July 31, 2022

Jesus is not ashamed to call us brothers and sisters

Preacher:
Passage: Hebrews 2:5-18
Service Type:

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