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Matthew 8:23-27

Jesus, can we have a little chat? When you said to the original disciples, “Why are you afraid, you of little faith?”

That statement couldn’t have helped bolster their faith, could it? In a moment of crisis, you’re asking them why they’re afraid? Ouch.

You’re telling them they have little faith? Double ouch.

Think about that for a second. And let me offer another perspective.

What if Jesus was demonstrating courage? Could it be that his statement was needed to jolt the disciples out of an emotional, dramatic downward spiral? Or maybe, Jesus needed to get the attention of the disciples. I wonder too, what might have happened if Jesus never named the reality of the situation with clarity and direction. What if Jesus never called the disciples to be courageous?

Without courage, the message of Jesus cannot be shared. There are times it will feel uncomfortable and uncertain. But, it’s in that very moment you’re invited to remember that Jesus is Emmanuel, God with us.

After all, you wouldn’t be participating in a church if others hadn’t moved past the uncertainty of stepping out in faith.

I am certain there were moments when the original twelve disciples were uncomfortable in Jesus’ presence. He challenged them. He called forth the best in them. And he loved them. All of those things and many more can make us feel uncomfortable…dare I say, vulnerable.

If you’ve ever been on a boat in a storm, you know exactly what the disciples were feeling. You may have even said, “Lord save us.”

None of us like feeling that way. But we can’t engineer the uncertainty, risk, and discomfort out of practicing vulnerability. Why? Because it’s the very definition of vulnerability. And, you guessed it, rumbling with vulnerability is the foundational skill of practicing courage.

Don’t miss the end of this passage of scripture. By the end, while emotions swirled all over the place, the disciples had an encounter with Jesus that left them wondering out loud about his identity and power.

Could it be when we step out in courage we just might encounter Jesus in a new way? Maybe you’ll claim that same courage today.

Reflect

Consider a time in your life you tried to engineer the uncertainty out of a situation for yourself, a child, or another loved one. We have all done it. What would you do differently if you had an opportunity for a “do over”?

Respond

Today, consider your call to courage and notice if you’re trying to engineer the uncertainty or discomfort out of rumbling with vulnerability.

Pray

Lord Jesus, thank you for reminding me of your courage. Through your bold acts, I am reminded that living as a person of faith is sometimes challenging. Continue to empower me to step out in faith and share your love with others. Amen.

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Matthew 9:9-13

Imagine for a moment the conversation around the dinner table as Jesus ate with the tax collectors. Because they’re nice, professional men, they likely wouldn’t give voice to their thoughts. But, I imagine if we could read the thought bubbles above the tax collectors’ heads, here’s how they’d read:

“Why is he here?”

“Who is he trying to make us into now?”

“I’m not participating.”

“I think I’ve lost my appetite.”

Remember, tax collectors were a bit shady in their business practices. They often worked the system to their financial advantage. It was an accepted practice, albeit a frustrating one for the residents who had to pay the taxes.

Jesus’ presence in their midst may have been the first encounter with unconditional love. It might have been a moment of truth or even an unexpected brush with the divine. Or, it might have been all three or something very different.

Reflecting on our myth for today, it doesn’t take much imagination to hear the tax collectors say to Jesus, “I don’t do vulnerability.”

Here’s the thing: To love is to be vulnerable. Jesus loves you. Are you willing to love him?

Reflect

What makes you say, “I don’t do vulnerability?” We all say it from time to time. It might sound more like, “Oh, I’m not going there.” “I don’t want to have that conversation.” Consider where or when you’re likely to say, “I don’t do vulnerability.”

Respond

Try this today: tell someone you love them. And mean it. Expect nothing in return. Notice how it makes you feel. Vulnerable. If that’s too big of a request, remind someone today, “God loves you and there’s nothing you can do about it.”

As a reminder, “vulnerability it the emotion we experience during times of uncertainty, risk or emotional exposure.” So, yes, the tax collectors were likely feeling exposed.

Pray

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Matthew 8:1-4

The man wanting to be healed in this passage is suffering from a skin disease. Individuals suffering from leprosy, were considered “unclean.”

In other words, a physical ailment meant he was not welcome in the community. A skin disease kept him from normal social, relational, and economic interactions. He was separated from other people. It’s likely he only associated with people who also had leprosy.

Now consider this definition: “Vulnerability is the emotion that we experience during times of uncertainty, risk, and emotional exposure.” Reread the scripture passage for today.

The man with leprosy placed himself in a vulnerable posture before Jesus. Some might say his actions were courageous.

Here is the challenge before us: the practice of rumbling with vulnerability is the foundational skill courage. So before you say, “I’m not going to be vulnerable.” Let’s explore the myths around vulnerability.

Myth 1: Vulnerability is weakness.

No, it is not. Here’s what I want you to consider. “Can you give me a single example of courage that you’ve witnessed or experienced in your own life that did not require experiencing vulnerability?” Dare to Lead, p. 23

The answer is no. Thousands of people have been asked that question and their answer is “No.” From military personnel to CEOs, from teachers to therapists, from parents to bakers and parents who are bankers, the answer is no. That’s because rumbling with vulnerability is the foundational skill of courage.     

If you want to be a courageous parent, partner, leader, co-worker, or follower of Jesus, you’ll need to learn to rumble with vulnerability.

Perhaps the best invitation I can offer is this: If you’re going to rumble with vulnerability, who better to practice with than Jesus?

To help us explore what vulnerability is, each day this week we’ll explore one myth around vulnerability. May the man afflicted with leprosy who dared to ask Jesus for what he needed remind you that vulnerability is not weakness.

Reflect

How do you characterize the man with leprosy’s actions? Consider your call to courage.  What part of your call to courage do you need to remember “vulnerability is not weakness”?

Respond

Today, ask one person for something you need. It might be a request for prayer, time to consider an important decision, or a lunch date to catch up. Remember: the foundational skill of courage is rumbling with vulnerability.

It is not weak to feel vulnerable. It is human. Be reminded that “Vulnerability is the emotion that we experience during times of uncertainty, risk and emotional exposure.”

Pray