Clerestory Windows Series: Simon

This window represents the Apostle Simon. The oar signifies that he traveled the sea. The saw and the battle ax signify that he was either sawed apart or beheaded.

What do we know about Simon? He is only mentioned in the apostolic lists. We are given his name, but little other information about him is offered. The best clue we have to who this man was comes from the book of Luke (6:15), where he is listed as "Simon, who was called the Zealot." The Zealots were a political party of fanatical Jewish nationals ready to go to any length to preserve their ancient customs and restore the old land. Violence and terrorism were common tactics of the group. They plundered villages and killed their own people for having anything to do with the Romans.

Simon was a wild-eyed revolutionary. If he were actively searching for a messiah, it would have been one who would restore power to God’s chosen people through force, a conqueror, not a carpenter from Nazareth who ministered to Gentiles and healed the slaves of Roman centurions. Yet, in the company of that carpenter, he became a new man. God’s redeeming grace became visible in the person of Jesus, and Simon followed. The murderer became a missionary. A man who had been consumed with hatred toward his fellow man began to teach that God’s love comes to all, regardless of national boundaries. Only with God’s grace are such things possible.

Brandon Gilliam

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