In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. - Hebrews 1:1-4
It is not to angels that he has subjected the world to come, about which we are speaking. But there is a place where someone has testified: “What is mankind that you are mindful of them, a son of man that you care for him? You made them a little lower than the angels; you crowned them with glory and honor and put everything under their feet.”
In putting everything under them, God left nothing that is not subject to them. Yet at present we do not see everything subject to them. But we do see Jesus, who was made lower than the angels for a little while, now crowned with glory and honor because he suffered death, so that by the grace of God he might taste death for everyone.
In bringing many sons and daughters to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the pioneer of their salvation perfect through what he suffered. 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. He says, “I will declare your name to my brothers and sisters; in the assembly I will sing your praises.” - Hebrews 2:5-12
"So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters." It seems like an extraordinary statement. Jesus, who is "crowned with glory and honor" is "of the same family" as we are. Seems like a bit of a come down. He is God. He has done all this marvelous stuff like miracles and coming back from the dead. Then there is us. As much as I like a number of the humans around me and love some of them, I don't normally think of Jesus with the term 'family'. I certainly don't perceive him with the emotional warmth that comes with this term, partly because of the perceived distance in our relations but also because I have a sense that says, 'I'm not at the same level as him.' I am me. Just Tim. With limitations and sins. Why would Jesus decide that I am a good fit to call me 'brother'?
It reminds me a bit of Pride and Prejudice, when Mr Darcy must wrestle with the fact that he would be associated with a family such as the Bennetts. Their very name would bring questions about whether Mr. Darcy was the class of person he claimed to be. Likewise, by being associated with me, Jesus puts his name at risk. My background would bring questions about whether Jesus was the class of savior that he claimed to be. Why would he do that? Probably for the same reason that Mr. Darcy cast his doubts aside and assumed the task of helping Wickham and Liza Bennet and being around the utterly foolish Mrs. Bennett. Love--a sort of love that gives even at the sacrifice of reputation. Jesus has done some much for me, not just so he could tolerate my presence, but somehow so he could call me 'brother'.
It is an extension of what he always did . As it says, 'For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.' (Hebrews 12:2) He didn't just love us. For him it was a joy. Whatever the shame, it is nothing compared to his love for me. I'll take it.
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