Part 8, Overcoming the Disciples’ Challenges series
Selected Passages
“The Zealots were revolutionaries who plotted actively against the Roman oppression. That the Pharisees did not react in this way was perhaps because of their belief in Providence: what happens is the will of God, and their free will is expressed in the context of trust and piety in conjunction with an eschatological hope of winning God’s Kingdom through obedience to Law.” Britannica, Biblical Literature, https://www.britannica.com/topic
1. Jesus teaches revolutionary viewpoints.
“10 When he was alone, the Twelve and the others around him asked him about the parables. 11 He told them, “The secret of the kingdom of God has been given to you. But to those on the outside everything is said in parables 12 so that, “‘they may be ever seeing but never perceiving, and ever hearing but never understanding; otherwise, they might turn and be forgiven!” Mark 4:10-12
“Completely new and having a great effect.”
Revolution Meaning, Cambridge Dictionary, https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/revolutionary
· Jesus often taught with revolutionary viewpoints soliciting interests among his disciples.
· He explained that His kingdom will have people whose heart have been filled with faith in God’s word.
· The kingdom life is about growing in faith and producing works of faith.
· His kingdom is greater than all human kingdom.
36 “My kingdom is not of this world. If it were, my servants would fight to prevent my arrest by the Jewish leaders. But now my kingdom is from another place.” 37 “You are a king, then!” said Pilate.” John 18:36-37
· Completely revolutionary for Simon the Zealot.
· Understanding the world from Jesus’ revolutionary point of views is an important skill that needed time to develop.
· Understanding begins with creating an open space in our learning process.
2. Jesus asserts His viewpoints to His disciples.
“14 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons.” Mark 6:14.
· Jesus trained His disciples for three years.
· The closest disciples became apostles whom given authority.
“6 Start children off on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” Proverbs 22:6.
· The early formation of a godly mind will shape the heart of God’s people.
· The Bible does not merely suggest but strongly asserts to the parents their mandate to shape the mind in their children to protect them from the evils of this world.
· With the proliferation of evil ideas online, there is now a greater sense of urgency. You must create a time to talk to your children.
3. Jesus teaches revolutionary viewpoints to draw people.
“14 He appointed twelve that they might be with him and that he might send them out to preach 15 and to have authority to drive out demons. 16 These are the twelve he appointed: Simon (to whom he gave the name Peter), 17 James son of Zebedee and his brother John (to them he gave the name Boanerges, which means “sons of thunder”), 18 Andrew, Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew, Thomas, James son of Alphaeus, Thaddaeus, Simon the Zealot 19 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.” Mark 6:14-18.
· Jesus orchestrated the people we meet to change lives. v.14.
· God can move our hearts toward specific persons and works to get us attached with one another.
· Levi used to work for the Roman government, while Simon the Zealot worked against the pagan Rome.
· Jesus taught them how to love each. “34 “Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. 35 By this everyone will know that you are my disciples if you love one another.” John 13:34-35.
· The Bible taught us a revolutionary way to love, “4 Love is patient, love is kind...” 1 Corinthians 13:4-7
Two important lessons:
· If Jesus is the King of your life, you must submit to him, and let go all your viewpoints that contradicts His.
· Since Jesus puts us together, let us work together.