BibleProject | One Story That Leads to JesusSample

Jude says he meant to write a different letter, one on salvation, but something is now more important. Instead, he says, I’m writing “to encourage” you (Jude 3). He’s going to deliver some fiery heat, but this opening reminds everyone that he intends to build up and refine.

Jude first zeroes in on false teachers who drag people away from Jesus’ teachings. He pulls no punches when he compares corrupt teachers of his day with notorious ancient rebels such as Balaam, the people of Sodom, Cain, and more.

By hyperlinking these Hebrew Bible stories with his criticism, Jude is not-so-subtly saying that today’s corrupt leaders curse Israel (like Balaam), embrace wickedness (like Sodom), commit murder (like Cain), and worse. He’s showing how their way brings the same darkness that destroys God’s people, so stay far away.

But it’s not just Jude saying this. Peter, Paul, and John warned of this same thing, and Jesus did too—a lot. Corrupt teachers are unloving and will distort the Gospel for personal gain, eventually leading to their own destruction. Instead of following them into self-destructive rebellion, follow Jesus into maturity and life.

Watch the video to see how Jude weaves sources from the Hebrew Bible, the Deuterocanon (or Apocrypha), and other Jewish sources into a beautiful call to love and obey Jesus, the firstborn sibling among all creation.

Reflection Questions

• At the end of Jude’s letter, he writes to have mercy on those who doubt or whose faith wavers. Take a moment to read about Jude’s own path to faith in John 7:5 and Matthew 13:53-56. Why do you think Jude might have included this pastoral note?
• Consider Jude’s appeal to the teachings of Jesus and the apostles, particularly their warnings about false teachers. Why might the previous warnings comfort Jude’s audience?