How Matthew the Tax Collector and Simon the Zealot Show Us a Path Forward
Have you ever felt overwhelmed by the political tension around you? Maybe you’ve noticed how these divides can even creep into church life, making it harder for us to love one another and work together. It’s easy to feel discouraged, but Jesus offers a vision for unity that goes far beyond political categories. Let’s explore how His example—especially in bringing together Matthew the tax collector and Simon the zealot—can inspire us to recover a kingdom vision that transcends our differences.
Jesus’ Radical Call: Matthew and Simon—Political Opposites
Picture the scene: Jesus chooses His disciples, and among them are Matthew, a tax collector, and Simon, a zealot. These two men couldn’t be more different. Matthew worked for the Roman government, collecting taxes that many Jews despised. Simon, on the other hand, was a zealot—a member of a group fiercely opposed to Roman rule, willing to fight for Jewish freedom. Yet Jesus called both to follow Him, placing them side by side in the same group. He didn’t ask them to change their pasts before joining; instead, He invited them to become part of something bigger—a kingdom that wasn’t defined by political allegiance.
The Kingdom of God: Beyond Political Categories
Jesus’ vision for the kingdom of God breaks the mold. It isn’t about supporting one side or another, but about a new way of living, rooted in love, grace, and humility. In His kingdom, people from all backgrounds are welcomed and transformed. Matthew and Simon are living proof that Jesus brings together those the world would expect to be enemies. The kingdom calls us to focus not on what separates us, but on Who unites us.
The Church’s Current Struggle: Mirroring Worldly Divisions
Sadly, the church today often reflects the same political divisions seen in society. We sometimes find ourselves judging or distancing from others based on their opinions or affiliations. This isn’t what Jesus intended. When political differences become stumbling blocks, we lose sight of His call to unity. The challenge for us is to resist letting these divides dictate how we relate to one another and instead embrace the radical love Jesus modeled.
Wisdom from Above: James 3:17 and Its Implications
James 3:17 describes “wisdom from above” as pure, peace-loving, gentle, open to reason, full of mercy and good fruits, impartial, and sincere. Imagine what our churches would look like if we sought this kind of wisdom! Instead of clinging to our own perspectives, we could listen, learn, and extend grace. Wisdom from above isn’t about having all the right answers; it’s about embodying Christ’s spirit in how we treat others, especially those who see things differently.
Recovering the Kingdom Vision: Practical Steps for Unity
- Pray for wisdom and humility. Ask God to help you see people through His eyes, beyond politics or opinions.
- Build relationships across divides. Spend time with those who think differently, and seek to understand their stories.
- Focus on what unites. Remember that our shared faith in Christ is stronger than any worldly difference.
- Practice forgiveness and grace. When disagreements arise, let love lead the way, refusing to hold grudges.
- Promote peace and understanding. Encourage conversations that are respectful and centered on reconciliation.
Conclusion: Embodying Christ’s Transformative Love
Jesus united Matthew and Simon, showing us that the kingdom of God is big enough for all. He invites us to embody unity and love, following His example. As we move forward, let’s commit to living out this kingdom vision—loving past political divides, seeking wisdom from above, and becoming a community marked by grace. When we do, we reflect the heart of Christ and show the world what true unity looks like.
Minister A Francine Green
February 2026