Faithful on Fridays Blog

Part Twelve

It’s obvious why the gospel writers added the description to Simon the Zealot’s name; it’s not his family name, but a description of his perspectives and attitudes distinguishing him from Simon Peter. Jesus chose a variety of personalities and this man, a political activist, is included in The Twelve. The name Simon means to be a ‘listener’, apparently he listened and joined the fervent nationalism growing impatient within Israel.

Being a ‘zealot’ meant he was passionate about Israel overthrowing the Roman occupation and that zeal caused him to join this rebellious, unlawful, Jewish political movement. It was radical and militant, using violence against Roman soldiers which may’ve seemed right in the beginning, but turned very wrong when passion led to national terrorism. The root of the Greek word for ‘zealot’ is ‘cana’, therefore, some believe he was from the village of Cana; he probably wasn’t, but instead it indicated his fervency for Israel. We also know Barabbas, the exchanged prisoner for Jesus, was also part of the political rebellion against Roman law (Mark 15:7). This movement only looked at the lower story of Roman persecution, but Jesus desired His followers to look beyond the natural and to the spiritual or the upper story. 

Valuing diversity Jesus must’ve enjoyed the contrasting viewpoints among His Twelve, listening to their conversations, and then showing them the true zeal was actually living in the here and now in the Kingdom of God rather than the kingdom of man. Yes, nationalism has its value, but Jesus was redirecting Simon’s passion to the upper story. Simon undoubtedly observed the lies and torment of the religious leaders, the arrest , and execution his Lord. Did he remember His words?

“But to you who are willing to listen, I say, love your enemies! Do good to those who hate you. If someone slaps you on one cheek, offer the other cheek also. If someone demands your coat, offer your shirt also. Love your enemies! Do good to them. Lend to them without expecting to be repaid. Then your reward from heaven will be very great, and you will truly be acting as children of the Most High, for He is kind to those who are unthankful and wicked. You must be compassionate, just as your Father is compassionate.”

Luke 6:27-29a 35-36 

Simon the Zealot is an example of the transformation the gospel brings to one’s life as he moved from political activist to Christ activist. He progressed from a rebellious Israeli citizen to a repentant and forgiven citizen of heaven as he learned to love his enemies. That new passion and faith drove him to preach the gospel in Northern Africa, Egypt, and possibly Persia (Iran). His mission changed from the intense desire for freedom in Israel to intense desire for freedom in Christ. His national identity took a back seat to his identity in Christ, consequently, his zeal and passion became directed to people coming to faith in Christ.