“God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation. So now Jesus and the ones he makes holy have the same Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters. For he said to God, “I will proclaim your name to my brothers and sisters. I will praise you among your assembled people.” He also said, “I will put my trust in him,” that is, “I and the children God has given me.” Because God’s children are human beings—made of flesh and blood—the Son also became flesh and blood. For only as a human being could he die, and only by dying could he break the power of the devil, who had the power of death. Only in this way could he set free all who have lived their lives as slaves to the fear of dying. We also know that the Son did not come to help angels; he came to help the descendants of Abraham. Therefore, it was necessary for him to be made in every respect like us, his brothers and sisters, so that he could be our merciful and faithful High Priest before God. Then he could offer a sacrifice that would take away the sins of the people. Since he himself has gone through suffering and testing, he is able to help us when we are being tested.”
Hebrews 2:10-18 NLT
Jesus, being above the angels in nature, comes to us, who are below the angels in nature, with a plan. This plan was to elevate our status to being in meaningful relationship with him. He did not simply wish for us to be with him, but rather for us to share with him in his riches and glory. The author of Hebrews notes two familial terms. The first is that of brother and the second is that of child. In this way, their is the idea of mutuality. God was not interested in mere connection. He wished to have relationship. Likewise, he wishes for us to want this relationship. Many Christian’s wish God to be a less than relational God. They wish to share in his glory and blessings without seeking to be of his kin. If we are to take seriously the intent of Jesus and his sacrifice, we must also take seriously our responsibility to strive for a familial relationship with him. In this relationship, we are his children in a new kind of nature. But we are also his brothers, having the same responsibility to follow the Father’s will in reaping the Father’s blessings.
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