Journey Through The Bible
      Old Testament Reading: 1 Kings 7-9
     New Testament Reading: Hebrews 2

Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters. He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.” (Hebrews 2: 11-12).

You’ve heard Jesus described as King, Savior, and Lord, but Brother? This is Biblical language. On one occasion, Jesus was speaking to his followers when his family tried to get his attention. His mother and brothers stood outside and sent word that they wanted to speak to him. Jesus took advantage of the moment to make a tender gesture and statement. Stretching out his hand toward his disciples, he said, “Here are my mother and my brothers! For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother.” (Mt 12:49–50).

Had you and I been present that day, we would have looked at the “family” of Jesus and seen little to impress us. None of his followers were of noble birth. Peter was conceited and arrogant. John and James had their temper. Matthew had his checkered past and colorful friends. Like Jacob’s sons in the Egyptian court, they seemed outclassed and out of place. Yet Jesus was not embarrassed to call them his family. He laid claim to them in public and He lays claim to us today. Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters (v11).

Jesus redefined his family to include all who will come near him by faith. To emphasize his point, the writer of Hebrews quotes Psalm 22:22. He says, “I will declare Your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing Your praises.” (v12).

When a human being is born into the family of God, through faith in the death and resurrection of Jesus, God becomes our Father (Rom. 8:15; Gal. 4:4–6). God is also the Father of the Lord Jesus Christ, and we share in that relationship as adopted children. Jesus, our brother, purchased with His blood the right for us to call His Father our Father. He is not ashamed to call us brothers because His righteousness is credited to us, making us blameless as He is blameless (2 Cor 5:21).

The writer of Hebrews goes on to say, Therefore, he had to be like his brothers and sisters in every way, so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in matters pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. For since he himself has suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted (v17-18). We are Jesus’ brothers and sisters, and he understands what it’s like to struggle, suffer, and be tempted. Jesus is also our high priest and He goes before the Father on our behalf and can help us when we are tested. He does so because we are Family!