Why Did There Have to be a Cross? Because Jesus is Your Brother

Scripture: Hebrews 2:11

For both He who sanctifies and those who are sanctified are all from one Father; for which reason He is not ashamed to call them brethren,

Insights: Today’s verse gives us one of the greatest reason for why there had to be a cross.  Read some of John Calvin’s words as pertaining to verse eleven, “And this great an honour conferred on us is amplified by this circumstance—Christ does not speak here as a mortal man while in the form of a servant, but when elevated after the resurrection into immortal glory.  Hence this title is the same, as though he had raised us into heaven with himself.  And let us remember, whenever we hear that we are called brethren by Christ, that he has clothed us, so to speak, with this honour, that together with this fraternal name we may lay hold on eternal life and every celestial blessing.”  Do Calvin’s words help you understand this verse?  I hope so.  Here is what is being communicated.  When we receive eternal life in Jesus, He begins the process of sanctification.  Sanctification is nothing more that Jesus purging our lives of our old sin nature.  Because we are in this relationship and are born again, Jesus is proud to call us brothers and sisters.  Because we bear that fraternal or family name, we are able to lay hold of every celestial blessing from above.  In other words, because we are redeemed because of the work of Calvary we have peace, joy, hope, courage and so on and so forth.  We are able to claim the promise that we are never alone no matter what obstacles and challenges we face.  Jesus is always with us.  We are promised a way of escape from every temptation that might fall on us.  Whatever promises the Bible tells us we have as a result of being a part of God’s family we get to claim because of being in Jesus.  Now does that mean life is a bed of roses for us as Christ-followers?  The answer is a resounding NO.  Paul tells us we will be persecuted for being in Jesus.  Jesus tells us we are blessed when we are persecuted for His name sake.  James tells us to consider it all joy when we face trials. Thank the Lord, however, that we get all of Jesus with us in these times.  So, the third reason there had to be a cross was because Jesus is your brother if you are born again.

Questions:

1. Have you been born again and become a brother or sister to Jesus Christ?
2. Are you experiencing the celestial blessings of being united with Christ Jesus?

Prayer: Lord Jesus, work in my heart so that I don’t take for granted the relationship I have with You.  Let not one day go by where I do not think of Your amazing love for me.  I am so grateful You are my brother.   Amen.