MARK 3:13–19
We may be inclined to ignore a list of names when we come across one in the Bible. However, there are gems to be found, like the list of the twelve apostles that Jesus appointed to serve in His name. Among them is Simon, whom Jesus referred to as Peter, the rock. James and John, brothers, were fishermen. The traitor Judas Iscariot. However, it is easy to forget that Simon the Zealot and Matthew the tax collector were once rivals.
Matthew, a tax collector for Rome, was seen as collaborating with the enemy, while Simon the Zealot, a Jewish nationalist, was dedicated to a group seeking to overthrow Rome.
Matthew and Simon, despite holding opposing political beliefs, do not appear to engage in disagreements, suggesting they successfully left their previous allegiances behind as they followed Christ.
Focusing on Jesus, God who became Man, can foster unity among believers through the Holy Spirit bond.
📷: Denis-Art
