“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…” (Hebrews 2:11).
One of the earliest heresies in church history arose over the deity and humanity of Jesus. Because of the influence of human philosophy which declared matter to be evil, several false doctrines became prominent in the second century. These included: 1) The man Jesus of Nazareth became the Son of God at His baptism. 2) Jesus the Son of God was not really human, He just appeared to be; therefore, His “humanity” was only a divinely orchestrated mirage. and 3) The Son of God did not die at Calvary; the Holy Spirit left Him sometime before He suffered and died.
When Immanuel—“God with us”—was born into history, He identified with humanity in every way but one (i.e., He never sinned). His humanity was real. It was so real, in fact, His claim to be the Messiah offended the people of Nazareth. Jesus was so ordinary and common place among humans, the Nazarenes could not see His deity for His humanity (Mark 6:2-3).
Leaving equality with God and making Himself of no reputation, then taking the form of a bond servant and coming in the likeness of men, so that He could humble Himself to the point of death, even the death of the cross (Philippians 2:5-8) is the greatest act of self-denial ever.
Was Jesus bitter about the loss He personally suffered and the price He had to pay to bring many sons of God to glory?
Clearly not: “He is not ashamed to call them brethren.”
