“For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren” (Hebrews 2:11).

The book of Hebrews tells us that Jesus sanctifieth us by His blood (Heb. 10:10; 13:12).  We are also sanctified by the Truth of the word (John 17:17) and the washing of water (Eph. 5:26).  However, the context of Hebrews speaks of sanctification through the blood of Christ.

The text says both the sanctifier and the sanctified are of one.  Perhaps this means of one nature (Heb. 2:11 cf. v. 14, 17).   Others think the reference is to being of one heavenly Father.  However, the context seems to favor the former.

Jesus lived among men, as a man.  He worshipped God with them (Heb. 2:12).  He exercised faith in the midst of trials (Heb. 2:13a), just as men on earth should do (Heb. 11:6).  He even carried on miraculous work with some of these He lived among (Heb. 2:13b, cf. Isaiah 8:18).  Thus, “he is not ashamed to call them brethren” (Heb. 2:11).

“But now they desire a better country, that is, an heavenly: wherefore God is not ashamed to be called their God…” (Heb. 11:16).

Abraham and Sarah could have sought to return to the land that they had left (Heb. 11:15).  However, turning back was not  a part of their vocabulary, though things weren’t always easy.

They considered themselves “strangers and pilgrims on earth” (Heb. 11:13).  They were looking beyond.  They “desired a better country, that is an heavenly” (Heb. 11:16 cf. 11:10; cf. 13:14).  Therefore, “God is not ashamed to be called their God (Heb. 11:16).

The Tie

Jesus came to this earth and lived among us.  Therefore, He is not ashamed to be called our brother.

Those who seek to dwell with Him on high, those that seek Him by faith, putting heavenly things above earthly (see Col. 3:2) – God is not ashamed to be called their God.

Let us live so that He is not ashamed to be called our God!