Counsel #5 — Christ’s Vulnerability

Picture: Counsel #5 — Christ’s VulnerabilityCI 102.1

The TPT Bible version uses the word “vulnerable” to describe Christ: “He humbled himself and became vulnerable, choosing to be revealed as a man and was obedient.” (Philippians 2:8) Consider Jesus’ everyday living — walking the dusty roads of Palestine in the garb of the common person, feeling fatigue and hunger, experiencing misunderstanding, abandonment, and criticism, touching the “untouchable,” ministering to those who rejected and abused Him.CI 102.2

The apex of vulnerability is seen in Jesus — alienated from His Father — bearing the sins of the entire world in the ultimate humiliation of the cross. And He did all this “for the joy set before him [our redemption]…despising the shame” (Hebrews 12:2).^{[98]https://youtu.be/HRWgkfUkrHc?si=20k_1-Un_RjimEb4} We were both the reason for His vulnerability and His reward for it.CI 102.3

“And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross.” Philippians 2:8 NKJVCI 102.4

“What gives the proper level to the human mind? It is the cross of Calvary. By looking unto Jesus, who is the Author and Finisher of our faith, all the desire for self-glorification is laid in the dust…As we contemplate the cross, we are enabled to see the wonderful provision it has brought to every believer.” Ellen White in Our High Calling, p. 114CI 102.5

Reflect: As you spend time thinking about Christ’s sacrifice for you on the cross, in what ways can you reflect His vulnerability in your life?CI 102.6