Like His Brothers, For His Brothers

“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… Since 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, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery. For surely… he helps the offspring of Abraham. 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. Because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.” Hebrews 2:10,14-18

In order for Jesus to supernaturally accomplish what He did for man, He had to put on natural flesh, and be made our perfect ransom through suffering. The Founder of our salvation is also its Finisher. Our heavenly Father became our earthly brother so He could do for us what we couldn’t do ourselves, and we are most blessed because of His gift. (Hebrews 12:2)

Because of Jesus, we are saved. Because of Jesus, we can suffer knowing it will be redeemed. Because of Jesus, we are freed from slavery to fear. Because of Jesus, we have hope in facing death. Because of Jesus, we are helped in temptation. Because of Jesus, we look forward with confidence to a day of eternal joy.

“He will swallow up on this mountain
    the covering that is cast over all peoples,
    the veil that is spread over all nations.
He will swallow up death forever;
and the Lord God will wipe away tears from all faces,
    and the reproach of his people he will take away from all the earth,
    for the Lord has spoken.
It will be said on that day,
    ‘Behold, this is our God; we have waited for him, that he might save us.
    This is the Lord; we have waited for him;
    let us be glad and rejoice in his salvation.’” Isaiah 25:7-9

It is vital to our faith that we retain a high view of God, and a grasp of the condescension He made on our behalf. Because He is God, He could, knowing no sin, become an unblemished sacrifice for sin, accomplishing perfect justice and atonement and so impart the finished work to us. The One who holds all wealth became poor, the One who reigns in highest heaven stooped to humble Himself on a cross- all for love, all for our eternal benefit. (2 Corinthians 5:21; 8:9; Philippians 2:5-8)

In response and gratitude, how can we can become like our brothers in order to reflect Christ for our brothers, and bring many to glory? What privileges or conveniences are we willing to forego, what rights lay down, in order to illumine the gospel for those who do not grasp its worth or meaning? Where would we serve, whom would we go out of our way to love, to further God’s kingdom work in our neighborhood, community, workplace? (1 Corinthians 9:19-23)

“Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,
All who live in love are Thine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.” ~Henry Van Dyke (1907)

Lord, create in me Your passion, willingness, and humility to lay down my life for the sake of my brothers. (John 15:13)