Judas Iscariot: the most hated disciple and the story I thought I knew

Everyone knows the story of Judas Iscariot. I thought I knew the story of Judas Iscariot. I thought his story would be an easy and straightforward blog post. Because why not? He has become one of the most hated individuals in the Bible. Jesus called him “a devil” (John 6:70-71). To many, he is the villain in Jesus’s story. Throughout history, believers have used his story to humiliate their enemies. He has been hated for his betrayal. He has been pitied. He couldn’t have known what his actions would set in motion. Some even called him a hero of sorts for simply playing his part in God’s plan (Psalm 41:9, Zechariah 11:12,13). While Jesus chose Judas as a disciple, Judas would betray him. Who was Judas? Why would he betray Jesus? What motivations were at work? Why would he jeopardize his relationship with Jesus? What lesson can we take from his life? 

Little is known about Judas’ life before he was chosen by Jesus. It is believed that he came from the town of Kerioth in Judea. Iscariot is Greek derived from the Hebrew ish Kerioth or man of Kerioth (Tate, 2025). His name means “praised” and would have been the fourth most common name of the time, behind Lazarus, Joseph and Simon (Tate, 2025). However, he was known as treacherous and greedy. Judas was a thief as keeper of the money bag and he would help himself to its contents (John 12:6). He would betray Jesus for thirty pieces of silver (Matthew 26:14-16) and a kiss (Matthew 26:48-49, Mark 14:43-51, Luke 22:47-53, John 18:1-11). After he saw Jesus condemned by the Jewish High Council, Judas returned the blood money and killed himself (Matthew 27:3-10, Acts 1:18-19). The saddest statement about Judas is he was so remorseful that he committed suicide and yet he was unrepentant (Tate, 2025). To contrast with Peter’s denial. Peter was remorseful, repented and was restored. It is the different paths remorse can lead us. One without repentance leads to destruction and one with repentance leads to forgiveness.

Judas, like all the disciples, misunderstood Jesus’ mission on earth. They expected Jesus to make political moves and yet he spoke of dying. The Irish band U2 has a great song Until the End of the World (1991 album Achtung Baby) which gives a picture to Judas’s possible internal monologue. The constant topic must have led to feelings of anger, fear and disappointment. When Jesus praised Mary for pouring the perfume (John 12:1-8), Judas’s greed for money and status blinded him to the significance of Mary’s gesture. His desires allowed him to be in a place to be manipulated, seeking favor with the religious leaders instead and when he tried to undo what he had done, it was too late. God’s sovereign plan was already moving. It was not God who rejected Judas, but Judas who rejected God (Winger, 2022). The exact motivation of Judas’ betrayal is unknown; however, it is theorized that he was trying to force Jesus’ hand, He may have wanted to see Jesus fight back and to rebel against the Romans and set up a new Jewish government.  Was he hoping for a prominent place in this new kingdom? Judas’s misunderstanding of Jesus’s mission on earth reminds me, once again, that God’s thoughts and plans are not our thoughts and plans (Isaiah 55:8-9). I cannot pretend to understand his thoughts; but I trust he knows more than I do. 

Judas didn’t lose his relationship with Jesus because he didn’t have one in the first place. One important clue is in Matthew 26:20-30 at the Last Supper. When Jesus spoke about the one who would betray him, the other disciples asked “Surely not, I Lord?” (verse 22) except Judas who asked “Surely, not I, Rabbi?” (verse 25). He was called the “doomed to destruction” (John 17:12). He is a great example of how a person can hear amazing biblical teachings, say and do all the right things and still reject Christ (Faith Bible Church, 2020). There are still Judases among us today. Paul warns in 1 Timothy 4:1, “The Spirit clearly says that in later times some will abandon the faith and follow deceiving spirits and things taught by demons.” Men and women who will publicly convert to Christianity and yet do horrible acts. Men and women who will service in ministry and yet walk away. We are told to examine ourselves (2 Corinthians 13:5) and test ourselves to see if we are in the faith. The saddest aspect of Judas’s story is he took his life not realizing he could seek forgiveness and he would have received it from Jesus. You can’t outsin the grace of God, but you must seek his grace to receive it (Tate, 2025).

