This line from Hebrews 2 makes me to marvel at the love of Jesus. Speaking of His incarnation and His willingness to be made perfect through suffering in order to bring many sons to glory, we’re told that what this shows us about Jesus is this.
“He is not ashamed to call them brothers (Hebrews 2:11).”
We’ve seen many beautiful examples of this throughout the Gospel of Luke (calling tax-collectors to become disciples, healing lepers with a physical touch, commending the woman who bathed his feet with her tears), but this Sunday we will see a particularly poignant example as the fear of man leads Peter to deny his Lord three times.
We already know this wasn’t a surprise to Jesus and shouldn’t have been to Peter either. Earlier that evening Jesus had predicted that, despite Peter’s proud and bold assertion that he was ready to go with his Lord “both to prison and to death,” he would in fact shrink back, ashamed to call Jesus his Lord.
But even in his lowest moment, as the rooster crowed and he was cut to the heart over his shameful disavowal of His Lord, Jesus turned and looked at him. I don’t imagine it was with a look of scorn, but of compassion. Remember how Jesus had prayed for him?
“I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.” (Luke 22:32)
These words of Jesus, spoken before Peter’s shameful deeds had even taken place, encouraged him that there would be future grace and restoration and even fruitful ministry! Even in this moment, Jesus was not ashamed to call Peter brother. And the same is true for us in our lowest and most shameful moments.
Wonderful the matchless grace of Jesus,
Deeper than the mighty rolling sea,
Higher than the mountain, sparkling like a fountain,
All sufficient grace for even me;
Broader than the scope of my transgressions,
Greater far than all my sin and shame.
O magnify the precious name of Jesus,
Praise his name!
This Sunday Randy Gruendyke will be preaching Luke 22:54-62 and Kenny Clark will be leading our sung worship. Would you set aside some time before Sunday to read this text and pray for each as they prepare? And plan to join us again in the evening at 6pm for a baptism service and family time.
See you Sunday, Grace. Come hungry!
SONG OF THE WEEK
Jesus Does by We the Kingdom (Live at the Ryman)
Who understands the heart of the sinner?
Showers His grace over all our mistakes?
Washes us clean with His blood?
Jesus does
Who sings the song of sweet forgiveness?
Who stole the keys to hell and the grave?
Who has the power to save?
Jesus does