The gospel of John has this interesting snippet at the end of chapter two:

“Now when He was in Jerusalem at the Passover, during the feast, many believed in His name, observing His signs which He was doing. But Jesus, on His part, was not entrusting Himself to them, for He knew all men, and because He did not need anyone to testify concerning man, for He Himself knew what was in man” (John 2:23-25).

So Jesus didn’t entrust Himself to man (others). (Click to tweet) What does that mean? I have come off difficult ministry experiences where I can join Jesus in saying I no longer want to entrust myself to anyone.

But this comes in contrast with the whole idea of the Body and the church.

Isn’t community the way we grow? Isn‘t being one important? Isn’t the proof of our relationship with God in the way we love each other? How can we love each other if we never risk entrusting our hearts?

It’s a paradox, to be sure.

I can look at it theologically and realize that Jesus had perfect communion in the Godhead. (Click to tweet) He had fellowship and oneness. He could fully entrust Himself to the Father and the Holy Spirit because they are/were/will be utterly trustworthy. So He had a place of entrusting Himself.

But where does that leave believers? Particularly burned believers who are jaded, tired, and weary of ministry and difficult relationships?

I know the right answer is to fully trust Christ and be cautious with issues of the heart, yet still be willing to be vulnerable as Christ leads. But part of me wants to pull the blanket of protection around myself, as if it were the only thing between me and the coldness of night.

Part of me wants to hide a bit. But somehow that seems lonely.

How about you? How do you deal with this paradox of trust? Do you trust others? Completely? What happens when trust is violated? Is there such a thing as a trustworthy person? Are you trustworthy? And how does God figure into the equation?

I look forward to your feedback.

What do you do after you’ve been hurt? Check out Mary’s book, The Wall Around Your Heart and wrestle with this question.