A Brother

As we look at God’s Word through the eyes of its human writers, we’ve examined an uneducated fisherman, an untrusted tax collector, the one who Jesus loved, and a Pharisee who needed to change his theology to include Jesus.  This week, we get to look at God’s Word through the eyes of two brothers.

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: Mercy, peace and love be yours in abundance. (Jude 1:1-2 NIV)

Jude, the first man, tells us that he is the brother of James.  James refers to himself in the following way.

James, a servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings. (James 1:1 NIV)

The introductions to their letters are quite striking, when you consider their family tree.  They were not only brothers to one another.  They were also the brothers of Jesus.

I saw none of the other apostles--only James, the Lord's brother. (Galatians 1:19 NIV)

Different theories exist as to how they are related to Jesus.  One possibility is that James and Jude are the younger brothers of Jesus.  This would be possible if Joseph and Mary are their parents just like Jesus.  They would be younger brothers because Jesus was born of a virgin and Joseph “did not consummate their marriage until she gave birth to a son. And he gave him the name Jesus”
(Matthew 1:25 NIV).

Another possibility is that Joseph had James and Jude from a previous marriage.  After his wife passed away, Joseph was married to Mary, as the law allowed.  With this scenario, James and Jude would be the older brothers of Jesus because they were born before Joseph and Mary were even married.

In either case, these boys are brothers to Jesus, which gives us a whole new perspective to their letters.  Look again at they way they introduce themselves above.  They don’t say they are brothers of Jesus.  They call themselves his servants.  They consider Jesus their Lord.  This is why their words have even deeper meaning to us.  Jesus is our brother and Jesus is our Lord, too.

Now Jesus' mother and brothers came to see him, but they were not able to get near him because of the crowd. Someone told him, "Your mother and brothers are standing outside, wanting to see you." He replied, "My mother and brothers are those who hear God's word and put it into practice." (Luke 8:19-21 NIV)

How about you?  Have you ever thought about Jesus as your brother?  Do hear God’s word and put it into practice?  Do you consider Jesus your Lord, too?  How will that affect your understanding of the letters written by Jesus’ brothers James and Jude?