Read Hebrews 2:5-18; 13:11-16

Family members have profound power both to shame and to honor each other. Children make their parents feel embarrassed or proud, depending on how they choose to act. Older siblings often either defend or oppress their younger ones; little siblings usually either idolize or annoy their older brothers and sisters.

Hebrews gives us a breathtaking glimpse into the dynamics of the relationship between God the Father and God the Son (see Hebrews 1–2). The Father allowed His Son to be made “lower than the angels” and to suffer death (2:9–10). As the perfect Son, Jesus willingly subjected Himself to His Father’s discipline.

Jesus’ submission brought glory to the Father. And the Father’s carefully laid plans for the Son’s humiliation culminated in Jesus’ restoration to His glory.

But the divine circle of mutually honoring relationships doesn’t end there. God reaches out to draw us into His family too. Jesus lowered Himself to struggle and suffer like us so that He could raise us up to share the Father’s love the way He does. Like a good older brother, he proudly identifies with us, coaches us along the way, and intercedes to the Father on our behalf (2:11).

Jesus invites us to join Him in drawing others into His family. When we share in His suffering and humiliation, we can offer a sacrifice of praise because we will also share in His rewards (see Rom. 8:17). Jesus calls us to be consecrated priests like Himself, those who willingly leave their comfortable, safe places in order to go out among the “unclean” (13:12–13). When we have the privilege of bearing disgrace for Jesus’ sake (see Acts 5:41), as members of His spiritual family, we also share in the honor of bringing glory to God.

APPLY THE WORD

Have you experienced shame? God can transform your past and the shame offered by this world into His glory. When we join His family, our willingness to bear shame for His name’s sake becomes part of our glory. If you are taunted or rejected for the sake of Jesus, offer Him a sacrifice of praise and thanks for allowing you to serve Him.

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