October 2025

Not Ashamed

B. Keith Chapman, President & CEO

Hebrews 2:11 (NIV) “Both the one who makes people holy and those who are made holy are of the same family. So Jesus is not ashamed to call them brothers and sisters.”

Shame is a powerful emotion. It tells us we’re not enough, that our failures define us, and that if people really knew us, they would reject us. Sadly, many carry this kind of shame daily, and it impacts their relationships, including their relationship with God. It is easy to quietly wonder if Jesus sees us with disappointment or disgust. But Hebrews 2:11 gives us a powerful truth – Jesus is not ashamed to call us His brothers and sisters. This is not an endorsement for our sin but rather the reinforcement of the love he has for each of us.

Let’s think about that for a moment. Jesus, who was perfect, the sinless Son of God, looks at you and says, “That’s my family.” He’s not hesitant. He’s not embarrassed. He’s not holding you at arm’s length. If you belong to Him, you are made holy by His sacrifice, and you share the same Father. The King of Kings claims you as His own, not because of your perfection, but because of His sacrifice and love. The context of this verse makes more sense when you think of Jesus’ time on earth. Jesus didn’t just visit humanity; He became one of us. He entered our world, experienced our pain, and walked in our shoes. Why? So that He could pay the price for our sin, gain victory over death, and provide a way for each of us to live eternally with our Creator. Not as distant followers, but as sons and daughters of the living God and as brothers and sisters of Jesus himself.

The idea that Jesus is “not ashamed” has a profound meaning. In ancient times, family honor was everything. Associating with someone extends their reputation to you. However, Jesus, knowing all your sins, struggles, and past, still chooses to call you His own. He’s not ashamed of your weakness. He sees you through the lens of His redeeming love. But this truth brings a challenge. If Jesus is not ashamed of us, then we must not be ashamed of Him. Jesus said in Mark 8:38 (NIV), “If anyone is ashamed of me and my words in this adulterous and sinful generation, the Son of Man will be ashamed of them when he comes in his Father’s glory with the holy angels.” That’s a profound statement. It reminds us that following Jesus isn’t something to hide, rather it is something to live out boldly. It may cost us some popularity and be uncomfortable at times. But if our Savior proudly claims us as family, how can we ever hesitate to claim Him as our Savior? In a world that often rejects the truth, we are called to be a light in the world around us. If He is not ashamed to stand with us, we should never be ashamed to stand for Him.

A.W. Tozer once said, “The true follower of Christ will not ask, ‘If I embrace this truth, what will it cost me?’ Rather, he will say, ‘This is truth. God help me to walk in it, let come what may!’” What would your life look like if you truly embraced the boldness of this mindset? Our relationship with God should not be a risk versus benefit decision. It should be fully committed, faith-forward, knowing that God will provide all the strength and courage we need in just the right timing.

The Challenge:

Take a moment today to thank Jesus that He’s not ashamed to call you His brother or sister. Let that truth wash away the lies of shame or unworthiness. This week, take one bold step to identify with Jesus. Maybe it’s sharing your faith with someone, standing up for truth, or simply living unashamed in your daily conversations. Let Jesus’ unashamed love for you give you the courage to live unashamed for Him.

Published: October 1, 2025

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