A look at Jude 1-2

Jude 1–2

Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James,

To those who have been called, who are loved in God the Father and kept for Jesus Christ:

² Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. ^[1]

The Humble Identity of Jude (v. 1a)

“Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James”

As Jude introduces himself at the beginning of this letter, he does not refer to himself as the brother of Jesus. During Jesus' earthly ministry, both James and Jude did not believe that Jesus was the Messiah or God Almighty. We know that Jesus personally appeared to James after the resurrection, based on Paul’s writing in 1 Corinthians 15:6-7. 

            Jude came to saving faith in Jesus Christ, and as he begins his letter, he refers to himself as a servant of Jesus Christ. The word 'servant' here is the Greek word 'doulos,' which means servant or slave. It refers to someone who is the property of another.^[2] Jude is a bondservant of Jesus Christ. He knows that his standing before Jesus Christ depends solely on the redemption available through Jesus Christ. His earthly relationship as the half-brother of Jesus does not give him special privileges; it is only through his relationship with Christ as Lord and Savior that he can approach and receive the salvation that Christ offers.

He also refers to himself as the brother of James. I often wonder what it must have been like growing up with Jesus. Growing up with someone who never falls short or sins. Could you imagine being compared to your older brother who is perfect in every way? But from this description, we see that Jude’s sense of himself is solely based on his relationship with Jesus. Jesus is declared as Almighty God, and it is in Him that we find forgiveness. 

            Romans 1:1 states Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle and set apart for the gospel of God.^[3] Here again, we see the word servant. All those who followed Jesus Christ and closely walked with Him understood their true identity in Christ. We are all called to be disciples and bondservants. We are summoned to surrender our will for the will of Almighty God.

            Philippians 1:1 Paul and Timothy, servants of Christ Jesus, To all God’s holy people in Christ Jesus at Philippi, together with the overseers and deacons. ^[4] Again, we see the term servant. To serve Jesus Christ is a result of His redemption and grace. It is God who finds us, saves us, and forgives us. We have nothing to boast about before the Living God.

            James 1:1 James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. ^[5] Here we see James the half brother of Jesus refering to himself as a servant of God and the Lord Jesus Christ. Both James and Jude had come to the revelation and understanding that Jesus was not only fully man but He is Almighty God. Everyone who serves Jesus Christ is a bond servant of Christ. Our lives no longer belong to us. As we seek Him and walk with Him, we come to discover who He has called us to be.

Reflection Question

• How does seeing yourself primarily as a “servant of Jesus” shape your daily decisions and relationships?

Prayer

Father, help me to be the servant you have called me to be. Father, remove anything from my life that would hinder your work and purpose. Help me walk in greater humility and be the bondservant you have called me to be. In the name of Jesus, Amen!

II. The Identity of Believers (v. 1b)

“To those who are called, loved in God the Father, and kept for Jesus Christ”

            The first key Greek term in this section is klētos. It means to summon or invite. It is used of God’s effectual call into salvation. As followers of Christ, we are called by God. We are drawn by the Holy Spirit. It is God who extends the invitation to salvation to us by His grace. We have not earned it; we have not worked for it. We are chosen before the foundations of the world. Our salvation is solely a work of God’s grace.

            The next Greek term is ēgapēmenoi. It means loved. It indicates a permanent state: having been loved and continuing to be loved. It shows the love God has for us. Jude writes we are loved in God the Father. He not only has loved us but He continues to love us. His love is unconditional. It isn’t based on our performance. It is based solely on His character and nature. Our Father in Heaven is perfect, and His love for us is perfect.

            We also find the Greek term tetērēmenois. It means to keep or preserve. It also signifies to guard, watch over, or maintain. It points to God’s protective keeping of His people until Christ’s return. It is God who saves us by His grace. We are sealed by the Holy Spirit. He is the One who keeps us and preserves us. I personally went through a season in my life where I thought and believed I had lost my salvation. I spiraled into a deep depression. But it was through that experience that I came to understand my salvation is not based on how I feel; it is based on the truth of God’s word.

            We are called, we are loved, and we are kept by God the Father. No one can snatch us out of His hands. He calls us to trust Him and to keep our eyes fixed upon Jesus Christ.

Romans 8:30 And those he predestined, he also called; and those he called, he also justified; and those he justified, he also glorified. ^[6] Here, we see the apostle Paul illustrate the beauty of our salvation. We are predestined by the Living God, chosen in Him before the foundations of the world. We are called, justified, and will also be glorified by Him. All of this is because of His love and mercy that are lavishly bestown upon us through His grace.

1 Corinthians 1:9 God is faithful, by whom you were called into fellowship with his son, Jesus Christ our Lord. ^[7] It is God who has called us into fellowship. He is faithful. Through His grace, we have access to the throne of grace. In Him, His love is poured out upon us. We have nothing to fear. When we rightly understand His word, we will build our identity and lives on the truth of His word.

John 17:11 I am no longer in the world, but they are in the world, and I am coming to you. Holy Father, keep them safe in your name that you have given me, so that they may be one just as we are one.^[8] Jesus' high priestly prayer for us before going to the cross was for The Father to keep us safe. By His grace, He holds us close. No one can snatch us out of His hands. He has called us. He knows our every need. He understands our every weakness. But despite knowing all the ways we will fall short, He still calls us and loves us.

