If you were the brother of Jesus would you write a book about that fact?

Having just finished reading through 2 Peter we will see this book entitled ‘Jude’ (which the English translations have shortened from the correct name of ‘Judas’ wanting to disassociate from that reference) and which has very similar themes running through the letter. So it makes sense to read it now.

“Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James …” (Jude 1)

He is the brother of James and we know from verses like Matthew 13:55 and Mark 6:3 that they were both brothers of Jesus.

How do you introduce yourself?

Do you focus on what you have done? What you are doing? Where you are? Who your family and friends are? And if you do would you say, ‘James is my brother’?

People want the introduction don’t they? They want to know you have the right, the experience and the authority to speak to them, especially if what you have to say is directive and challenging.

“Jude the brother of Jesus Christ whom I serve and James the leader of the Council of Jerusalem, who is my brother also, is the one writing to you.” He could have written it like this but he didn’t.

How Judas opened his letter means this for us:

• I have nothing to boast about not even the privilege of family connection. Your bio is not as impressive as you being a man/woman who fashions your life around the Lordship of Jesus Christ.
• I want you to not see my privilege of being connected by family but my present status of being a servant of Jesus just like anyone. Your acknowledgment that you are actually an ordinary person who has had to make repentant changes continually through your life so that Jesus remains the One in charge is the attraction itself.
• I submit to the One where the focus should rightfully be on. The fact that you cannot wait to get to speak about Jesus and move past who you are is a testimony itself.
• I’m happy for others (James) to be the name which is greater than mine, I am his brother. How you view other people and their importance above yourself reveals you as an attractive person who is good to be around.

Written by Paul.