The key lessons from Judas’s life are simple and highlight what evil can do in our lives. First, evil, hateful thoughts and motives leave us open to being used for an even greater evil plan of Satan. We must guard our hearts as Proverbs 4:23 calls the hearts “the wellspring of life,” Paul tells that the peace of God will guard our hearts and minds in Jesus and think on praiseworthy things (Philippians 4:7-8). Second, the consequences of evil are so devastating even small lives and little wrongdoings have serious effects. Judas’s story gives us the opportunity for self-reflection on how small ethical compromises can lead to significant moral failures (Roat, 2024). Third, God’s plans and purposes work out even in the worst possible events. God was not blindsided by this betrayal, he used it to help bring salvation to the world (Roat, 2024). Judas’s story helps us evaluate our own relationship with Jesus and our commitment to God. We can ask ourselves: are we true disciples? Or are we uncommitted pretenders? Judas is an example that you can have an abundance of knowledge of who Jesus is, and even experience life with him, and still reject him (Faith Bible Church, 2022). 

Before studying Judas’s story, he was a man I despised. He walked with Jesus and yet betrayed him. After studying his life, I felt pity for him. To be so close to Jesus and yet not see him. I also found myself asking. What would I have done? In conclusion, Judas is a tragic character. Tragic because he is an example that it is not enough to be familiar with Jesus’ teachings. True followers love and obey Jesus and his teachings. Judas’s failure to have a true relationship with Jesus is terrifying. To have someone that close to Jesus and do something so terrible should be a sobering reminder to us all. For Jesus tells us in Matthew 7:21, “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only he who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.” I pray that we all truly know Jesus and follow him. 

Resources

Faith Bible Church (August 27, 2020). Judas Iscariot: Chosen or not? Blog post. https://www.faithtwincities.com/blog/post/judas-iscariot-chosen-or-not. Retrieved November 22, 2025. 

Roat, Alyssa (August 12, 2024). Who Was Judas Iscariot? Christianity.com. https://www.christianity.com/wiki/people/who-was-judas-iscariot.html. Retrieved November 22, 2025. 

Tate, David (November 28, 2021). The Life of Judas Iscariot (Part 1). Now Let’s Be Honest. YouTube. https://youtu.be/5NTIK5jFwBA?si=4TfLEGrjvtelogMD. Retrieved November 9, 2025.

Tate, David (December 5, 2021). The Life of Judas Iscariot (Part 2). Now Let’s Be Honest. YouTube. https://youtu.be/snM9zmFM9eQ?si=bIXihizJlznzxuhI. Retrieved November 10, 2025. 

Winger, Mike. (December 16, 2022). 20 Questions with Pastor Mike (Episode 90). Mike Winger. YouTube. https://www.youtube.com/live/shxFzoZt-UQ?si=odluAxo_nXXMqyCh. Retrieved November 10, 2025. 

The Wishing Well: a small town, a magical well and the healing magic of Christmas

The Wishing Well is the first book in the HollyWell Springs series by Vivian Porter. After losing her parents around Christmas as a child, Hannah Grayson rejects the holiday. Her one joy is her green thumb and her career as a writer for a national foodie magazine. When her boss sends her on assignment to HollyWell Springs, a small town in Montana where Christmas is celebrated all year long, Hannah is not excited. With no choice, she decides to finish the assignment with minimal involvement. However, the moment she arrives in town, she locks eyes with Brodie Fisher, who runs the local Christmas tree farm, who seems to love plants more than she does. As she experiences that magic of Christmas and the town’s love for the holiday, Hannah finds the ice around her heart starting to melt and begins to question what she remembers about the past. At the center of it all, a wishing well which seems magical healing for a wounded heart.  

