JESUS CHRIST is not ashamed of his poor relations. “He that sanctifieth and they who are sanctified are all of One: for which cause he is not ashamed to call them brethren.” Some one says, “Ah, but he doesn’t call any people brethren except those who are sanctified.” Stop and consider the text. The proof that he is not ashamed to call them brethren is found in his declaration: “I will declare thy name unto my brethren.” Now it is evident that there would be no need to declare the name of God to those who knew it; but those who do not know it are heathen. Thus the heathen are regarded by Christ as his brethren. Again, think of the time when the Son must first have made this declaration. It must have been when he was yet “in the form of God;” for he came to earth for no other purpose than to declare God to men. So Jesus in heaven, the brightness of the Father’s glory, and receiving the adoration of the angels, looked down to earth and saw the children of men doomed to death in their ignorance of God, and said to the Father, “I will declare thy name unto my brethren.” Thus he set the pattern for all missionary work. “Not to any class is Christ’s love restricted. He identifies himself with every child of humanity. That we might become members of the heavenly family, he became a member of the earthly family. He is the Son of man, and thus a brother to every son and daughter of Adam. His followers are not to feel themselves detached from the perishing world around them. They are a part of the great web of humanity, and Heaven looks upon them as brothers to sinners as well as to saints.” The Father of our Lord Jesus Christ is the One “of whom the whole family in heaven and earth is named.”—Selected.