Loving Each Other Isn’t Easy
The command of Jesus in John 13:35, “By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another,” lands with particular weight when considering the political and philosophical extremes among the twelve disciples. Their diverse backgrounds vividly illustrate the transformative power of Jesus’ teachings and the call to unity and love above all else. This scenario is akin to a beautifully orchestrated symphony from a group of instruments that, at first glance, seem discordant and out of sync. Let’s explore the diversity among the disciples and how, under normal circumstances, their differences might have led to discord rather than harmony.
Simon the Zealot and Matthew the Tax Collector represent the disciples’ most striking political and ideological extremes.
Simon the Zealot was likely associated with the Zealots, a Jewish political movement that fiercely opposed Roman occupation and sought to overthrow it. Zealots were known for their passionate patriotism and were willing to use violence to achieve their goals. They despised anyone who compromised with the Romans or seemed to betray the Jewish cause.Matthew, the tax collector, on the other hand, would have been viewed as a collaborator with the Roman oppressors. Tax collectors were often Jews who worked for the Roman authorities, collecting taxes from their fellow Jews. They were widely hated and considered traitors and sinners, not just for their association with Rome but also because they frequently extorted more than the required taxes for their personal gain.The inclusion of Simon the Zealot and Matthew the tax collector within Jesus’ inner circle is a powerful testament to the radical nature of Jesus’ message and mission. In a world where one’s political and social affiliations define one’s identity and relationships, Jesus called individuals from the opposite ends of the political spectrum to follow Him together and love one another deeply. This was a revolutionary command, challenging them to transcend their deep-seated prejudices and hatred for the sake of a higher kingdom—the kingdom of God. This radical call to love and unity should inspire us with the Gospel’s transformative power.
The journey of these disciples, from potentially despising each other to becoming brothers in Christ, was challenging. It was a testament to the Gospel’s transformative power, which required them to let go of their former identities and prejudices and embrace a new identity in Christ. Their struggle and eventual transformation illustrate the essence of Jesus’ teachings on love and unity, inviting us to empathize with their journey and reflect on our own.
In essence, the love Jesus commanded among His disciples is not merely a human effort but a divine gift transcending human differences. It’s reminiscent of Paul’s words in Galatians 3:28, “There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” The disciples’ experience challenges us to look beyond our differences, whether political, ideological, or otherwise, and to see each other through Christ’s love.
As you reflect on this, remember that the church today is also called to this kind of radical love and unity. In a world that is increasingly polarized, the call to love as Jesus loved is not just a suggestion but a vital command for the witness of the church. Let us, therefore, be encouraged to seek unity and love within our communities, not by ignoring our differences but by embracing them within the greater reality of our identity in Christ. In doing so, we truly become a light to the world, a testament to the transforming power of the Gospel that can bring together the most unlikely of allies in His name.
