“SIMON:  ZEALOUS, YET WRONG”

(Luke 6:15)

Human beings are often motivated into action with a deep sincerity of heart. There are times when such sincerity runs much deeper in specific situations. On occasion, what people believe about a circumstance can become a passion, or obsession. Along with such dynamics, if people believe they are “morally right” concerning an issue, they might even protest peacefully. More often, however, we see in the news media where people are incensed by an incursion into their world. They feel they have been severely wronged. When such passion builds within people, they can react with aggressive, even violent behavior. When a group of people have the belief that they are being wronged, the slightest action taken in opposition can escalate into a very dangerous situation.

Every war in human history has been about lashing back at what is seen as unwarranted action against a group of people. Such activity can even be said about American conflict. America has had its share of despicable, reactionary behavior.  Terrorist activities such as American colonists torching the property and killing their neighbors who remained loyal to England are one example. The thousands of American lives lost during the Civil War, over individual states’ rights brought about terrorism on both sides of the civilian populace, even among family members. The slaughter of whole populations of Native Americans (especially women and children while the warriors were away from camp) gets coupled with the fear of ambush and attack constantly overshadowing the lives of settlers. There is the whole practice of terrorism at the hands of the KKK or ambushers of clinics where abortions are performed. History has recorded such events in ALL nations around this planet Earth. It has been a reality of man, from the dawn of sin entering the human race. At this very moment, our own troops, stationed around the world, face terrorist aggression as they try to maintain a presence on foreign soil. Citizens of Iraq (for example) perform acts of suicide bombing against the occupying forces to such an extent that it is U.S. military policy for an individual American soldier to never be at a post alone. We are appalled by “terrorism” in any shape or form. Yet, we would be blind not to recognize that such activity is usually the first response on the part of ALL people when others have entered their space in opposition. Terrorism usually occurs when a group finds itself vastly outnumbered or devoid of proper resources for full-fledged warfare.

The topic of terrorism brings us to the world of one of the Lord’s disciples. We mentioned, at the beginning of this series covering the Disciples, that  exploring what can be known about each of these 13 chosen servants of God, would enable each of us to find characteristics we share with at least one of them. If you are an individual who reacts “with retaliation” when wronged, you will find common ground with the man we learn about today. If you are an activist who exhibits little restraint, when it comes to rectifying what is wrong with our society, you can learn a few things from today’s highlighted disciple.  His name is Simon. He is mentioned, in four books of the Bible, and only in a single verse of each book. But in each instance: Matthew 10:4, Mark 3:18, Luke 6:15 and Acts 1:13 this disciple is referred to as a “Zealot”. In plain terms, he was a terrorist, as we will now explore.

A.   SIMON’S PERSPECTIVE ON HIS WORLD.

During every period of time, a society has different groups of people who are active in the political, social, economic, intellectual and religious areas of society. There were the Pharisees, the Sadducees, the Essenes, the Zealots and other groups all active during the time of Jesus in the First Century A.D. In particular, the Zealots were Israelis who adamantly refused to recognize the authority of Rome over their nation. The Zealots rankled under foreign control. They spoke out about this travesty. They staged public protests. They were not only opposed to Roman rule but actively worked for the physical overthrow of this oppressive power. They were the equivalent of today’s Al Qaida. A Roman Legionnaire would never walk through the city of Jerusalem alone. Israel was the scene of revolts, uprisings and assassinations continuously, while Jesus walked in Judea, Galilee and Samaria.

In most instances, the government did not know who the Zealots were until they showed themselves openly by accomplishing or attempting a terrorist event. (It is the same today, such as when Al Qlaida commits an act of terror, like 9/11) We know of one such man, known by the name of Barabbas, who was on Death Row at the time of Jesus’ illegal trial. He had been actively involved in a public revolt leaving several Roman soldiers and officials dead. So we see that Simon “the Zealot” was known for his position, after the fact. When Christ first called Simon, he knew him for what he was: a devious, scheming subversive Jew who was bent on eliminating every Roman presence he could.

