Illuminated: Hebrews 1-2Sample

For he who sanctifies and those who are sanctified all have one source. That is why he is not ashamed to call them brothers, - Hebrews 2:11

Greek Word Focus

ἑνὸς πάντες/henos pantes: are one, unified as a whole

Why It Matters

One of the side-effects of only celebrating the birth of Jesus in December is that it feels like focusing on the manger any other time of year feels “out of place.” Hymns, scriptures, and theology connected to Christmas tend to be overlooked every other time of year, even though their truths are just as important. One of those beautiful truths is the impact of Jesus being born in a manger. Jesus chose to enter our world in the most accessible way possible, becoming like us in His form as well as His status. What an incredible picture of the king leaving His Heavenly throne to become our brother! 

Hebrews tells us that Jesus (He who sanctifies) and those who are sanctified all henos pantes or have the same source. Another rendering could be “are all of one stock.” Jesus became like us in our humanity to sanctify us, and by that sanctification, we can become one with Him! One of the points that the writer of Hebrews is bringing to the surface is that Jesus had to henos pantes with humanity to sanctify us. To become the perfect sacrifice for sin, he would have to both be subjected to the temptations of sin without sinning and have the ability to become a sacrifice through death. His decision meant more than just enduring discomfort; it meant experiencing the ultimate pain so that we could be reconciled to God and unified in him! Partnering with Jesus on His mission is now simply another way we can follow his lead with the life he has sanctified for us.

Application

How will I partner with Jesus missionally?