I looked forward to this book as the premise sounded interesting. I love Christmas and enjoy the magic and hope of the season. However, a town whose whole identity is Christmas was a bit much for me. Everything about the town was in a Christmas theme, even the names of the businesses. And the magical wishing well was interesting and the story had a mystery around the well that never is fully explained. Hannah as a grinch or scrooge made sense for me and I understood that she didn’t want to talk about why; but she never tells her best friend?!?! The constant description of Brodie as a “Greek God Cowboy” was so repetitive early on that I was over it quickly. Overall, I enjoyed Hannah’s healing from her traumatic past; however, I closed the book with a “what did I read?” I doubt I will be continuing the series. If you would enjoy a story about a town who celebrates Christmas year around with a magical well, you may enjoy The Wishing Well. 

The Wishing Well is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

A Switch Before Christmas: a simple prank turns into a life changing lesson

A Switch Before Christmas by Karen McQuestion is a story of two young women trading lives for a day and learning a lesson of a lifetime. It is Christmas Eve, and the Sheridan Girls’ Home is about to get their annual visit from their benefactors, Frank and Irene Sheridan. Jane Shaw’s biggest concern is the behavior of the young girls. However, when the Sheridan's’ daughter, Jacquelyn comes in their place. Jane and Jacquelyn look amazingly alike and Jacquelyn suggests they switch clothing to see how long it takes anyone to notice the difference. Jane is hesitant but feels she can’t say no. Jane suddenly finds herself on her way to the Sheridan's’ mansion and Jacquelyn behind at the girls’ home. Can they undo the switch before Christmas? Will anyone believe them? 

Karen McQuestion is one of my go-to authors. Sadly, this Christmas story sat on my TBR for more than a year and I regret not reading it sooner. A mash up of Mark Twain’s The Prince and the Pauper and Charles Dicken’s A Christmas Carol, A Switch Before Christmas is a sweet story of how one prank turns into a life changing lesson. At first, I did not like Jacquelyn, which I knew I wasn’t supposed to. The entitled brat who had no idea what was going on in the world outside the mansion’s doors. However, I loved her transformation and her journey to get there. I loved how individuals reacted to the switch. Overall, it is a great read for the holiday season. I highly, highly recommend A Switch Before Christmas. 

A Switch Before Christmas is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

The Christmas Cookie House: one important fundraiser, the perfect venue and a conflict in interests with a dash of romance

The Christmas Cookie House by Jennifer Griffith is a romance with the Christmas season. Leela Miller is back in her hometown of Massey Falls to take care of her ailing father after her mother passed away. She fills her mother’s shoes as a member of the Ladies’ Auxiliary and volunteers to chair the all important Cookie House fundraiser. Leela needs to find a venue big enough and fancy enough to draw in customers and her only option is the now empty Layton Mansion. Jay Wilson has inherited the Layton Mansion and has spent the summer remodeling it in order to sell it. He needs the funds to pay for his partnership in a vet clinic. His only task left is to clean out the attic and Leela, eager to use the house for her event, agrees to help him. The only snag is the deadline to sell the house is the same night of Leela’s event. 

I looked forward to this story as the cover was so eye-catching and the premise sounded entertaining. And the story started off great until the conflict began between Jay and Leela. When Leela discovers that Jay is the new owner of the mansion, she is outraged, screaming that he deceived her. I was so disgusted by her immaturity. No, she wasn’t listening. Jay tried to tell her several times but she kept on talking about the event and how great the mansion would be as a venue. This is when I checked out of the story. I no longer cared about their romance or the conflict between selling the mansion and the fundraiser event. Even Jay’s dislike of the town and why he is so desperate to leave couldn’t keep my interest. Overall, I did not enjoy this story. I do not recommend The Christmas Cookie House. 

The Christmas Cookie House is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

 

Snowfall and Secrets: a woman with a secret a man haunted by the past and one snowstorm that changes everything

Snowfall and Secrets is the first book in the Michigan Millionaires series by Kimmy Loth. Tess McBride takes a mid-year teaching job on Mackinac Island, Michigan. However, it is the dead of winter and she has never lived in such frigid temperatures. However, her new landlord, Lukas, helps make sure she has all she needs for the winter. When a massive storm blows over the island, Tess finds herself snowed in with Lukas and their relationship heats up fast. Lukas Baird likes his quiet life on the island. With a past that haunts him, he has chosen isolation. But when Tess shows up, feelings he thought he would never feel again began to stir. However, Tess is hiding a secret and once the secret is revealed, Laird is ready to run. But something holds him back. Can he heal from the past in order to have a future with Tess? 

