Like His Brothers

“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. For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, saying,

“’I will tell of your name to my brothers;
    in the midst of the congregation I will sing your praise…’

“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, and deliver all those who through fear of death were subject to lifelong slavery… 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. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.

“Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to him who appointed him.” Hebrews 2:10-12,14-15,17-3:2a

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” Philippians 2:5-8

Jesus Son of God, by mysterious, supernatural design, appointment, and submission, put on flesh to become Jesus Son of Man. In every way He was like us here on earth, born of woman, raised in a family, given to work and hunger and loves and weariness. Yet, He was without sin. The perfect propitiation, complete ransom, exquisite example, flawless High Priest, righteous friend of sinners. In adopting us He made us His brothers, imperfect siblings washed clean and accepted. (Hebrews 4:15)

Do I feel alone, disconnected? Jesus was a man of sorrows, betrayed by friends. Am I struggling with lack of purpose and satisfaction? When Jesus gnawed with hunger, He found contentment doing His Father’s will. Do I need a confidante and counselor? Jesus is the perfect both! (Psalm 22:1-2,6-8,14-18,22,24; Isaiah 9:6; 53:3-7; Matthew 4:1-4; John 4:34; 14:16-17; 15:15)

How can I be more like Him, this benevolent Brother of mine? What temptations nip and scratch until I’ve relented? What caprice pushes me to spend what I don’t have? What resentment boils to overflow so I spew thoughtless anger, words or violence I cannot retract? What changes will I ask the Spirit to make to display our divine brotherhood?

“Always giving and forgiving,
Ever blessing, ever blest,
Well-spring of the joy of living,
Ocean-depth of happy rest!
Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,
All who live in love art Thine;
Teach us how to love each other,
Lift us to the joy divine.” ~Henry Van Dyke (1907)

Lord Jesus, may I daily imitate Your grace, practice Your wisdom and love, and honor Your name.