After the adoption
From the moment we believe in Jesus as our Savior, we are part of a new family. We are legally adopted as God’s children. An adoption doesn’t cost the child anything…but it always comes with a price for the parent who adopts the child. The price God the Father paid was the suffering and death of God the Son.
Hebrews 2:14-18
Now since [we] children have flesh and blood in common, He also shared in the these, so that through His death He might destroy the one holding the power of death – that is, the Devil – and free those who were held in slavery all their lives by the fear of death…
Therefore He had to be like His brothers in every way, so that He could become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tested and has suffered, He is able to help those who are tested.
Ever notice how the younger children in the family always seem to pick up traits and actions of their older sibling? It’s because they have someone on their level to observe and imitate. It is the same for us. Looking to Jesus for an example…and not observing from a distance, but rather just like it happens with siblings.
But, there is more to being “in the family” than just getting in…
Hebrews 3:1-3
Therefore, holy brothers and companions in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession; He was faithful to the One who appointed Him…[therefore] Jesus is considered worthy of more glory…
The author is clearly speaking to those already in the family – and is telling us that we have a heavenly calling! We have the opportunity, right now, to become more than siblings to Jesus…we can also be His companions.
The Greek word for companions is metochos. A metochos [plural, metochoi] was a partner, associate, or sharer in some venture. A king would surround himself with trusted friends and advisors – his Metochoi. Think of King David’s mighty men or those who were known as a “friend of Caesar”. These were part of the king’s inner circle, based upon trust and shared experiences. Not only did the Metochoi have special access to the king, but they were entrusted with important tasks and responsibilities. Many people can live happily under a good king, but not everyone is part of the Metochoi.
We see the same situation in our own society. Those who faithfully work hard for a presidential nominee are the most likely candidates for important cabinet positions. We wouldn’t expect someone who has done nothing more than cast their vote to be appointed to a top position. They did not toil with the nominee on the campaign trail, and they are not known well enough to be trusted with such an important responsibility.
Jesus was clear that Christians who do “the will of My Father in heaven” (Matthew 12:50) were the ones closest to Him. He even told His disciples, “You are My friends if you do what I command you.” (John 15:14). The Metochoi of King Jesus, then, will be those friends, partners, and companions who have endured the trials of life faithfully to the end – just like He did with His mission from God the Father.
While we might feel uncomfortable with the metochoi concept in relation to Jesus, or we feel unsure how to become part of Christ’s Metochoi…don’t worry, the author of Hebrews will expand upon this concept for us. However, he gives the first step in 3:1 – we need to keep our attention focused, considering Jesus and who He is.
Keep Pressing,
Ken