Lesson 6: James the Less, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot
Read Matthew 10:1-4; Acts 1:9-14
Video blog (by Mike)
Dagger Man (by Richard)
15,000 experienced Roman soldiers, the 10th Legion, advanced on about 1,000 Jewish nationalists with little military experience at Masada. It would take the Romans more than 2 years to conquer Masada. When they did they found that all but 7 of the Jews committed suicide rather than be subject to Roman tyranny. This famous ancient story, well supported by archaeological evidence, gives us insight into one of the men Jesus called.Of the twelve men Jesus called, at least one, Simon, was a Jewish nationalist with a violent streak, that is, a zealot (Luke 6:16). Zealots resorted to violence to support their cause of taking down the occupying army. They were also called Sicarii, literally "dagger men", because of their fondness for the sica, a Roman dagger.
Simon was a very serious man who was very passionate about his beliefs, even if it cost him his life or his freedom. As with the other disciples we've considered, Simon's greatest weakness would become his strength for Jesus. Isn't it remarkable how even our poor choices are turned to good by God when He restores us to the spiritual beings we are intended to be? Simon, once called by Jesus, turns from being a misguided, violent insurgent into a Jesus-guided, wholly immersed advocate of an entirely different kingdom.
Is it any wonder that just touching the hem of Jesus' garment will heal? Confronting who Jesus is will transform you into a spiritual being with a cause that you are already equipped to do (Ephesians 2:10).
Do you know passionate people? Is there passion focused on spiritual things? If not, how close might they be to righting their own ship once they're confronted with the person of Jesus in their life?
Do you see how easily Jesus would change a passion for family, sports or advocacy into zeal for His kingdom? When you see passion, look for Jesus.
(Picture above in public domain: HERE)
Study Questions
Feel free to answer any or all questions in the comment section below for interaction with fellow participants~Thx
1. Are you (or were you) a primary person in your work situation (ie. owner, boss, manager, etc.) or are you (were you) a secondary/support person and what are (were) your responsibilities in your role?
2. James the Less is referred to as such and it could be for a number of reasons. Do you think that maybe because his stature, position and ministry as one of the Twelve was less important and that’s why not much is said about him in the Scriptures?
3. Do you know anybody who goes by three names? What are the three names? (Thaddaeus: Three names for the same guy. "Thaddaeus" in Mark 3:18; "Lebbaeus" in Matthew 10:3, the King James Version; "Judas" in Luke 6:16 and Acts 1:13.)
4. Do you think there is ever a time where violence is appropriate in either defending or promoting a religion?
Labels: aheartforgod, bible study, mcProdigal, men jesus called
posted by Mike C @ 6:08 AM
2 Comments
2 Comments:
This week's study has me appreciating the Kingdom principle of God that rewards those who embrace a "last" is ok mentality. Really living under the influence of that truth has stripped the spirit of competition off of me and frees me to concentrate on how I can serve instead of better position myself. This is one of the evidences for me that Jesus is alive. It's not a human "knowing", it is a spiritually descerned and believed revelation. I wrote a little bit about it here http://bit.ly/fn7HQE.
This is an awesome statement
" When you see passion, look for Jesus."
1. Are you (or were you) a primary person in your work situation (ie. owner, boss, manager, etc.) or are you (were you) a secondary/support person and what are (were) your responsibilities in your role? as someone that is in a position where I currently do both...I manage as well as am a support person to several people its important to be passionate about the "little" mundane things as well as the big projects that require big thinking. One thing I've found is that regardless of the task at hand, passionate people tend to do their best - even if no "kudos" are given. They are driven to simply do their best and that is what we all need to do.
2. James the Less is referred to as such and it could be for a number of reasons. Do you think that maybe because his stature, position and ministry as one of the Twelve was less important and that’s why not much is said about him in the Scriptures? In the body of Christ we are all important. When we start looking at who is the most important AND if that person is not Christ, then the dysfunction begins. We need to remember that we all work together for a common purpose and are all important to the Kingdom of heaven.
3. Do you know anybody who goes by three names? What are the three names? (Thaddaeus: Three names for the same guy. "Thaddaeus" in Mark 3:18; "Lebbaeus" in Matthew 10:3, the King James Version; "Judas" in Luke 6:16 and Acts 1:13.)
nope, not at all. unless of course nick names count...and lets just say we don't even want to go there. :)
4. Do you think there is ever a time where violence is appropriate in either defending or promoting a religion? no, violence is never the answer. i find that we need to "sow the seed" and let God give the increase. We are to simply deliver the message and not worry with the outcome. I never debate, i never argue. I'll gladly chat and answer questions, but I won't force my opinions nor will I have opinions forced on me.
{{{{Hugs}}}}
@spreadingJOY
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