Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and
brother of James, To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept
for Jesus Christ:
THE STUDY:
Jude
identifies himself in two ways, a servant & brother: a servant to Jesus
Christ and a brother to James. The Greek word for servant that Jude used is not
diakonos, which can also mean
“servant,” but doulos (“slave”). He
did not begin the letter by emphasizing the privilege of his brotherly
relationship to Jesus Christ but his submission to Christ’s lordship. In this
sense Jude was like every other Christian. And yet the term doulos also designates the honor of
serving as Jesus Christ’s slave. Those called to special service in the Old
Testament were identified as the “slave” (doulos)
of the Lord: Abraham, Moses, Joshua, David, and the prophets (Josh 14:7; 24:29;
2 Kgs 17:23; Ps 89:4, 20). In the New Testament era Paul, Peter, and James also
called themselves slaves of God and Jesus Christ (Rom 1:1; Gal 1:10; Phil 1:1;
Titus 1:1; Jas 1:1; 2 Pet 1:1). With the same term Jude expressed his humility
(since he was Jesus Christ’s slave) and his authority (since he was an honored
slave of the Lord as were those in the OT era).
Judes relationship
with the Lord was one of slave to master, not brother to brother. Jude avoided
saying that he was the Lord’s brother because of his humility, and yet it would
be a mistake to conclude that the only purpose was to communicate his humility.
The reference to James as his brother is also honorific, designating Judes
authority. Jude did not merely transmit his opinion in this letter. He wrote
authoritatively as Jesus Christ’s slave and as the brother of James.[1]
WHAT WE CAN WALK AWAY
WITH ….
- We walk away this morning with the understanding of three things: Jude as a Slave (Humility), Jude showing honor to James, and Jude as an authoritative representative of Christ.
CONCLUSION:
Looking at
these three aspects of Jude I have no problem relating to two of the three.
Being a SLAVE of Christ is something I consider an honor to be, not a burden. As
for showing my brothers and sisters in Christ respect or honoring them as being
an authoritative figure for the Lord (District or General Superintendents) I
have no problem with. The aspect I have difficult with is being looked at as an
authoritative representative for Christ. It’s not that I don’t feel like or
that I am ashamed to be viewed as one. I just have a hard time (internally)
dealing with all eyes looking at me.
I embrace the
calling that the Lord has on my life and I am honored to be looked at by the
Lord as worthy of His calling. As I am getting older I am settling in and embracing
the understanding of my call.
You and I are given authority (by
the Holy Spirit) to preach the word. St. Francis of Assisi is quoted as saying,
“Preach the Gospel at all times and when necessary use words.” Let today be a
day that you reveal your slave-like attitude for Christ, show honor to your
brothers and sisters in Christ by using your authoritative position and share
the Gospel of Jesus Christ. When you find it necessary, USE WORDS!
Blessings my friends
Pastor Rod
[1]
Schreiner, T. R. (2007). Vol. 37: 1, 2 Peter, Jude (electronic ed.). Logos
Library System; The New American Commentary (428). Nashville: Broadman &
Holman Publishers.
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