Embracing Vulnerability: The Call to True Community

We are created for community, not isolation. From the very beginning, God declared it is not good for us to be alone, and this truth echoes through every generation, including our own. Yet, community is hard. It’s easier to keep people at arm’s length, to hide behind busyness, technology, or even our own wounds. We often settle for superficial connections—small talk, digital interactions, or simply showing up without truly being known. But God’s design is deeper: a place where we are truly seen, known, and loved, and where we do the same for others.

Looking at the early church, we see that even under threat of persecution, believers were urged not to forsake gathering together. They needed each other for encouragement, support, and to spur one another on toward love and good deeds. The same is true for us. We can attend every Sunday, join every group, and still miss out on real community if we never let our walls down. True belonging requires vulnerability, honesty, and a willingness to invite others into our lives—even into our mess.

Jesus models this for us. He invited people in, not just to observe but to share life deeply. He didn’t shy away from the messiness of relationships; instead, He acknowledged it and welcomed others into His own moments of sorrow and need. Even when His closest friends failed Him, He loved them anyway, staying at the table and choosing grace over withdrawal. In a culture obsessed with self and convenience, Jesus calls us to a different way—a way marked by sacrificial love, devotion, and the courage to stay connected even when it’s hard.

Our digital age offers endless connections but leaves us starving for real relationships. The “Age of Me” tempts us to approach community as consumers, asking, “What’s in it for me?” But Christ’s example is one of self-giving love, honoring others above ourselves, and building community not on convenience but on the cross. This kind of community is costly, but it’s also beautiful and life-giving. We are invited to reject what’s easy and embrace what’s good: to remove the barriers we’ve built, to invite others in, and to become the kind of family that reflects God’s heart for togetherness.

Key Takeaways

• 1. True community requires vulnerability, not just proximity. It’s possible to be surrounded by people and still be alone if we never let anyone see beneath the surface. Real belonging happens when we allow ourselves to be known—our struggles, dreams, and doubts—and when we know others in the same way. This depth of relationship is God’s design for us. [71:00]
• 2. Jesus’ way of community begins with invitation. He didn’t keep people at a distance, even when it was inconvenient or risky. He invited others into His life and entered into theirs, modeling a posture of openness that breaks down walls and creates space for genuine connection. Our own fears and past hurts may tempt us to bolt the doors, but following Jesus means choosing to invite others in, even when it feels vulnerable. [72:59]
• 3. Authentic community acknowledges the mess. Jesus Himself, in His darkest hour, asked His friends to be with Him—not to fix the situation, but simply to be present in the pain. We often hide our struggles, believing we must appear strong or put-together, but it’s in admitting our need and allowing others into our mess that true community is formed. Vulnerability not only draws support but gives others permission to be real as well. [82:42]
• 4. Love in community means staying at the table, even when it’s hard. Jesus’ disciples were flawed, and they failed Him, yet He never abandoned them. In a culture quick to cancel or withdraw at the first sign of conflict, we are called to fight for reconciliation and extend grace. Biblical community is imperfect, but its beauty and power are found in our commitment to love one another through the mess. [83:54]
• 5. The “Age of Me” undermines true community by making everything about personal convenience and preference. Our digital lives give the illusion of closeness but often leave us isolated and emotionally depleted. Christ calls us to a different standard: to honor others above ourselves, to sacrifice for one another, and to build relationships that are life-giving rather than transactional. This requires intentionality, sacrifice, and a willingness to remove the barriers—both digital and emotional—that keep us apart. [87:46]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:45] - Baptism and Opening Story
• [03:30] - The Cost of Choosing Relationships
• [07:10] - Community in the Early Church
• [10:20] - Why Community Is Hard
• [13:00] - The Longing to Belong
• [16:15] - Surface-Level Connections
• [19:40] - Who Really Knows You?
• [22:30] - Jesus’ Model: Invitation
• [26:00] - Jesus’ Model: Acknowledging the Mess
• [30:10] - Jesus’ Model: Loving Anyway
• [34:00] - The Age of Me vs. True Community
• [38:00] - The Cost and Beauty of Community
• [41:00] - Family Legacy of Togetherness
• [44:00] - Removing Barriers and Next Steps
• [46:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Bible Reading

Hebrews 10:24-25 (ESV) — > And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.

John 1:38-39 (ESV) — > Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?” He said to them, “Come and you will see.” So they came and saw where he was staying, and they stayed with him that day, for it was about the tenth hour.

Romans 12:10 (ESV) — > Love one another with brotherly affection. Outdo one another in showing honor.

Observation Questions

1. According to Hebrews 10:24-25, what are the reasons given for not neglecting to meet together?
2. In John 1:38-39, how does Jesus respond to those who want to follow Him, and what does this show about His approach to relationships?
3. What does Romans 12:10 say about how we should treat one another in community?
4. The sermon mentioned that even Jesus, in His darkest hour, asked His friends to be with Him in the garden (Matthew 26, alluded to). What does this reveal about Jesus’ need for community? [01:16:00]

Interpretation Questions

1. The writer of Hebrews urges believers not to give up meeting together, even when it’s risky or inconvenient. Why might God see community as so essential, even in hard times? [01:07:10]
2. Jesus’ invitation to “come and see” (John 1:39) was more than just a casual offer. What does this teach about the kind of openness and vulnerability that real community requires? [01:12:59]
3. The sermon described how Jesus stayed at the table with His disciples, even when they failed Him. What does this say about the kind of love and commitment that should mark Christian community? [01:23:54]
4. The “Age of Me” was described as a culture that values convenience and self above all. How does this mindset undermine the kind of community God wants for us? [01:27:46]

Application Questions

1. The sermon said it’s possible to attend church or small group every week and still be alone if we never let our walls down. What are some “walls” you tend to put up that keep others at a distance? What would it look like to let someone see beneath the surface this week? [01:11:00]
2. Jesus modeled inviting others into His life, even when it was inconvenient or risky. Is there someone you sense God is prompting you to invite into your life or your home? What’s holding you back, and what’s one step you could take this week? [01:12:59]
3. The sermon talked about “acknowledging the mess” and being honest about our struggles. When was the last time you let someone into your mess? How did it go, and what did you learn from that experience? [01:22:42]
4. In a culture quick to “cancel” or withdraw at the first sign of conflict, Jesus stayed at the table with His flawed friends. Is there a relationship in your life where you’ve been tempted to withdraw? What would it look like to “stay at the table” and pursue reconciliation or extend grace? [01:23:54]
5. The “Age of Me” encourages us to ask, “What’s in it for me?” when it comes to community. How can you shift your mindset this week to ask, “How can I serve or honor others?” instead? [01:27:46]
6. The sermon challenged us to remove both digital and emotional barriers that keep us apart. What is one practical way you can limit digital distractions or be more present with people this week? [01:27:46]
7. The pastor shared a story about his grandparents’ intentional efforts to keep the family together. Who in your life has modeled sacrificial love and togetherness for you? How can you follow their example in your own relationships? [01:34:43]