From the beginning, Snowfall and Secrets was filled with drama, humor, and plenty of heart. I could not tear myself from the pages. I loved Tess and Lukas. She is a woman who has a terrible secret and decides to leave home, away from her mom and family, in order to think and figure out what to do. Lukas is a man hurt and haunted by his past. He can’t believe Tess came to the island without knowing how harsh the conditions can be; however, seeing her determination to make it work, he helps out. I also enjoyed the supportive characters and I loved how they help Lukas see what he is throwing away if he runs from Tess. Overall, I enjoyed this story and I look forward to reading other stories in this series. I highly recommend Snowfall and Secrets. 

Snowfall and Secrets is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook

Long Lost Christmas: a sweet, fun, fast paced read with Christmas hope

Long Lost Christmas is the first book in the Sweetheart, Montana series by Joan Kirby. Hayley Stevens has a Christmas mission: to reunite her mother with her long lost brother. On a whim, she decides to head to Sweetheart, Montana to her uncle’s last known address and hand deliver a Christmas card. When she arrives, she finds her uncle fairly easily, but getting him alone is another matter. Hayley decides to keep her true identity and reason for being in town a secret at first. Someone else has caught her attention. Blake Dennison works for her uncle as an architect and builder. Blake is immediately drawn to Hayley but he is also suspicious of her interest in his boss. Hayley knows that once she reveals her true reason for being in town may result in rejection; however, she is determined to fight in order to give her mom closure or maybe even a Christmas miracle? 

Long Lost Christmas is a sweet, fun, fast paced read with plenty of emotions and heartfelt moments. I loved the Christmas background to a possible family reunion and a love story on top of it. I enjoyed Hayley and Blake’s characters both flawed with their flawed pasts but still found hope in the future. I understood Hayley not explaining who she was when she immediately got into town; however, with each passing day, it made telling the truth harder to tell. Blake had his reasons to be suspicious which added to the conflict. My only disappointment is the reason why the uncle stopped contact with Hayley’s mom. It made sense for the time; however, it felt a bit anti-climatic. The romance between Hayley and Blake was clean but sweet. Overall, I enjoyed this story. I enjoyed the resolution and I am looking forward to the rest of the series. I highly recommend Long Lost Christmas. 

Long Lost Christmas is available in paperback and eBook

The Sea Captain's Wife: a true story on the high seas

The Sea Captain’s Wife: A True Story of Mutiny, Love and Adventure at the Bottom of the World by Tilar J. Mazzeo. It is the true story of the first female captain of a merchant ship and her treacherous navigation through the deadly waters of Antarctica. In the summer of 1856, nineteen year old Mary Ann Patten sailed with her husband, Joshua. Both from seafaring New England families, they plan to win the race to San Francisco in order to fulfill their dream of building a farm and starting a family. However, the voyage is dangerous through the most treacherous waters. Their ship, Neptune’s Car, leaves New York Harbor and heads south down the coast of South America, and soon disaster strikes. Joshua becomes ill, the first mate is confined to the brig and begins to agitate for mutiny. Mary Ann sees no other options but to step up and captain the ship. Can she convince the crew to support her? 

With the California Gold Rush in full swing, there was big money for ships who made the journey quickly and it was an opportunity many attempted and few surviving. The Sea Captain’s Wife is Mary Ann Patten’s story. The first woman to command a merchant vessel and the fight she endured during and even after when the journey was complete. Through archival research as well as her own experience, sailing Mary Ann’s route, Ms. Mazzeo writes a tale that is thrilling, harrowing and heroic. Mary Ann is a woman who does what is necessary to survive for love. As I read, I kept reminding myself that Mary Ann was 19 years old during these events. Nineteen! I know it is a different time but I am not sure I would be able to do the same at 19. While the journey was nailbiting, Mary Ann’s life after the journey was equally thrilling. If you enjoy detailed, historical nonfiction, I highly recommend The Sea Captain’s Wife. 

