Which Simon are you?  by: Mary Kathryn Hughes

Perhaps the most well-known Simon of the New Testament is Simon Peter, one of Jesus’ first disciples. He is remembered best, perhaps, for seemingly being unable to keep his foot out of his mouth. Much can be said of Simon Peter, a fisherman who was called to follow Jesus. He was bold and brash, slow to think and quick to speak. But when I think of Simon Peter, I think only of the great love and forgiveness of our wonderful Lord. Simon Peter, a man who swore he would never leave his Master, denied Jesus three times. How often does my traitorous heart wish to do the same! And yet, our Savior saw Simon Peter’s repentant heart and forgave him. The love of our Father is so great that He even uses those who have formerly rejected Him. Simon Peter is a wonderful reminder of God’s love and forgiveness.

Simon the Canaanite (also known as the Zealot) does not play a large role in the Scripture. However, we know that he was one of Jesus’ disciples. Other than that, one can only assume that he was called a zealot in accordance with the groups of men who opposed Roman rule. When I think about this Simon, I picture a hot-tempered man with a strong desire to see what is wrong changed to that which is right. No doubt all of us wish that our communities were more in line with what we think is good and acceptable, but few of us go so far as to be known for our zealous pursuit of what we believe to be right. Simon, however, was known for his passion. We should take his personality as a reminder of what we should be in regards to our walk with Christ. We should be known as passionate in our pursuit of righteousness, zealous in our walk with Jesus.

We know that Jesus healed lepers several times, but there is one leper mentioned in the New Testament that is not in connection with the healing power of Jesus. Simon [the leper] was his name, and all we know about him from Scripture is that Jesus dined in his house at least once. Why is there no mention of Jesus healing the man? Perhaps He did, and Scripture simply does not record it. It is interesting, though, that Simon’s leprosy is specifically mentioned. It helps me when I think of all the ways that I am still unwell in my life, though by Jesus’ stripes I was healed long ago. Jesus does not ostracize. He does not turn away from those who are imperfect. Instead, He spends time with them. Did He not dine with a leper? Whether Jesus healed Simon or not, whether He saves me from all the difficulties of life or not, it should be enough to know that He is with me.

Simon of Cyrene- wow! The man who carried Jesus’ cross. What was he thinking that horrible day as he shouldered the instrument of our Savior’s torture and death? Was he a believer? Did he have any understanding of the significance of that long walk? I wonder if he felt compassion for Jesus, or if he scorned Him. Whatever his personal feelings, Simon of Cyrene is an achingly beautiful demonstration of our charge to daily take up our crosses and follow Jesus. The cross represents suffering, loneliness, and death, but at the same time it shines forth the glory of salvation. I will remember Simon of Cyrene, not for what he thought or who he was, but for the cross he bore, and I will remind myself to take up my own cross daily.

Judas Iscariot’s father was named Simon. This man’s son was the one destined to betray the Lover of mankind and Savior of the world. I cannot imagine what his life must have been like. Scripture tells us nothing about him; all we have are questions. I do hope, however, that he did not have a heart like that of his son. I hope I will meet him in heaven.

Is there any argument for salvation coming by works of the flesh? The story of Simon the sorcerer answers with a shout of “NO!” A Samaritan, Simon practiced sorcery, believing himself to be something great. Surely he would not be eligible for salvation! Such a man who was filled with the evil of Satan could never be washed clean, could he? Wrong! God shows forth His encompassing love in the salvation of a Samaritan sorcerer. Simon’s history proves that we are not saved because of who we think we are, or who others think we are, but because we have faith, repent of our sins, and turn to walk with Jesus. Salvation has come to all the world! To the Samaritans, scorned by the Jews for centuries! To the sorcerer, if he will only repent and follow the Savior! The wells of God’s salvation are truly deep and wide.

There was a tanner in Joppa named Simon, with whom Peter stayed some time. Other than his profession, the Bible gives us no information about this man. I assume, though, that since Peter lived with him for some amount of time, he was at least presented with the gospel. Whether he accepted it or not, we do not know. However, there is one thought that presents itself to me when I consider how Simon opened his home to Peter. The apostle was far from his own home and family doing the will of God. Simon gave Peter shelter and food. It is extremely important that we support those in the ministry. For are we not all ministers of the gospel that we have received? Some are called to go and tell; others are called to support the tellers. Do not forget Simon the tanner, however little he may be mentioned. He represents an important ministry that is often overlooked.

Jesus had several brothers and at least two sisters. One of Jesus' brothers was named Simon. What must it have been like to grow up with the Son of God? An older brother who never did anything wrong, never got in trouble. I can’t imagine that it was easy. Did Simon love Jesus? Did he accept Him as the Messiah? We don’t know. But it is good to remember that the road that Jesus walked, and calls us to walk, is never easy. He tells us to leave our father and mother, brother and sister to follow Him. Yet He asks us no more than that which He did. Did Simon love Jesus? The answer to that question is unclear. But we are certain that whether Simon believed in his oldest brother or not, Jesus was going to remain true to His call, and He demands that we do the same.

Simon (Simeon) who was called Niger was a leader at a church in Antioch. Along with others, he prayed over Saul and Barnabas and sent them out to do the work of the Lord. Nothing else is said about him. How important are the leaders of the flock! Jesus said that in the deception of the last days, His sheep would be without good shepherds. But this does not seem to be the case with Simon who was called Niger. Would that men would rise up and lead God’s people to follow Him in holiness!

There was one called Simon to whom Jesus appeared after His resurrection. He and another man were walking along the road when Jesus appeared, but they did not know who He was at that moment. The three of them spoke of the happenings concerning the Messiah, and later, as they were breaking bread, their eyes were opened, and they knew it was He. They carried the message of His resurrection far and wide, shouting, “ The Lord has risen, and Simon has seen Him!” All of us who have come to know Jesus should have this same desire to share what we have received. “The Lord has saved me! He has set me free!” should be our cry.   

The Simons of the New Testament vary widely in their trades, nationalities, and personalities. Most of them are only briefly mentioned in the Scriptures, but all of them are wonderful reminders of how we should walk with Jesus. No matter our names, professions, families, or histories, Jesus calls us to partake of His salvation and forgiveness, take up our crosses, and follow Him.