“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, saying: ‘I will declare Your name to My brethren; in the midst of the assembly, I will sing praise to You.’ And again: ‘I will put My trust in Him.’ And again: ‘Here am I and the children whom God has given Me.’ (Hebrews 2:11-13).
Proof texting (i.e., quoting God’s word to prove a point) is a recurrent practice of inspired New Testament writers. The book of Hebrews is saturated with Old Testament book, chapter, and verse quotations and allusions. In chapter one alone (vv. 5-13), there are seven citations of Scripture.
In Hebrews 2:12-13 there are three. Each line of these quotations provides a potent reason for Jesus’ incarnation and demonstrates why He is unashamed in calling those who are being sanctified His brethren.
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His incarnation showed God to humanity (Psalm 22:22). He declared the name and nature of God. He exegeted the Father (John 1:18). His demonstration was so exact and complete that Jesus told Philip at the close of His ministry, “He who has seen Me has seen the Father” (John 14:9).
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His incarnation and example declared God’s praiseworthiness (Psalm 22:22). Assembling weekly to worship and praise God was a lifelong custom Jesus had (Luke 4:16). He praised God for His wisdom in making spiritual truth so simple that even the very young could comprehend it (Matthew 11:26). Every moment of His life was lived to the glory of God. What a testament to God’s praiseworthiness!
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His incarnation provided humanity with the perfect pattern for life (2 Samuel 22:3). Living by faith in God is the only right way to live this life. Therefore, “What did Jesus do?” is a valid question in knowing how to live by faith. Jesus left us an example to follow (1 Peter 2:21).
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His incarnation enabled lost sinners to become beloved children of God (Isaiah 8:17). When we were without strength and enemies of God, Christ died for us so that we could be justified by His blood, saved from God’s wrath, and reconciled to God (Romans 5:6-10). From dead to alive (Ephesians 2:1-6). From sinners to saints. From enemies to heirs. As many as receive Him, He gives the right to become children of God (John 1:12).
What wondrous blessing were bestowed upon humanity through Immanuel!