The Sea Captain’s Wife: 

A True Story of Mutiny, Love and Adventure at the Bottom of the World 

is available in hardcover, eBook and audiobook

OMG Christmas Tree: a country boy-city girl Christmas romance

OMG Christmas Tree is the first book in the Holidays in Crystal Cove series by Stephanie J. Scott. Three nights before Christmas, Megan reluctantly comes home to their small town of Crystal Cove to spend the holidays with her mom and her new husband. On her way in, her mom asked Megan to pick up a Christmas tree and she did. Nick Bennington heads to the Christmas tree farm to pick up the tree on hold for the charity event at the mayor’s historical mansion. However, he learns that the tree was sold to someone else. He is determined to get the tree back and luck may be on his side as he helps Megan out of a snowy ditch. As they fight over the tree, what Megan and Nick don’t account for is their instant attraction. Can the city girl and the country boy find love during the magic of the Christmas season? 

OMG Christmas Tree is described as a “sweet, slow burn, holiday romantic comedy.” However, I did not find it sweet, romantic or comedic. However, as a novella, there is no time for a full development of the characters or a slow burn story. From the very beginning I did not like Megan. She does not know what she wants in life, which is fine as many struggle with future decisions, and has an attitude about it when others talk about her choices. Then suddenly, at the end, she knows exactly what she wants. I also did not like Nick as he constantly degrades Megan because she knows how to live life in the country. And then, suddenly, he decides she is everything he didn’t know he needed. I could see this story as a Hallmark Christmas movie; however, it is one I would not watch. I do not recommend OMG Christmas Tree.  

OMG Christmas Tree is available in paperback and eBook

 

Christmas in Snow Valley: a second chance romance novella

Christmas in Snow Valley is the first book in the Hometown Christmas series by Tammy L. Grace. After leaving Snow Valley for college and building a life in New York City, Emily Bishop is returning to her hometown for Thanksgiving. When her sister and her husband have to leave town, Emily reluctantly extends her stay and helps fill her sister’s shoes for the upcoming Christmas festivities. She hopes she doesn’t run into Nick Morgan, the boy who broke her heart fifteen years ago. That is until he walks in. She is shocked and prepared to give him a piece of her mind. When a massive snowstorm hits, leaving them snowed in, it is the perfect opportunity to clear the air. Could they even have a second chance at love? 

Christmas in Snow Valley is a quick novella filled with second chance romance and the magic of Christmas. Of course, there are two adorable, lovable dogs. It wouldn’t be a Tammy L Grace book if there wasn’t. The way she writes about dogs almost makes me want one, almost. I enjoyed Emily and Nick’s reconciliation and the snowy atmosphere definitely gives it a romantic feel. I loved the small town feel as they threw themselves into the holiday season. Overall, I enjoyed this novella and I am looking forward to other books in this series. If you are looking for a Christmas romance for an afternoon of reading, I highly recommend Christmas in Snow Valley. So grab a cup of hot cocoa and bundle up to enjoy this Christmas romance. 

Christmas in Snow Valley is available in eBook

Christmas at Yuletide Farm: a grumpy-sunshine romance with the magic of Christmas

Christmas at Yuletide Farm by Megan Squires is a story of two very different people falling in love at Christmas time. For her news section, On the Job, Kate Carmichael follows a local business, works in the field and learns the trade. The newest assignment is learning how to run a Christmas tree farm. However, Deacon Winters, the farm’s owner, thinks she is there simply as a hired seasonal farmhand and doesn’t want the cameras around and certainly doesn't want to be interviewed. He is too gruff to be a man whose livelihood revolves around Christmas. Little does she know that Deacon carries the weight of his family’s legacy and he reluctantly agrees to allow Kate to work the farm; hoping the publicity generates new customers. Kate’s joyful attitude chips away the icy around his heart that he finds himself hoping for a merry-ever after. 

