The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood.

John 1:14 (MSG)

The atmosphere is electric! The crowd, giddy with anticipation, suddenly erupts in cheers and applause, then quiets to hear the opening song. It’s one of the most sought-after concerts of the year, featuring a musical artist of enormous popularity. Thousands of fans sway to the music and sing along. The evening is beautiful, and many nice memories are made.

There is a phenomenon among fans of musicians, actors, athletes, and other celebrities that continually amazes me. These loyal fans are convinced they know the personality they admire. They read everything they can possibly find about them, and social media is full of stories, good and bad, about each one. Because their minds are filled with words and images about their favorites, they begin to see them as friends—and a one-sided relationship begins to form. But the reality is that celebrities are just people, like you and me. And while they enjoy the glamour and attention, the only thing they really share with us is the opportunity to witness their gifts and talents from a distance. They are not available to share our personal joys and sorrows—they are living their own lives, far removed from ours.

On the other hand:

Jesus was radically available to everyone. Bob Goff, Catching Whimsy

How is one radically available? Well, just take a closer look at Jesus’ life. He could have turned away from the woman at the well because of her reputation or even just because she was a woman. But he didn’t! He could have chosen to rest instead of healing the sicknesses brought before him by the crowds. But he didn’t! He could have given up on Peter after all his misdeeds. But he didn’t! He didn’t have to feed the multitude that came to hear him teach. But he did! He didn’t have to come when his friends sent word that their brother was dying. But he did! He didn’t have to turn and call out to the woman who touched the hem of his robe. But he did! He didn’t even have to respond to the request of the thief on the cross beside him. But he did! Wherever he was, Jesus always made himself part of the “neighborhood,” reaching out to those who needed him.

I think you’re likely getting the picture. Being radically available means being the kind of person to whom others are drawn. I’m not talking about the celebs in our lives, though I certainly do enjoy music and entertainment as well as the next person. In this instance, I mean being a person who smiles and shares a moment with someone who looks lonely. Or welcomes a knock on the door at mealtime—maybe even adding a plate to the table when not sure whether or not there’s enough to go around. Hungry people are sometimes in search of a different kind of food, one that involves our time and attention. It may mean sacrificing something we wanted to do for something that needs doing.

I know there are many times when I’m not even remotely available, much less radically so. I need to change that perception of myself and begin to think more like Jesus. I’d like to feel that our neighborhood (literally and figuratively) is filled with Jesus’ goodness (and radical availability) partly because I live here.

We all live off his generous abundance, gift after gift after gift. We got the basics from Moses, and then this exuberant giving and receiving, this endless knowing and understanding—all this came through Jesus, the Messiah. John 1:16-17 (MSG)

I’ve had some favorite performers over the years, been to a few amazing concerts, and gotten caught up in the excitement of it all. I’ve enjoyed first-run blockbuster movies featuring excellent actors and cheered loudly for a few athletes who’ve caught my attention, even aligned myself with some seemingly well-meaning politicians. But they are typically here today and gone tomorrow. Jesus, however, has always been radically available, always been a part of my “neighborhood.” He is my one true bright and shining star. He’ll always be right here for me—and for you.