THE HOPE OF ISRAEL - The Preterist Archive

168 The Hope of Israel: What Is It?
ren," our Lord meant the Jewish people (whom He
had stigmatized as "children of the devil," and as a
"generation of vipers"), and that living nations would
be blessed or cursed in that day, according as they had
treated the Jews well or ill. But how can there be any
not ashamed to
uncertainty as to those whom He is
call "Brethren" (Heb. 2:11) ?
For, in this same Gospel
is the record of His own answer to the question, "Who
is My mother? and who are My brethren?" He
Himself asked that question; and thereupon He
stretched forth His hand toward His disciples and
For who-
said, "Behold My mother and My brethren !
soever shall do the will of My Father which is in
heaven, the same is My brother, and sister, and
mother" (Mat. 12:46-50). This makes it quite clear;
and all
to call
Scripture agrees, that those He is not ashamed
"Brethren," whom He Himself has sanctified
and brought to the Father (Heb. 2:10, 11) are they
who have received Him by faith. For "as many as
received Him, to them gave He power to become the
sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name"
(John 1:12).