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SearchTo Simon Zelotes – Let Go of Worldly Ideas
Jesus now went over to Simon Zelotes, who stood up and listened to this admonition: "You are a
true son of Abraham, but what a time I have had trying to make you a son of this heavenly
kingdom. I love you and so do all of your brethren. I know that you love me, Simon, and that you
also love the kingdom, but you are still set on making this kingdom come according to your
liking. I know full well that you will eventually grasp the spiritual nature and meaning of my
gospel, and that you will do valiant work in its proclamation, but I am distressed about what may
happen to you when I depart. I would rejoice to know that you would not falter; I would be made
happy if I could know that, after I go to the Father, you would not cease to be my apostle, and
that you would acceptably deport yourself as an ambassador of the heavenly kingdom."
Jesus had hardly ceased speaking to Simon Zelotes when the fiery patriot, drying his eyes,
replied: "Master, have no fears for my loyalty. I have turned my back upon everything that I
might dedicate my life to the establishment of your kingdom on earth, and I will not falter. I have
survived every disappointment so far, and I will not forsake you."
And then, laying his hand on Simon's shoulder, Jesus said: "It is indeed refreshing to hear you
talk like that, especially at such a time as this, but, my good friend, you still do not know what
you are talking about. Not for one moment would I doubt your loyalty, your devotion; I know
you would not hesitate to go forth in battle and die for me, as all these others would" (and they
all nodded a vigorous approval), "but that will not be required of you. I have repeatedly told you
that my kingdom is not of this world, and that my disciples will not fight to effect its
establishment. I have told you this many times, Simon, but you refuse to face the truth. I am not
concerned with your loyalty to me and to the kingdom, but what will you do when I go away and
you at last wake up to the realization that you have failed to grasp the meaning of my teaching,
and that you must adjust your misconceptions to the reality of another and spiritual order of
affairs in the kingdom?"
Simon wanted to speak further, but Jesus raised his hand and, stopping him, went on to say:
"None of my apostles are more sincere and honest at heart than you, but not one of them will be
so upset and disheartened as you, after my departure. In all of your discouragement my spirit
shall abide with you, and these, your brethren, will not forsake you. Do not forget what I have
taught you regarding the relation of citizenship on earth to sonship in the Father's spiritual
kingdom. Ponder well all that I have said to you about rendering to Caesar the things which are
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Caesar's and to God that which is God's. Dedicate your life, Simon, to showing how acceptably
mortal man may fulfill my injunction concerning the simultaneous recognition of temporal duty
to civil powers and spiritual service in the brotherhood of the kingdom. If you will be taught by
the Spirit of Truth, never will there be conflict between the requirements of citizenship on earth
and sonship in heaven unless the temporal rulers presume to require of you the homage and
worship which belong only to God.
"And now, Simon, when you do finally see all of this, and after you have shaken off your
depression and have gone forth proclaiming this gospel in great power, never forget that I was
with you even through all of your season of discouragement, and that I will go on with you to the
very end. You shall always be my apostle, and after you become willing to see by the eye of the
spirit and more fully to yield your will to the will of the Father in heaven, then will you return to
labor as my ambassador, and no one shall take away from you the authority which I have
conferred upon you, because of your slowness of comprehending the truths I have taught you.
And so, Simon, once more I warn you that they who fight with the sword perish with the sword,
while they who labor in the spirit achieve life everlasting in the kingdom to come with joy and
peace in the kingdom which now is. And when the work given into your hands is finished on
earth, you, Simon, shall sit down with me in my kingdom over there. You shall really see the
kingdom you have longed for, but not in this life. Continue to believe in me and in that which I
have revealed to you, and you shall receive the gift of eternal life."