We know that if we want to get close to someone we have to trust. We also know that when we are vulnerable, we often get hurt. So how do we ever experience intimacy with anyone? As we enter our new series on intimacy, we start the series where relationships also start: vulnerability. In Matthew 26: 47-54, a crowd has come to arrest Jesus. But instead of calling for God’s angels to attack and protect, Jesus chooses to be totally vulnerable, all for the sake of love. Jesus love is vulnerable; when it comes from him, and when it comes from us.

Matthew 26: 47-54
"While he was still speaking, Judas, one of the Twelve, arrived. With him was a large crowd armed with swords and clubs, sent from the chief priests and the elders of the people. Now the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: “The one I kiss is the man; arrest him.” Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, “Greetings, Rabbi!” and kissed him. Jesus replied, “Do what you came for, friend.” Then the men stepped forward, seized Jesus and arrested him. With that, one of Jesus’ companions reached for his sword, drew it out and struck the servant of the high priest, cutting off his ear. “Put your sword back in its place,” Jesus said to him, “for all who draw the sword will die by the sword. Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? But how then would the Scriptures be fulfilled that say it must happen in this way?”
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Pastor Brook J. Selby, MDiv