Called, Loved, Kept (Jude 1)

Jude is one of those books in the Bible that you have heard of but probably haven’t read much. It’s one of those short letters that doesn’t even have chapters, only verses. It is the second to last book in the Bible, right before Revelation.

Even when we do read a short book like Jude, or any New Testament letter for that matter, we usually skim right over the first few verses. After all, they’re just introductory, and they don’t contain anything useful or theological, right? Wrong. Let’s look at Jude 1…

Jude begins by giving his name. While we sign our letters at the end, the first century Greco-Roman style was to identify yourself at the start. He then gives two statements to clarify who he is: “a slave of Jesus Christ” and “a brother of James…”

1. “A slave of Jesus Christ”

This is a common identification that other New Testament authors such as Paul, James, and Peter use. We often assume it is a statement of humility, but in reality it is a statement of status, position, and authority. Slaves in first-century Rome were not free and were considered property, but this doesn't mean that they didn’t have any status or authority. The slaves of the emperors had tremendous authority and were well respected because they represented Caesar, and to disrespect Caesar’s property was to disrespect him. So in calling himself a slave of Christ Jesus, Jude points to the fact that his status and authority comes from none other than the resurrected Lord. Aristotle called a slave a “living tool,” and Jude viewed himself as such, working for his Master.

2. “A brother of James”

Without any doubt, this James can be identified as the leader of the Jerusalem church, the author of the New Testament letter, and the brother of Jesus (making Jude the brother of Jesus as well; cf. Matt. 13:55). It is clear that James was a man of authority, and in the first century authority could be transferred from one family member to another, giving the younger and lesser known brother Jude the status needed to have himself heard rather than ignored.

After identifying himself and declaring his authority to write such a letter, Jude goes on to tell who this letter is addressed to. Most New Testament letters are addressed to a certain person or church, but this one is different. Instead of giving names or geographical markers, Jude identifies his audience in three ways: Those who are “called,” “loved,” and “kept…”

1. “The called/invited”

In Jude’s time, formal banquets were a social norm, and a guest had to be invited before he/she could attend. All throughout Scripture, in both the Old and New Testaments, the kingdom of God is likened to one of these banquets. By addressing his readers as those “called” or “invited,” he assures them of their seat at this end of time kingdom banquet. They are caught up in the plan of God; they did not choose God but God chose them. In light of their situation and their struggle for the faith, this fact is comforting for both Jude and his readers.

2. “Loved by God the Father”

This is also a very comforting fact, and it only makes sense that God loves those whom He calls. God loves His children in the good times and in the bad. He loves them when they are faithful and not so faithful. His love is unconditional.

3. “Kept by/for Jesus Christ”

Of course only one translation should be taken, but both are feasible. Being kept or guarded “by” Jesus would mean He is the one who protects believers in their day to day lives. Being kept “for” Jesus would mean that believers are kept safe so that they will one day be united with Christ. While both statements are theologically sound, the context of the letter may suggest that the readers are being guarded by Jesus while in the presence of false teachers.

Wow! Do you see how much we miss when we skim over those introductory verses???

Quickly, in conclusion, what can we take from this?

First of all, we aren’t Jude, and we probably aren’t writing anyone a letter, but we can identify ourselves as slaves of Christ Jesus. And that is a position of humility, but it is also one of rank and responsibility. With Jesus as our master, we must follow His ways and not the ways of this world. We must obey God and not men. This also means that our status and standing in society does not stem from who we are or what we have done, but who He is and what He has done.

Secondly, like the recipients of this letter, those of us who are believers are also called by God. We have been invited and given a seat at the banquet in His kingdom. He loves us and we can be assured that Jesus Christ is guarding us and protecting us until the day we recline at that table with Him as our host. Situations will arise and our faith will be put to the test, but we must remain in God’s love and trust that Jesus will carry us through.

Before you move on to other things, take just a second to thank God for calling you, for loving you, and for keeping you.