1 John 3:1 (See what sort of love the Father has given us: that we should be called God’s children—and indeed we are! For this reason, the world does not know us because it did not know him.  Because of His grace, we have become children of God. The world may not know us or understand us, but our Father in Heaven loves us and holds us close. He provides and protects. In Him, we have nothing to fear.

Reflection Question

• Which of these three truths (called, loved, kept) do you need to rest in most right now, and why?

Prayer

Father, thank you for your love for me. Thank you for calling me, loving me, and being the One who keeps me. Deliver me daily from the lies and deceptions of the enemy. Father, may my life bring you glory and honor. Help me truly understand my identity in Jesus Christ. Thank you, Father, for your goodness and love. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

III. The Abundant Blessing (v. 2)

“Mercy, peace, and love be yours in abundance.”

            In this section, we see that God’s blessings are not scarce but overflow in the lives of believers. God provides mercy for the guilty, peace for the anxious, and love for the lonely. He offers these not because we deserve them but because of His grace. What Jesus did at Calvary made it possible for us to access all three. This is what is poured out in our lives abundantly when we come to Jesus Christ.

Key Greek Terms

ἔλεος (eleos) – “mercy” means compassion toward the undeserving; God’s covenantal kindness. God’s kindness is not something we earn, and we don’t deserve it. However, His mercy reflects His compassion toward us. He knows how broken we are. It is His kindness that leads us to repentance. Who in your life can you show the kindness of God to, even if they don't deserve it?

εἰρήνη (eirēnē) – “peace” means not just absence of conflict, but wholeness, harmony, reconciliation with God (cf. Rom 5:1). The peace of God is supernatural. It is not based on circumstances. We can find ourselves in the middle of the storm, and the peace of God will fill our lives as we fellowship with Him. But this is only available with Jesus Christ, for it is His blood that removes our sin, enabling us to draw near to God without fear and with confidence.

ἀγάπη (agapē) – “love” means self-giving, sacrificial love rooted in God’s character. God’s love for us is sacrificial. He desires the very best in us. We don’t deserve His love. What we deserve is His punishment and His wrath because of our sin and wickedness. But in Christ, His love is lavished upon us.

πληθυνθείη (plēthyntheiē) –“be multiplied/increase abundantly”. Optative form of plēthunō – expresses a prayer-wish for continual increase without limit. Mercy, peace, and love are unlimitedly multiplied to us because of Jesus Christ. Our identity and purpose are rooted in Him. As we seek the Lord and grow in our relationship with Him, we gain a deeper understanding of these blessings available through Him, which then mold and shape who we are.

Romans 1:7 ⁷ To all in Rome who are loved by God and called to be his holy people: Grace and peace to you from God our Father and from the Lord Jesus Christ. ^[9] This verse highlights the many benefits of coming to Jesus Christ. Paul states we are loved, called, holy, and recipients of grace and mercy from God the Father and the Lord Jesus Christ. All that we have from God is a gift. He calls us to repentance and surrender. When we turn to Christ, these blessings become a reality in our lives.

2 John 3 ³ Grace, mercy and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ, the Father’s Son, will be with us in truth and love. ^[10] Once again, we see that grace, mercy, and peace come from The Father and from Jesus Christ. His love for us does not depend on our works or how well we perform. We are broken as human beings, and it is only through His grace that we are saved and kept.

Galatians 6:16  Peace and mercy to all who follow this rule—to the Israel of God. ^[11] Again, we see that peace and mercy follow those who follow Jesus Christ. May His peace, love, and mercy cover each and every one of us. May we share this with those who are lost and broken. One of the most powerful things we can share with someone is that God loves them. Many today are lost and broken by sin, but it is in Jesus Christ that we find mercy, peace, and love.

Reflection Question

• Which of these blessings (mercy, peace, love) do you most long to see multiplied in your life and community?

Prayer

Father, thank you for loving me. Thank you for sending Your Son, Jesus. Thank you that through Jesus, Your mercy, peace, and love are multiplied to us without limit or end. Father, help me today to walk in Your love. Help me to share Your love with those who have never known You. Father, thank You for loving me and leading me in all things. Protect my life today from the hand of the enemy. Father, may my life glorify You in all things. In the name of Jesus, Amen.

^[1] The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Jud 1–2.

^[2] Ron Clark and Dougald McLaurin III, “Duty,” in Lexham Theological Wordbook, ed. Douglas Mangum et al., Lexham Bible Reference Series (Bellingham, WA: Lexham Press, 2014).

^[3] The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Ro 1:1.

^[4] The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Php 1:1.

^[5] The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Jas 1:1.

^[6] Biblical Studies Press, The NET Bible, Second Edition (Denmark: Thomas Nelson, 2019), Ro 8:30.

^[7] Biblical Studies Press, The NET Bible, Second Edition (Denmark: Thomas Nelson, 2019), 1 Co 1:9.

^[8] Biblical Studies Press, The NET Bible, Second Edition (Denmark: Thomas Nelson, 2019), Jn 17:11.

^[9] The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Ro 1:7.

^[10] The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), 2 Jn 3.

^[11] The New International Version (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2011), Ga 6:16.