July 19, 2019 (Friday)
Jesus chose 12 disciples who traveled with Him, helped him where possible, and were taught by Him. One of these was “Simon the Zealot.” The Zealots were a sect that began with an emphasis upon the Law. They believed in a strict observance of the law, as did the Pharisees. In time, however, they became more political, and eventually became violent opposers of the Roman presence in their country. Simon had been one of these, but we believe he left the sect before he followed Jesus. He probably still harbored feelings that may have been disturbing to himself, but he chose to follow Jesus and live his life according to Jesus’ teachings.
The disciples of Jesus were a motley crew, including fishermen, a tax collector, a thief (John 12:4-6 identifies Judas as a thief and an embezzler), and Simon the Zealot. They were young men, eager to follow Jesus and get involved with Him as the Messiah. They must have been shocked when Jesus taught about the proper response to enemies. This would be especially true for Simon the Zealot. Here’s what Jesus said:
But I say, do not resist an evil person! If someone slaps you on the right cheek, offer the other cheek also. If you are sued in court and your shirt is taken from you, give your coat, too. If a soldier demands that you carry his gear for a mile, carry it two miles. Give to those who ask, and don’t turn away from those who want to borrow. “You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. But I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you!
I remember a man from the Northeastern USA who moved into a Texas community with his wife, who had inherited property there. He was considered an outsider, and in subtle ways was shunned and ridiculed. I recall hearing that man say to someone who obviously resented him as a neighbor, “I may disagree with what you say, but I will fight to the death for your right to say it.” Friends, that statement is American and Patriotic. It is our history, and should be our way of life.
Are we truly followers of Jesus? Are we willing, as He said, to deny ourselves, take up our cross and follow Him? Are we able to follow Him, even to crucifixion of the self, so that we may truly become “the salt of the earth” and “the light of the world?”