Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters
Introduction
Ten words to remember:
“Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters” (Heb 2:11)
Context
God is bring many children to glory (v10)
Through the suffering Son of God
The author of Hebrews quotes from Psalm 22
The Son is led through suffering to deliverance and victory
This victory is declared
Why is this surprising news?
Two reasons why Jesus might be ashamed to be associated with people like us
We are weak and limited – He is majestic and glorious (Heb 1:1-3)
First example of two football teams
We are weak, frail and limited compared to Jesus – yet He is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters
He understands our weakness and frailty
He became flesh and blood (v14) yet He knew human trials and suffering (v17)
Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters
Sometimes it is difficult to understand what things are happening to us
Psalm 22 – a Psalm of lament
Jesus knew these Psalms
Think of Jesus’ words in the Garden of Gethsemane – “My soul is very sorrowful, even unto death” / “Remove this cup from Me, but not what I will, but what you will”
Such sorrow that He sweat drops of blood
He is know in heaven, ready to help us
Jesus is able to help those who are being tempted (v18)
We sin – He is sinless
“He is exalted above the heavens”
Second example of two football teams
Our lives are tainted by sin
We continue in sin
Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters
Our sin makes us feel ashamed
Past sin
Sin is shameful – but we do not be haunted by this shame as Jesus died to take away our shame and sin
Propitiation (v17) – explained
Jesus sees our sin nailed to the cross and dealt with
Jesus speaking to the women at the tomb about the disciples who abandoned Him – “go and tell My brothers”
Present/ongoing sin
We feel this sense of shame
Jesus died for these sins too
Jesus’ response as our High Priest – grace, mercy and help, not condemnation
Heb 4:14-16
We are to come near in confidence, find mercy, grace and help
Closing Remarks
Jesus speaks of a singular shameful sin
Not talking about times when we are quiet or not bold
Jesus is talking about those who persist in rejecting Him
If we reject Jesus, He will reject us
He will not welcome us, He will not call us brothers and sisters
If we reject Jesus, He will be ashamed of us
If you haven’t yet come to Jesus:
Good news – Jesus is ready to welcome you into His family
To walk through life as your heavenly brother
To have His name associated with you forever
Come to Jesus, confess your sin, trust and believe in Him, ask for newness of life
You will then be welcomed into glory
Be encouraged in these words: “Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters”
Personal example/experience
A very encouraging verse
Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters