Hebrews 2:11 - Printer Friendly

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

NIV: Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.

NASB: For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for this reason He is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters,

CSB: For the one who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one Father. That is why Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters,

NLT: 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.

KJV: For both he that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of one: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren,

NKJV: For both He who sanctifies and those who are being sanctified are all of one, for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,

In this passage, the writer of Hebrews is explaining how Jesus' life as a man makes Him a perfect leader and a perfect sacrifice. The prior verse used the Greek term archēgon, meaning "founder, pioneer, or captain," in reference to Jesus and our salvation. This was one of four uses of this term in the New Testament, all of which are in reference to Jesus, and all of which are directed at people of Israel.

The New Testament often refers to salvation as something which brings us into the family of God (John 1:12–13; Romans 8:16–17; 1 John 3:1). This passage in Hebrews points out that humanity is not something God despises or is ashamed of. Psalm 8, quoted in Hebrews 2:6–8, noted that God gave man glory and power beyond that of angels. Here, the fact that Jesus became a man allows Him to call those He has saved "brothers" (Matthew 25:40). This, again, flows from the idea of Christ being the leader, or example, or captain, of our salvation, as in verse 10.

Hebrews 2:5–18 explains why the Messiah, Jesus Christ, came in the form of a man, rather than being an angel. In order to serve as a true example, He had to experience our human suffering and temptation. By doing so, Jesus was able to become the ''Captain,'' or the ''Founder,'' of our salvation. His resurrection breaks the slavery we experience over our fear of death. By using more quotations from the Old Testament, the writer of Hebrews shows that this is exactly what God planned for all along.

Chapter 2 begins with a strong warning about the dangers of apostasy. Chapter 1 opened by explaining that Jesus Christ is the message of God. This chapter points out that those who have faith in Christ, but drift from that truth, will face dire consequences. The rest of the passage continues a series of proofs begun in Chapter 1. These are quotes from the Old Testament, used to prove that the Messiah is not an angel, but is superior to any created being. He is, in fact, identical to God. And yet, He became fully human in order to serve as our perfect high priest.

The first two chapters of Hebrews are meant to prove that Jesus Christ is superior to angels. Rather than seeing Jesus as a created being, or some form of exalted angel, He should be viewed as what He is: identical with God. These two chapters use extensive Old Testament quotes to prove this point. The first few verses of chapter 2 feature the first of several warnings within the book about the dangers of apostasy. Later chapters will demonstrate that Christ is also superior to other prophets, spiritual leaders, and priests.

The book of Hebrews is meant to challenge, encourage, and empower Christian believers. According to this letter, Jesus Christ is superior to all other prophets and all other claims to truth. Since God has given us Christ, we ought to listen to what He says and not move backwards. The consequences of ignoring God are dire. Hebrews is important for drawing on many portions of the Old Testament in making a case that Christ is the ultimate and perfect expression of God's plan for mankind. This book presents some tough ideas about the Christian faith, a fact the author makes specific note of.

Accessed 5/18/2024 11:33:49 PM