This is a letter from Jude who was the son of Mary, the mother of Jesus. Jude does not mention being the half-brother of Christ but he does mention that he is the brother of James. Question, did Jude and James believe that their half-brother was the Messiah? NO! “For even His brothers did not believe in Him.” (John 7:5) “Jesus went up on the mountain and called to Him those He Himself wanted. And they came to Him.” (Mark 3:13) There He established His Church. “Then the multitude came together again, But when His own people (His brothers) heard about this, they went out to lay hold of Him, for they said, “HE IS OUT OF HIS MIND.” (Mark 3:21) How difficult it must have been for them growing up in the same home with God the Son. Remember when Mary went looking for Jesus (at age 12) and found Him in the Synagogue, “And all who heard Him were astonished at His understanding and answers.” (Luke 2:47) What happened to Jude and James? In the upper room, “These all continued with one accord in prayer and supplication, with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with HIS BROTHERS.” (Acts 1:14)
In this very short but powerful book, Jude writes, “Dear friends, although I was very eager to write to you about the salvation we share, I felt COMPELLED to write and urge you to EARNESTLY CONTEND for the faith that was once for all entrusted to God’s holy people. I say this because some ungodly people have wormed their way into your churches, saying that God’s marvelous grace ALLOWS US TO LIVE IMMORAL LIVES. The condemnation of such people was recorded long ago, for they have DENIED our only Master and Lord, Jesus Christ.” (Jude 1:3-4)
We vigorously make every effort to win the competition for the faith, not holding anything back. Because we CANNOT live immoral lives!!! “Therefore, having these promises, beloved, let us CLEANSE OURSELVES from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, PERFECTING HOLINESS in the fear of God.” (2 Corin. 7:1)
-Bill Stockham