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 considerd, 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.

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