Jude, a small yet mighty book, is written as a letter to Christians warning against false teachers and ungodliness. In verse 5, Jude shares a powerful reminder that judgment belongs solely to Jesus Christ and that He alone will judge those who lead others astray. This verse not only brings clarity about God’s justice but also offers us peace in knowing that we don’t have to carry the burden of judgment ourselves.
Jude 1:5: “Now I want to remind you, although you once fully knew it, that Jesus, who saved a people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed those who did not believe.”
At first glance, this verse might seem a bit strange. After all, we know that it was Moses who physically led the Israelites out of Egypt, and we often think of Moses as the one who parted the Red Sea. However, Jude reveals an important truth: it was actually Jesus Christ who performed these acts. Jesus, the eternal Son of God, was at work throughout the Old Testament. He wasn’t just present in the New Testament — He was the one who parted the Red Sea, who delivered the Israelites, and who judged Pharaoh and his people.
Jude’s reference to Jesus as the one who saved the Jews out of Egypt and then judged those who rejected Him reminds us that all judgment rests in the hands of God. This is a crucial point for believers, especially in a world that often seems consumed with judgment — whether it’s judging the actions of others or even feeling judged ourselves.
The Role of Jesus in the Exodus Story
When we think of the Exodus, we often picture Moses standing at the Red Sea, holding his staff, and commanding the waters to part. But in this passage, Jude points out that it was Jesus who was the true Savior in that moment, not just Moses. Jesus, in His eternal role as God, was the one who guided the Israelites, performed miracles on their behalf, and delivered them from the hand of Pharaoh.
Similarly, Jesus was the one who brought judgment upon Pharaoh and his people. The plagues that struck Egypt and the eventual destruction of Pharaoh’s army in the Red Sea were not mere acts of human warfare — they were divine acts of judgment executed by Jesus Christ. This revelation shifts our understanding of God’s actions in the Old Testament and helps us see that Jesus has been actively involved in our salvation from the very beginning.
The Reminder: Judgment Belongs to the Lord
Jude 1:5 serves as a powerful reminder to us that, as believers, we are not called to be the final judges of others. While it’s natural to feel anger or frustration when we witness injustice, deceit, or the actions of false teachers, we are called to leave judgment to the Lord. It is not our responsibility to punish or condemn, but rather to trust that Jesus, the righteous judge, will handle matters according to His perfect will.
In Matthew 7:1-2, Jesus Himself teaches us not to judge others, saying, “Do not judge, or you too will be judged. For in the same way you judge others, you will be judged, and with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” This is not to say that we should ignore sin or allow false teaching to go unchallenged, but rather that our hearts should be postured in humility and love, recognizing that ultimate judgment belongs to God.
Peace in the Sovereignty of Christ
When we understand that Jesus is the one who ultimately judges, it frees us from the need to carry out judgment ourselves. It’s comforting to know that God’s judgment is perfect and just, and that we don’t have to take matters into our own hands. Instead of seeking revenge or harboring bitterness, we are called to trust in God’s sovereignty and His perfect timing.
We can have peace knowing that Jesus, who delivered the Israelites from Egypt, is still at work today — judging with righteousness, extending grace, and fulfilling His ultimate plan for redemption. No one escapes His justice, and no false teacher or evildoer will go unnoticed by the Lord. He sees all, knows all, and will bring justice in His way, in His time.
Conclusion: Let the Lord Be the Judge
As we reflect on Jude 1:5, let us remember that judgment is not for us to carry. Whether we face false teachers, unrighteous leaders, or personal offenses, we are called to respond with love, truth, and humility. We don’t need to take matters into our own hands because Jesus Christ is the ultimate judge, the one who parted the Red Sea and delivered His people. His justice is perfect, and His timing is always right.
In a world where judgment and condemnation seem all too common, let us be a people who trust in the Lord’s sovereignty, extend grace, and leave the judgment to Jesus Christ. After all, He alone is worthy to judge, and He will do so perfectly, according to His will and His glory.
Let us find peace in knowing that the Lord is our righteous judge, and in Him, we can trust all things — for now and forevermore.
