July 21, 2014
HE IS NOT ASHAMED TO LET US IN HIS HOUSE!!!
Hebrews 2:10–18
Nick Morrow
Central Truth
No matter what we have done or what our sinful patterns are, He is not ashamed of us. We are in His family!
Key Verse | Hebrews 2:11
For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers. (Hebrews 2:11)
Hebrews 2:10–18
10 For it was fitting that he, for whom and by whom all things exist, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. 11 For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. 1 2:11 Greek all are of one That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, 2 2:11 Or brothers and sisters. In New Testament usage, depending on the context, the plural Greek word adelphoi (translated brothers) may refer either to brothers or to brothers and sisters; also verse 12 12 saying,
“I will tell of your name to my brothers;
in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise.”
13 And again,
“I will put my trust in him.”
And again,
“Behold, I and the children God has given me.”
14 Since therefore the children share in flesh and blood, he himself likewise partook of the same things, that through death he might destroy the one who has the power of death, that is, the devil, 15 and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. 16 For surely it is not angels that he helps, but he helps the offspring of Abraham. 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. 18 For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.
Dive Deeper | Hebrews 2:10–18
I have read this over and over trying to find something spiritual or smart to say, but I keep coming back to the fact that He calls us His brothers and sisters. I know I certainly don't deserve to be in His family and that, at most, I should be looked at as the bad seed or the black sheep for some of the decisions I made in my high school and college days in particular. I am blessed not to have an alcohol addiction or a criminal record despite how ornery I was then, because I did everything I could to accomplish both.
The amazing part is that Christ wants all of us and isn't ashamed to bring us to the Father. The message of this verse is one that we Christians should make sure to emphasize to our brothers and sisters who don't know Him or have just met Him, especially those who think that they don't deserve His love and forgiveness. I have friends who have been told that they are not good enough to be Christians or that they have to be perfect to know God. I do my best to tell them that I was right there with them in the same sin patterns for 30 years of my almost 40 years of life. When I reached out to God and began to ask Him to help me focus on living a Christlike life, He came into my life like a flood.
I connected with a church group and was truly amazed at how peaceful it was to just sit in a room of believers, even if they weren't talking to me. Then, as I got to know them, I realized that a lot of them had traveled tougher roads than I had and were ALL changed by Christ. This is an amazing thing that MUST make it to the ears of nonbelievers or under-churched believers. HE LOVES YOU, AND YOU CAN'T MESS UP TOO MUCH FOR HIM TO LOVE YOU!!!!
Discussion Questions
1. Do you know anyone who thinks you have to be perfect to be a Christian?
2. How do you show them that neither you nor God is ashamed of them?