Northridge Assembly of God
When Ordinary is Extraordinary: James-The Less, Simon-The Zealot, Judas-(Not Iscariot)
Part 9 in the When Ordinary is Extraordinary: James-The Less, Simon-The Zealot, Judas-(Not Iscariot)
Locations & Times
Northridge Assembly of God
3025 Independence Ave, Grand Island, NE 68803, USA
Sunday 10:14 AM
Luke 18:28 Peter says, “…We’ve left our homes to follow you.”
These apostles were portrayed as ordinary men, who were just real people.
These apostles were portrayed as ordinary men, who were just real people.
The Gospel records simply do not portray these men today as heroes, UNTIL the Holy Spirit empowers them.
The Gospels tell us that Jesus loves to use weak and common people.
The Gospels tell us that Jesus loves to use weak and common people.
He was just using vivid imagery to speak of the absolute commitment He required of His followers.
First, let’s look at JAMES, SON OF ALPHAEUS.
The ONLY thing that Scripture tells us about him is his name. If he ever wrote anything, it has never been found.
Practically all we know about this James is that he was the son of Alphaeus.
Practically all we know about this James is that he was the son of Alphaeus.
In Mark 15:40, we learn that this James’ mother was named Mary. She was a devoted follower of the Lord.
She was an eyewitness to the crucifixion. She also is one of the women who came to prepare Jesus’ body for burial.
She was an eyewitness to the crucifixion. She also is one of the women who came to prepare Jesus’ body for burial.
This James definitely stayed in the background with a very low profile.
He WAS one of the 12.
He WAS one of the 12.
We don’t know who these people were by name, but they certainly loved the Lord and made a big impact by their lives. To them being recognized was certainly NOT IMPORTANT.
Eternity will reveal the names and the testimonies of these, whom this world knows nothing about.
Eternity will reveal the names and the testimonies of these, whom this world knows nothing about.
SECONDLY, I want us to look at: SIMON THE ZEALOT
Simon was apparently at one time a member of the political party known as the Zealots.
The secular historian, Josephus, tells us that there were 4 basic groups of people among the Jews at that time.
1. The Pharisees
2. The Sadducees
3. The Essenes(though not listed in the Bible)
4. The Zealots
The secular historian, Josephus, tells us that there were 4 basic groups of people among the Jews at that time.
1. The Pharisees
2. The Sadducees
3. The Essenes(though not listed in the Bible)
4. The Zealots
The Zealots were very politically minded. They HATED the Romans.
The Zealots were extremists in every sense. The Zealots were militant, violent outlaws.
The Zealots were extremists in every sense. The Zealots were militant, violent outlaws.
No matter what kind of hatred you may have in your life, JESUS CAN TAKE IT AWAY.
SIMON believed the truth and embraced JESUS as his Lord and Savior.
SIMON believed the truth and embraced JESUS as his Lord and Savior.
THIRDLY, let’s look at: JUDAS, SON OF JAMES.
These three apostles that we have looked at today, didn’t get a lot written about them, but they were still very successful in the Kingdom. Jesus KNEW they would be effective, and that’s why he chose them.
What about you today? You will probably never be famous, but will you serve the Lord quietly and still influence other people?