Vulnerable Adults, Part 3

In some ways, Jesus is the most Vulnerable Adult in the Passion story. Not because there are any skeletons in his cupboard (rumours, perhaps; but not skeletons); and not through abusing others; but through an intentional decision to be vulnerable: to open himself to the possibility of being betrayed, disowned, deserted by his friends; misunderstood and misrepresented by his peers; even forsaken by his Father…

And his vulnerability does not result in his being a pawn, manipulated by others for their own ends; his own intentions repeatedly derailed before they can come to fulfilment. On the contrary, it would not have been possible for him to achieve his purpose – to reconcile all things to himself – without first making himself vulnerable. For in opening himself to the possibility of being betrayed, disowned, deserted, misunderstood, misrepresented, and forsaken, Jesus also opened himself to the possibility of being responded-to with hope, faith and love. And so that all things might have the opportunity to respond to this vulnerable Redeemer, his disciples are called to follow his example, to have the same attitude.


When I look to Jesus I know that I am a less-Vulnerable Adult than I want, and need, and hope, to be…

Holy Week , vulnerability