He initiates. He pursues. And He gives us the courage to do the same.
So, what does this look like in our day-to-day lives? It means stepping out of our comfort zones, inviting others into our mess, and taking the risk of loving fully, even when we’re not sure how it will be received. It means acknowledging that vulnerability is hard, but also recognizing that it’s through vulnerability that we find the deepest connections with others and with God. It’s trusting that, like Jesus, we don’t have to be afraid to risk it all for love.
In a world that often values self-preservation over self-giving, let’s remember the example of our Savior, who risked everything for us. Jesus shows us that love isn’t safe, but it’s worth it. And He invites us into that same kind of love—a love that is vulnerable, sacrificial, and ultimately redemptive. Jesus initiates, Jesus pursues, and by His grace, we can do the same.
