Simon’s Leadership

Synopsis     1Maccabees 12:51-13:18     3/3/2021 

Tyrpho tricked Jonathan at Ptolemais. So, Jonathan was captured along with one thousand of his men. Immediately, Trypho killed the men. But he held Jonathan hostage. Afterwards, he sent his army against Simon in Galilee. But Simon and his men put up a fight. So, the enemy departed. And then, Simon made his way back to Judea.  

Since Jonathan was captured, the people elected Simon to lead them. Immediately after, Simon sent forces to capture the coastal city Joppa. In response, Trypho marched from Ptolemais toward Judea. And so, Simon positioned his forces to meet him. 

Trypho recognized that Simon’s forces were still too strong for him. So, he offered to exchange Jonathan for one hundred talents of silver and Jonathan’s two sons.  

Although he believed Trypho would most likely renege, Simon paid the ransom.  

Simon’s Leadership 

The strength of the Israelite army had not changed. And yet, the people feared Trypho after he captured Jonathan. In fact, the people nearly panicked until Simon was chosen leader. 

Leadership 

I am not God. This is the lesson from the Garden of Eden. I cannot lead myself in any absolute sense. Thus, I am created to follow. 

Now, to “Christ follow” means to be led by the Holy Spirit. So, there is a sobering implication to discipleship. My good-faith attempt to follow the Holy Spirit – is the light of the world.  

Others are watching. And hoping.  

“Be imitators of me, as I am of Christ.” 1Cor 11:1