The Followers of Jesus and What They Can Teach Us About Unity (Even if We Can’t Stand Each Other Ideologically)

We are at a crossroads as a nation. We are divided and it seems that there is no hope of reconciliation. There are a myriad of reasons why I think this division exists and in my reasoning, many others would absolutely disagree with me and claim I am part of the problem that they are trying to defeat. I understand this. It seems that these political and philosophical divisions are so great, the divide so wide, that sometimes there is no use in even attempting a discussion. It almost seems easier to let the two paths continue until they eventually collide and let the chips fall where they may.

This fatalist outlook can seem like the only solution to our current problems. Each side (including MY side)is digging themselves deeper into their positions and making conversation almost impossible. Emotion controls the narrative and middle ground is actually a no man’s land in between two established trenches. Hostility seems like the only possible solution.

But then something else inside of me stirs. This something is better known as someone and is commonly referred to as the Holy Spirit. He reminds me of the evil that both sides are equally capable of committing. He reminds me that omission, complacency, and fatalism are just as sinful as any riot or murder.

So once again, I am hoping to provide a heavenly solution to what seems like an insurmountable earthly problem.

When thinking about these very divisive positions that exist in our society, the New Testament followers of Christ come to mind. Two individuals primarily standout when discussing insurmountable differences: Simon the Zealot and Matthew the Tax Collector. Both have very little descriptive info or background within the New Testament, but their names, and a basic understanding of first century Palestine, provide all the details necessary for relating to the two people that would not or could not be united in the same cause.

The descriptor “the Zealot” tells us that Simon was an enemy of the state. At least the occupying state of Rome that currently governed his homeland by proxy. For Simon, Rome was an invading force that defiled everything he saw as holy. His land, his temple, and his people were continually abused by the Romans and he had taken to the goal of Roman removal by any means necessary. Therefore, riots, murder, terrorism, sabotage, and any other scheme were all on the table in his possible activities against the occupiers. Anything that represented Roman rule, Simon hated.

Matthew the Tax Collector, on the other hand, was a symbol of entrepreneurial opportunism. He did not mind, or was willing to overlook, Roman rule. In fact, he saw it as an opportunity to improve the financial and societal situation of himself, and possibly his family. He more than likely endured much scorn for his profession, but worked hard for what he had and was probably thankful for the system that made it possible.

Simon saw Matthew as a traitor and representative of everything wrong with his people. Matthew saw Simon as a threat to his way of life and the possible destruction of everything he worked hard for.

The odd thing is, both found themselves following a homeless Rabbi named Jesus. Jesus taught against both of their ideologies. The tax collectors were often presented as unworthy and in need of deep repentance due to the lack of empathy for their fellow Jews. The zealots tried to rush the will of God and institute a system that was based on their own fantasies rather than an actual representation of God’s kingdom. Both had the world figured out and knew exactly what needed to be done for the success of their own ideology. The problem was, they ran into someone who transcended the world.

Jesus showed them both that they were in need of him primarily, but also that both of their systems had the possibility of the greatest evil imaginable. In fact, history shows us what happened when the two worlds collided. In 66–73 CE, the zealots successfully revolted. As a result, everything they held dear was destroyed. The wrath of Rome was insatiable. Those that were in a similar situation as Matthew probably starved to death, the source of their wealth drying up and turning on them. Those that were peers to Simon were either cut down or committed suicide in a last act of rebellion after a few years of hiding. The world rejected both of their philosophies and many were dead as a result. The Jews as a people would never be the same and would be a homeless nation for close to 1900 years.

So now we look at a similar collision that seems to be taking shape. We get to decide if we are going to continue on our present course, and let the world devour us all, or are we going to look for that one Man that transcends the earthly madness? It doesn’t work if we try to fit him under the umbrella of our causes. He showed the foolishness of that during his earthly ministry as well. Instead, we have to trust that he is aware of both sides and is willing to instruct each as to their strengths and shortcomings, like in the example of Matthew and Simon. But know this, without Jesus, there is only one result looming in our future.