"1: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: 2:May mercy, peace, and love be multiplied to you." (ESV)
This is a simple greeting and opener to Jude's letter. We are not privy to whom the letter is for except, "To those who are called, beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ" which refers to Christians who chose to follow Jesus Christ as their saviour. The introduction here in verse 1 and 2 finish with a prayer for spiritual growth. Notice how Jude uses a three-word phrase in verse 2, "mercy, peace, love" which reflects the three-word phrase in verse 1 "called, beloved, kept", this immediately reminds the read that:
God's call brings mercy,
God's love surrounds his people,
God's keeping power brings peace. [1]
This is a clever and encouraging introduction to his letter.
Jude introduces himself as "a servant of Jesus Christ and brother of James". This 'James' is the blood-brother of Jesus, son of Mary and Joseph. Historical documents would also put Jude (or Judas in Greek) as Mary and Joseph's youngest son and so was also the blood-brother of Jesus, which means, he is choosing to play down his familial relationship with Jesus Christ, by only calling himself a, "servant". Why would he do this? What benefit does he have in doing this?
Jude is immediately pointing out that Jesus Christ is God incarnate. As such, he is not presuming that he, despite being his earthly brother of the same mother, is equal to Jesus in anyway. He is declaring his humility before Christ. He is, in doing this, being an example to those he writes his letter.
As we progress through Jude, we will find the main topic of the letter is about false teaching, Jude is pointing out, first and foremost, how the early Christians should be living - humble before Christ the God incarnate.
He goes a step further, by granting the reader his familial right to be the brother of Jesus "beloved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ". He is encouraging the early Christians that they have the right to be called 'children of God' through the death and resurrection of Jesus although they do not deserve it.
This is immensely powerful and encouraging to us today. Jude, who has an actual right to call himself 'brother of Jesus Christ' is saying, "No! I'm not worthy to be called his brother just because we have the same mother, I'm his servant. Being a blood brother is not important. Being resurrected with Christ is much more important. You who believe in Christ, have that right through his blood. This is the Gospel privilege."
So, take heart. Be encouraged. You need not do anything. Christ has done it for you. Just believe!
[1] New Bible Commentary - IVP