Two weeks ago we learned about Matthew, the tax collector. Imagine the distain with which Simon viewed this traitor to Israel. He was born a Jew, but, now a tax collector! The Lord called both of them to be a part of His team. Was Jesus out of His mind? Can you imagine how that would have worked between the two of them? To summarize our first point: Simon would have been very opinionated as he joined this team of disciples. And along with a true skepticism, probably, he was also thrilled to be part of Jesus’ disciples. Why you ask? He had undoubtedly heard of this man and His claim to be the Messiah. As an aside, there were more than two dozen men walking around Israel (during Jesus’ time) claiming to be the Messiah. This even adds a bit of insight into why people followed John the Baptist during his preparatory preaching about the coming savior. No wonder John told his disciples, “He must become greater and I must become less”. (John 3:30) Simon would have done his research. He undoubtedly expected that this most popular rabbi would soon unite the entire Jewish population to overthrow the foreigners.

B.   SIMON’S CHANGE OF LIFE & BELIEF.

For three years the band of twelve (Luke 6:14-16) followed the Lord. They listened to His teaching and observed how He lived life. They went where He went and watched His heart in action. Simon would have heard about “The Kingdom of God”. Part of that teaching included Jesus telling His disciples, “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. Why do you look at the speck of sawdust in your brother’s eye and pay no attention to the plank in your own eye? (Matthew 7:1-3)

Simon followed the Lord for three years, growing in his relationship with Matthew and the others. He ends up being with the group in the garden of Gethsemane, on the night Jesus was betrayed. This disciple did not brandish a sword against those coming to arrest the Lord. It was a more well-known Simon who lobbed off the ear of the High Priest’s servant, nearly beheading him. Simon, the “FORMER” Zealot, had undergone a change. He had seen Jesus heal the servant of a Roman Centurion, if you can believe. He had been sent out by the Lord, along with the others with these instructions: “On my account you will be brought before governors and kings AS WITNESSES to them and TO THE GENTILES. (Emphasis mine)But when they arrest you, do not worry about what to say or how to say it. At that time you will be given what to say, for it will not be you speaking, but the spirit of your Father speaking through you.” (Matthew 10:18-20)

This man underwent a huge, transformation, as his loyalty changed from Jewish fundamentalism to Christianity. You will notice that in Acts 1:13 this man has not deserted the disciples’ group, even after the hoped for Messiah was killed. His allegiance remained with His risen Lord, following the resurrection. He was a changed man.

C.   SIMON’S IMPACT & LEGACY ON HIS WORLD.

This little mentioned disciple continued in church history documents to leave his mark, while serving his Lord. Church tradition places this Godly servant as living for a short period of time in Ethiopia. Then he spent the rest of his life ministering for the Lord in the ancient land of Babylon. I find it amazing that this “once upon a time” Zealot spent the bulk of his adult ministry in the original location of the father of Israel, Abraham. The major metropolitan area of Babylon was once the town of Ur, located at the juncture of the two rivers; Tigris & Euphrates. Well, guess what that area is called today? You are probably way ahead of me: it is Iraq. Simon the Zealot, a former terrorist, ended up leading people to the Lord in what is now the homeland of much of today’s terrorism. It is considered historical that in this remote area, this Apostle was martyred for his faith.

Simon was a man of conviction. He stood the test of time. He knew what he believed but was willing to allow God, the Holy Spirit to change him into a man of compassion and ministry for his Lord. Do you not see the softness in his eyes which once showed nothing but animosity and hatred?

Do you see yourself in this apostle? Have you formed deep convictions concerning the “ins and outs” of your world? Have you put others in a box, made of your perceptions as to why they don’t fit in your world and why they ought to be ignored at least, or shredded at best? Are you one who observes what people do and say, form your judgment and take the stance that “your mind is made up, don’t confuse you with the facts”? Once people have been labeled by you, and rejected, do they stand a chance of ever being accepted? The Lord Jesus changed Simon from a terrorist to a missionary, and He can change you! He can even change others! Are you open to such transforming work? May God grant that each of us has that kind of openness? Jesus told His disciples:

 “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you: Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, that you may be sons of your Father in heaven. He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous. If you love those who love you, what reward will you get? Are not even the tax collectors doing that? And if you greet only your brothers, what are you doing more than others? Do not even pagans do that? Be perfect, therefore, as your heavenly Father is perfect.” (Matthew 5:43-48)