On Encountering Inaccessibility

Read: John 1:1-13

And she brought forth her firstborn Son, and wrapped Him in swaddling cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn. (Luke 2:7, NKJV)

Most people with disabilities will, at some point in their lives, encounter barriers which prevent them from getting into certain places or taking part in certain events. These barriers can be physical; for example, the lack of ramps or elevators make it impossible for people in wheelchairs to get into a building. These barriers can also be attitudinal; for example, people may be very reluctant to strike up a conversation with someone who has a speech impairment or developmental disabilities because they are afraid that they may not be able to understand that person or make themselves understood by that other person. But whether inaccessibility is the result of physical or attitudinal barriers, it often leaves the person to whom access is denied feeling rejected and isolated. Consequently, it is common for someone with disabilities who finds themself excluded because of physical or attitudinal barriers to respond by withdrawing entirely from the place or situation in which they encountered inaccessibility.

The Bible tells us that when Jesus, the Son of God, came to earth as a helpless newborn baby, He, too, encountered inaccessibility–both physical and attitudinal. There was no physical room accessible to Mary and Joseph, so Jesus had to be born in a stable and cradled in a manger. Much more significant, and much sadder, though, were the attitudinal barriers that Jesus would encounter during his life on earth. John 1:11 tells us that, “He came to that which was his own, but his own did not receive him.” And yet, incredibly, Jesus did not respond to this inaccessibility and rejection by withdrawing from the human race that was rejecting him. Rather, as John goes on to tell us, “Yet to all who did receive him, to those who believed in his name, he gave the right to become children of God” (John 1:12). 

Gracious Lord Jesus, Thank you so much for not letting either the physical barriers or the attitudinal barriers that you would encounter on earth deter you from coming to earth as a helpless baby to become our savior. Grant us courage and wisdom, so that when we are likewise facing physical and attitudinal barriers, we would not respond by becoming bitter and withdrawing into ourselves. But rather, show us ways to continue to seek to redeem those situations by continuing to look for those small inroads by which we can connect with people. We ask this in Jesus’ name. Amen.