Year of the Bible: Part Twelve of TwelveSample

Want to be a Servant?

Like his brother James, Jude did not believe their half-brother Jesus was the Messiah until after the resurrection. Furthermore, like the apostle Paul, Jude became an apostle after encountering the glorified Jesus. Having both perspectives, Jude understood the difference between his biological half-brother Jesus and Jesus the Son of God. He also recognized how Jesus’s biological family was highly esteemed and did not want that to overshadow Jesus as Messiah.

Therefore, when Jude wrote this letter, he was intentional with his opening remarks. He distinctly separated his identity as Jesus’s brother and referred to himself as a servant to the Messiah.

Jude’s letter to Christians encouraged them in the coming days of apostasy. Jude experienced the hardship of Christianity and was firm in his faith because he considered himself a servant to Jesus Christ. As a servant, he knew his life was not his own. He set aside personal ideas, opinions, and other convenient preferences because Jesus was the priority. Jude acknowledged his Christianity and unique relationship with Jesus, but he emphasized himself as a servant. Jesus was and still is worthy to be served, and we, like Jude, should consider ourselves servants to the Lord.

Question: If you think Jesus is worthy, consider what it would look like to be His servant.

Prayer: In your prayer time, ask the Lord to reveal what it means to be a servant for Him. Also, ask Him to remind you why He is worthy and to give you everything necessary to serve Him.