Christmas at Yuletide Farm is a sweet, clean, grumpy-sunshine romance. I loved the fun banter and the feel of the Christmas season. I enjoyed Deacon who hides a painful broken heart and Kate’s willingness to try any task, the growth in their relationship was fun to read. I also enjoyed his commitment to his family’s farm and his determination to see it thrive. Kate’s sunshine attitude certainly melts Deacon’s grumpy demeanor. Of course, the reason behind his broken heart is revealed and causes plenty of drama. I loved all the aspects of Christmas, the snow, the gingerbread houses and hot cocoa. I swear I could smell the pine scent of the trees. There’s even fun moments with a lovable puppy. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story. There were smiles, laughs and great romantic moments. If you enjoy Christmas romances, I highly, highly recommend Christmas at Yuletide Farm. 

Christmas at Yuletide Farm is available in paperback and eBook

The Unfinished Gift: a war time Christmas story of faith, hope and Christmas miracles

The Unfinished Gift is the first book in the Homefront series by Dan Walsh. December 1943, Ian Collins is an old man who has lost his beloved wife and is estranged from his only son. Patrick Collins recently lost his mother in a horrible accident and his father is a bomber pilot fighting in Europe. Grandfather and grandson are put together as the only family each other has. Ian isn't prepared to care for the seven year old and Patrick only has three Christmas wishes: he wants his father to come home, he wants to leave his grandfather’s house and he wants the dusty wooden soldier he found in the attic, the one he has been forbidden to touch. As Christmas Day approaches, and with the help of Miss Katherine Townsend, the kindhearted social worker and Mrs Fortini, Ian’s formidable Italian neighbor, can grandfather and grandson come together and find the magic in hope and faith of Christmas? 

Dan Walsh is a retired pastor and now full time writer with The Unfinished Gift is his first novel. The Unfinished Gift is a story of a family in need of forgiveness and hope. The story is an engaging story that the small things can lead to powerful change in our hearts. It is an emotional and heartwarming story of faith, hope and Christmas miracles. Ian is a gruff man who hides a grieving heart. Patrick is a little boy who prays for his father’s return. I also loved Katherine Townsend and Mrs Fortini who fall in love with the little boy and want Ian to love him too. There were many emotional moments where my heart broke and I cried tears of sadness and joy. Overall, I could not put this story down as I wanted to see if Patrick gets his Christmas wishes. I am looking forward to more books in this series. I highly, highly recommend The Unfinished Gift. 

The Unfinished Gift is available in hardcover, paperback, eBook and audiobook

Simon the Zealot: militant rebel or devoted follower?

Simon the Zealot is the disciple I studied this month. I can say that I had preconceived ideas of who Simon was and I went into this study thinking I knew what I wanted to discuss and highlight. However, I was wrong and I loved it. There is very little information in the gospels about who Simon was. His occupation is unknown. His hometown is unknown. It isn’t recorded if Jesus said anything about him. His name only appears in the lists of the disciples in Matthew, Mark, Luke and Acts. However, there are assumptions made about him. With a title like “the Zealot,” The Chosen portray him as a member of the Zealots. Who were the Zealots? Was Simon a Zealot? If he wasn’t, why would have that title? What does it mean to have zeal for God? 

The Zealots were one of the four Jewish philosophies of the time. Philosophies which blended politics and religious denomination. The other three are the Sadducees, the Pharisees and the Essenes. I plan to study each one in the future; but for this post, I will focus briefly on the Zealots. They were the Rebels. They were a radical political party working for the violent overthrow of Roman rule in Israel. The Roman-Jewish historian, Jospehus, wrote about the Zealots in Antiquities of the Jews, written in about 93/94 AD. The Zealots were responsible for the first Roman-Jewish War (AD 66-70) about 35 years after Jesus, which led to the destruction of the Temple in Jerusalem. The Zealots were hyperfocused on freedom and liberty and viewed God as their only ruler. They were willing to die and kill for their beliefs. According to Josephus, the Zealots were founded in AD 6. There is little evidence that the Zealots were officially organized prior to the war in AD 66 (Tate, 2021). 

