Twelve Were Chosen
A Study of the Original Apostles
James the Less, Simon the Zealot, and Judas Not Iscariot
Faces in the Crowd
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is on biblical information about James the Less, Simon the Zealot, and Judas, Not Iscariot. Of special note is how the life of these men was transformed by Jesus as they grew spiritually. Although known only by their names, we learn valuable lessons in faithfulness and selflessness.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Learn the characteristics of the apostles that enable us to influence others for Jesus.
- Feel: Value the apostles as role models in serving the Lord.
- Do: Apply the characteristics of the apostles in our life of faithful service to the Lord.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as “right or wrong” responses.
- Named in each of the listings of the apostles and in mark 15:40
- Referred to as, James the Less or James the younger
- 10th named apostle in Luke and 11th in Matthew and Mark
- Referred to as a Zealot and sometimes a Canaanite
Zealots were part of a political group sworn to overthrow Roman rule and to kill those who supported Rome. This would have included Matthew the tax collector. They were extremists who interpreted the Law literally and were thought of as violent outlaws. They were looking for the Messiah to overthrow Rome and establish the former glory of Israel.
Simon's passion and commitment would enable him to be faithful to Jesus as he faced challenges to being an apostle for Christ. We can learn from this to use our strengths to help us in our commitment to serve as disciples. We too face challenges that can destroy or weaken our faith.
Judas is referred to by John as Judas, not Iscariot (John 14:22) and as Lebbaeus whose surname was Thaddeaus in Matthew 10:3.
He is listed in each of the listing of the apostles and once more in John 14:21 as he asks a question of Jesus about showing Himself to the apostles but not the world.
Look for answers that include how they show clearly that it is not about us, but about Jesus. He is the Lord and we are the servants. They demonstrated the greatest commandments of loving God with all our heart, soul, and mind, and our neighbor as ourselves.
We learn that God takes us from where we are and transforms us into what He wants us to be, like his son. Perhaps we see this most in Simon the Zealot as he learned humility, compassion, and love from Jesus.
We also learn that there is glory in the ordinary. They served quietly in the background, looking to learn and do what our Lord asks. They are a standard of excellence for the many silent saints serving faithfully. Their faith endured without having to be noticed and praised.