“And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as to the Lord, and not unto man.” Colossians 3:23, KJV
“Whatsoever your task is, put your whole heart and soul in it, as work done for the Lord, and not merely for men knowing your real reward will come from Him.” Colossians 3:23, Philips
A. WHY JESUS CHOSE SIMON THE ZEALOT
1. The call for Simon to follow Jesus was not included in Scripture because it was not instructive. It was not Simon’s initial obedience but his continual obedience.
2. Called “the Canaanite.” (Matthew 10:4), identifying him with the land of Canaan. Loyal patriot.
3. Jesus called the disciples … twelve whom He also named apostles … Simon called the Zealot” (Luke 6:13, 15). A Zealot was a freedom fighter. They were fanatics opposing Roman occupation of Israel. Responsible for military revolt in 66 AD that led to destruction of the Temple.
4. What attracted Simon to Jesus?
a. Cleansing the Temple (John 2:13-17).
b. John wrote, “Zeal for your house has eaten me up” (John 2:17).
c. Jesus said, “Do not think that I came to bring peace on earth. I did not come to bring peace but a sword” (Matthew 10:34).
5. Why Jesus should not have called Simon.
a. Simon was suspect by Rome.
b. His identification “zealot” confused Jews about Jesus’ plans.
c. He had potential personality conflicts with legalist who would object to a patriot following Jesus.
6. Why Jesus chose Simon the Zealot:
a. Because Jesus loved all and would use all types to represent Him.
b. To show all could be reached and transformed.
c. To demonstrate zeal and enthusiasm.
d. Jesus did not see the potential of conflict, but He saw the potential of using followers to build the church. “I will build My church” (Matthew 16:18).
7. Evidence Simon was being transformed.
a. When Jesus was arrested, he did not fight, but ran away.
b. What Jesus said when arrested, “Jesus answered, ‘My kingdom is not of this world. If My kingdom were of this world, My servants would fight, so that I should not be delivered to the Jews; but now My kingdom is not from here’” (John 18:36).
8. Simon the freedom fighter served faithfully with the other disciples after Jesus’ resurrection (Acts 1:13; 4:33; 6:2).
B. TEN PRINCIPLES TO LEARN FROM SIMON
1. Every follower of Jesus should demonstrate zeal and wholehearted commitment.
2. The principle that inward obedience is reflected in outward actions.
3. The Zeal Is Not Enough Principle. While zeal demonstrates outward devotion, zeal can be faked, so zeal is not enough by itself.
4. The Principle Of Zeal Affirmed. Because Jesus chose Simon the Zealot, shows the Master uses those with outward enthusiasm.
5. The Zeal Attracts Zeal Principle. A disciple using great zeal will attract zealous people to follow Jesus.
6. The Balance Ministry Principle. Jesus wants followers who are intellectual, who work hard, who are disciplined, who are deeply spiritual as well as those with lots of zeal.
7. The Potential Principle. Jesus did not choose Simon the Zealot for his strength in zeal, but for how he could be transformed.
8. The Render Unto Caesar Principle (Matthew 22:21). When you apply this principle, you render unto God the things that are God’s.
9. The recognition of human government. Jesus came to teach His principles of the kingdom, but God still recognized the need for local government and its rule (Romans 13:1-7).
10. The principles that unity from various sources can serve an ultimate purpose. Jesus brought all types of men together as disciples to complete His mission.
If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:
Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.
Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.
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