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Move City Church
Zealots
In the years between the Old and New Testament there was silence from the LORD, and an enormous historical shift that set the stage for the arrival of Jesus. The world Jesus was born into was deeply entrenched in cultural struggle and in the midst of a battle of worldviews. Before we look closer at the life of Jesus and the beginning of the church, we need to understand how some different Jewish groups were responding to this new worldview shift. It will help us realize who Jesus is working with and talking to in the gospel accounts…And it just might help us find our place in the story.
Locations & Times
Move City Church
200 North Ave, Sierra Vista, AZ 85635, USA
Sunday 10:00 AM
Note: The Hebrew word "qanah" means zealous, or passionately jealous. It carries a romantic overtone as in the jealousy of a lover for a spouse.
- Phinehas was a hero (Psalm 106:28-31)
- Part of the Hasidim ("pious ones") who strictly followed Torah
- Lived in more secretive, protected communities (around Galilee)
- Fought for a social and political revolution
- A more radicalized and violent movement
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Redemptive Violence: They believed that God would save His people through partnering with Him in political rebellion and faithful, violent commitment (like was experienced at Hanukkah).
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See: Acts 5:35-39, 21:38, 22:3-5
Suggested Further Study: 1 Maccabees is not a biblical book, but is included in some versions of the Catholic printing. It includes a historical summary of some of the exploits of the Zealots.
- The overthrow of the Greeks (164 BCE)
- Miraculous oil provision and Hanukkah
- Multiple attempts to forcibly remove the Roman government
- Last stands and Josephus Flavius (AD 72-73)
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“Since we, long ago, my generous friends, resolved never to be servants to the Romans, not to any other than to God himself, who alone is the true and just Lord of mankind, the time is now come that obliges us to make that resolution true in practice.” - Eleazar (The Leader at Masada)
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Note: One of the Twelve disciples of Jesus was consistently called "Simon the Zealot" (Matthew 10:4; Mark 3:18; Luke 6:15; Acts 1:13)
Positives:
- Zeal is critical to staying faithful to God (John 2:17)
- They stayed prepared and even trained for worse-case
- Extreme dedication and committed to action (James 1:22)
Negatives:
- Vulnerable to unnecessary conflicts (Romans 12:18)
- Known for force rather than faith (Philippians 3:3-7, 2 Corinthians 10:3-5)
- Don't see what God is doing (Romans 10:1-3)
Warnings:
- Politics cannot be a substitute for godliness
(1 Timothy 4:8, Matthew 7:21-23, 1 Thessalonians 4:11-12)
- Do not let action overshadow beliefs
(Luke 10:38-42, James 2:14-18, Proverbs 4:23)
What do you find yourself feeling passionate about?
How is God leading you?