Family -- in Jesus!

Jude, a servant of Jesus Christ and a brother of James, Jude 1

I have read this a number of times without any thought, then I wondered if Jude was Jesus’ blood brother (Mary being his mother) or if he is a blood brother of Jesus like me—a brother in the faith by the blood of Jesus shed on the cross. My first thought was to think how awesome it would be to actually be a sibling of Jesus. My mind wanders to see them sleeping in the same room, going to school together and sharing meals. Then I realized this is what I have. I don’t need to be envious of Jude. Jesus IS my brother. The blood of the cross is more powerful than the blood of a mother (see Mark 3:31-35). I need not be envious; I am blessed! And that truth means we are siblings as well—because of Jesus. Doubly blessed!