The Book of Jude
Finding Personal Value: Jude 1:1
“Jude, a bond-servant of Jesus Christ, and brother of James, To those who are the called, beloved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ:” Jude 1:1
We now start a study of the small book of Jude. The first and most obvious question when reading this book is “Who is Jude?” It is a good question.
Most scholars agree it was Jude the half brother of Jesus and brother of James. The early Apostle James was martyred as recorded in Acts 12:2. From that point onward, James the half brother of Jesus rose to prominence in the early church. He was mentioned by Paul in Galatians 1:19 and was also the key figure in leadership at the Jerusalem Council as recorded in Acts 15:13-21.
The reference that the author of this small book makes of being the half brother of James would place him as kin to Jesus Himself. This is further confirmed by reading Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3. Note that both of these texts state that Jesus had four step brothers, and both lists include James and Judas among them.
It has been observed that family are sometimes the most difficult to reach. There is an interesting comment recorded in John 7:5 about His brothers. At this early stage in the public ministry of Jesus, “not even his brothers were believing in Him.” In fact, it appears that they were among His critics.
At some point that radically changed. Both James and Jude became avid defenders of the gospel and the Deity of Jesus Christ. They both identify themselves as “bond-servants” of Jesus Christ. This transformation was extreme and adds huge credentials to the character and works of Jesus Christ. Even his brother came to believe in Him.
Jude points out that he was writing to “those who are the called, beloved of God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ.” If you are a believer, it is because you were called. The Father loves you and planned your salvation from before the foundation of the world. (Read 1 Peter 1:3 & Ephesians 1:3-6) The longer I am a believer the more I marvel at these truths.
But there is more! Jude observes that we are “kept for Jesus Christ.” We belong to Him. But even more, Ephesians 1:18 teaches that we are the inheritance of Christ. We are His bride. (Ephesians 5:25-27).
The next time you struggle trying to find personal value, review these three points. You are so valuable to God that 1) you were called, 2) you are loved by the Father, 3) and you belong to Jesus Christ. He is planning on spending eternity with you!
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global