Being called the Zealot is ambiguous. Matthew and Mark use the Greek word kananaios which is from the Aramaic word qan’an meaning zealous one (Nelson, 2019). There are three possibilities for Simon the Zealot. First, he was a member of the earliest corroboration of the Zealot party. Second, he belonged to a different Zealot party. Or third, Simon was simply zealous and was nicknamed the Zealot to distinguish him from Simon Peter. The Chosen (2017) definitely takes the first two possibilities that Simon was a member of a Zealot party prior to becoming a disciple. Since the gospels are silent on any discussion between Jesus and Simon have led many, including myself, to believe that Simon was a zealous believer than a militant agent against an oppressor. Simon could have been simply a zealous believer. A passionate and dedicated believer about Jesus and his faith, although he may have been quiet in word and deed that the gospel writers didn’t feel the need to record them. 

Zeal is having an intense, passionate and unwavering commitment to God. Characterized by a deep devotion, spiritual enthusiasm and a strong desire to honor God, it is a wholehearted pursuit of a relationship with God, actively serving Him (Romans 12:11). What does zeal look like in practice? First, a life dedicated to prayer, study of God’s word and personal devotion. I must admit I struggle with this one. A busy life often pushes aside prayer and study to the back of my mind. I strive every day to do better. Second, enthusiastic commitment to living a life worthy of the Gospel and standing firm in faith. This is an everyday commitment. Jesus is a prime example of someone who had zeal for God. John 2:12-16 records Jesus clearing the temple of sellers and money exchangers who had turned the temple into a market. Seeing his passionate fervor, the disciples remembered the Psalm “for the zeal for your house consumes me” (John 2:17, Psalm 69:9). 

In conclusion, the Zealots were a militant group who sought to overthrow the Roman occupation. A group who saw only God as their ruler and was willing to kill and be killed in order to show their devotion to God. Simon the Zealot may not have been the militant rebel that I thought he was; although militant rebel to disciple is a highly possible extreme conversion. However, I believe he was a zealous believer who was passionate and committed to following Jesus. Having zeal for God is an enthusiastic, daily commitment to seek a relationship with Him. In prayer and study, a believer can be zealous for God as they seek to honor Him with their lives. Do you have a passion for God? Do you have an enthusiastic commitment to studying His Word and show His love to the world?

Reference

Nelson, Ryan (August 7, 2019). Who Was Simon the Zealot? The Beginner’s Guide. Overview Bible. https://overviewbible.com/simon-the-zealot/. Retrieved October 4, 2025

Tate, David (November 21, 2021). The Life of Simon the Zealot. Now Let’s be Honest. YouTube. https://youtu.be/GRGEhN7JwkY?si=knAJ3yyH71zisRRb. Retrieved October 4, 2025. 

Call of the Camino: a deeply emotional and moving story about the transformative journey along the Camino de Santiago

Call of the Camino by Suzanne Redfearn is a deeply emotional and moving novel about the transformative journey along the legendary route of the Camino de Santiago. In 2024, twenty-five year old Reina Watkins lost her father when she was eight, even seventeen years later, the grief is still heavy on her heart. When an opportunity comes up that would boost her budding journalism career, Reina finds herself on the ancient five-hundred-mile path, the same route that her father took many years ago.  Armed with his journal, Reina takes the journey with her father at her side, little does she know that she will learn much more about her father, their family and the past. In 1997, seventeen year old Isabelle Vidal is a teenager on the run, after she flees from her boarding school. Hearing that the Camino will provide, she heads for the Way of Saint James, and comes in the form of new friends and a handsome young American who brings the promise of a new life. 

I have loved Suzanne Redfearn’s books for years and I was excited to read Call of the Camino. It is a powerful story of faith, self-discovery that involves learning the past to help shape your future. It is a story of two women who find courage, strength and love on the hallowed trail. Ms. Redfearn’s description of the trail and the experiences of those who walk it reminds me of the Pacific Crest National Scenic Trail (PCT), 2,650 miles from the US-Mexico border through California, Oregon and Washington to the Canadian border. Although not as long as the Camino, I have heard the same types of life-changing, transformative journeys. From the opening chapter to the closing page, I was hooked on Reina’s and Isabelle’s story. I felt as if I was on the path with them and I could not put the book down. I read on the edge of my seat as Reina’s and Isabelle’s story intertwine. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this story and I highly, highly recommend Call of the Camino. 

Call of the Camino is available in paperback, eBook and audiobook