8th January 2026

8th January 2026


Pray (ACts) 


Read (Jude) 


Message (Scott Woodburn)


Do you remember the “Da Vinci Code”? It was a book published nearly 20 years ago which was centred around the supposed family tree and physical descendants of Christ. It was a best seller that spawned both books and movies. I read it at the time and I’d describe it as a fast paced page turner that was ultimately founded upon myths, lies and nonsense. The relations of Christ are of no importance to the Church. Jesus was not married and had no children of His own and we simply have little to no information about his nieces and nephews or the great-great grandchildren of Mary and Joseph.


Speculation around these matters might sell books but none of it should concern a Christian. Jude shows us that being part of Christ’s human family gained you no special privileges. Jude needed to be saved as much as you or I and so he didn’t write to the church boasting of his family connections but instead he declared his love for Jesus. This remains the issue for every man, woman or child. On the last day the Lord will not examine your family tree but instead all that matters will be what you have done with Christ. Will you declare Him to be the subject of a novel you once read or will you declare Him to be your Saviour and friend?


In John’s Gospel we read that Christ came to His own but they didn’t receive Him. Yet to all who did receive Him, who believed in His name, He gave the right to be called children of God. Jude had the extraordinary privilege of being part of Christ’s earthly family and that family would have had their own stories just like your family or mine. Jesus is true God AND true man meaning that he would have enjoyed family meals, celebrated family successes and wept over family loss. Nevertheless, Jude grew up with Christ and first loved Him as a brother before he received Him as Lord.


Yet Jude never looked down upon Christians who didn't know the blessing of living under the same roof as Jesus. By faith in Christ we have been received into the family and household of God. Christ is our elder brother who laid down His life for His body and bride the church. Privilege, prestige and position mean nothing. You must be born again. Jude knew it and I hope you do too. Trust in Christ and be received into His family.


Pray (acTS)


Sing


WSC


Q66 What is the reason annexed to the fifth commandment? The reason annexed to the fifth commandment is, a promise of long life and prosperity (as far as it shall serve for God’s glory, and their own good) to all such as keep this commandment.