T H E B R O T H E R O F JAM ES
using the name which was most common in its day, tells us that he was "Judas." He then adds the all- important words, "but not Iscariot" (14:22). Jude says that he is a ser vant of Jesus Christ. In actual fact, he could have said that Christ was his elder brother, as does one cult of our day. But instead, he reminds us that we, with him, are bond- slaves. This is the familiar picture that has often been given to us of the ancient slave markets. Cruel taskmasters would go in to pur chase flesh, literally, for various purposes of their own will. When Christ entered the slave markets of sin, in which all men have been incarcerated in bondage, He rath er bought us to set us free. The price was His own precious blood. Page 33
13:55; Mark 6:3; Galatians 1:18). After our Saviour was born of the virgin Mary, Joseph took his bride and the union was physically con summated. Through the years sons and daughters, according to Scrip ture, were born into this home. This is the clear teaching from the verses just indicated and others. Jude has been given several names by the Gospel writers. I think it is helpful to identify him even further. We find Matthew calling him Lebbeus, whose sur name was Thaddeus (10:31). Mark, who always strives for brevity, sim ply refers to him as Thaddeus (3:18). Luke, being very specific and articulate as a medical author ity, states that he is "the brother of James" (6:16). And finally, John,
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