We belong to the same family lines as the rest of our people. Our children are as good as theirs. But we’ve had to sell them off as slaves. Some of our daughters have already been made slaves. But we can’t do anything about it. That’s because our fields and vineyards now belong to others.”
And Jesus, who makes people holy, and the people he makes holy belong to the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them his brothers and sisters.He says,“ I will announce your name to my brothers and sisters. I will sing your praises among those who worship you.”( Psalm 22:22)Again he says,“ I will put my trust in him.”( Isaiah 8:17) And again he says,“ Here I am. Here are the children God has given me.”( Isaiah 8:18)
But then the chosen time came. God sent his Son. A woman gave birth to him. He was born under the authority of the law.He came to set free those who were under the authority of the law. He wanted us to be adopted as children with all the rights children have.
“‘ Suppose one of your own people becomes poor. And suppose they have to sell some of their land. Then their nearest relative must come and buy back what they have sold.
“‘ Suppose any of your own people become poor. And suppose they can’t take care of themselves. Then help them just as you would help an outsider or a stranger. In that way, the poor can continue to live among you.
I said,“ Our Jewish brothers and sisters were sold to other nations. We’ve done everything we could to buy them back and bring them home. But look at what you are doing! You are actually selling your own people! Now we’ll have to buy them back too!” The people kept quiet. They couldn’t think of anything to say.
