Be an “Andrew”

John 1:40-42a

40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.

41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). 

42a And he brought him to Jesus.

What do we know about the apostle named Andrew? We know that Andrew and John the apostle, were following John the baptizer until John the baptizer pointed out “the Lamb of God” to them in John 1:35-36. At that point, they left John, and went to follow Jesus. They spent the rest of the day with Him. In verse 41, we see a pivotal point in Andrew’s life that He will forever be remembered for. It says that Andrew “first found His own brother Simon”. Because the text says that he “first” went to his brother, we can take this to mean that he went to others after that, and told them about finding “the Messiah”. And actually, Andrew was involved in introducing more people to Jesus as we read through the book of John. He brought the boy with the loaves and fish to Jesus (John 6:8). He also brought some Greeks  to Jesus who wanted to meet Him. Listen to John 12:20-22, “Now there were certain Greeks among those who came up to worship at the feast. Then they came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida of Galilee, and asked him, saying, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” Philip came and told Andrew, and in turn Andrew and Philip told Jesus.” The Greeks approached Philip, but Philip went to Andrew to make this happen. Andrew made the connection happen. Andrew seemed to bring people together. 

Andrew was one of the first ones to begin following Jesus, yet we don’t hear his name mentioned very often after this……not like his brother Simon Peter. But…..that is ok. Andrew did what Andrew could do. Andrew seems to be one of those “behind the scenes” workers who did a lot of the little things for the ministry of Jesus that we will never know about. We have people like this in the Lord’s church today. They are always working for the Lord, but no one ever sees what they do. They are not public speakers. They are not Bible class teachers. But, like Andrew, they introduce people to Jesus. They shine the light of Jesus with every breath they take. They invite people to church. They send people cards. They speak to visitors, and invite them to come back. They take food to people. The person who invites someone to church is just as important as the person who actually teaches them the gospel. 

Andrew loved his brother…..so much that he wanted him to meet Jesus. Of course, it is only natural that he would want to tell his family about Jesus first. We would all do the same. Andrew was also fully convinced that Jesus was the Messiah. There didn’t seem to be any doubts in Andrew’s mind about who Jesus was. That is all Jesus wants from any of us…..for us to have no doubts about Him, and for us to spread the word about Him. Another quality that I see in Andrew is humility. Andrew met Jesus first, but then took a step back while his brother kind of stole the show. Simon Peter was the more vocal one, sometimes too vocal for his own good. Simon Peter was the one who walked on water. Simon Peter was the one who preached the first gospel sermon. Where did Andrew go? Well…..Andrew didn’t go anywhere. I’m sure he was always there doing the legwork as I like to call it. There are “Andrews” in this world, and there are “Simon Peters” in the world. The “Simon Peters” might get more attention here on earth than the “Andrews”, but in heaven there will be no difference made between the two. Jesus loves and appreciates them both, and they will both be rewarded. Don’t ever think that you don’t have anything to offer the kingdom. You can be an “Andrew” for the kingdom, and bring others to meet Jesus. 

Are you walking in the light? Are you in Christ? If you aren’t, I’d love to help you. Are you a member of the Lord’s church, but are struggling spiritually in your walk with Christ? If you are…..believe me, I’ve been there many times, and I’d love to help you. If you have any questions, please reach out. 

God’s Plan of Salvation

Below is the plan that God has set forth in His Word, for humankind to receive His grace that leads to salvation and an eternity with God in heaven. This plan is straight from the Bible. 

We have to hear His word. (Romans 10:17) 

Upon hearing the message of Jesus, we believe it. (Mark 16:16) 

Then, we confess Jesus’ name before men. (Matthew 10:32) 

Next, we repent of our sins. (Acts 2:38, Acts 3:19) 

Finally, we are baptized into Christ for the remission of our sins.  (Acts 2:38, Matthew 28:18-20, Mark 16:16, Romans 6:3-4, Acts 22:16, 1 Corinthians 12:13, Galatians 3:26-27) After baptism, God adds us to His church. (Acts 2:47)

Then, we remain faithful in our commitment to Christ until death. (Revelation 2:10, 2 Peter 2:20-22)