Men of the Bible Series - Andrew

Men of the Bible Series - Andrew (John 1:41-42a)

John 1:41-42a, He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ. And he brought him to Jesus.

Both of these names (Cephas and Peter, one Aramaic and the other Greek) mean “rock.” Ironically, throughout the Gospel accounts, Peter is definitely no rock in the sense of being unmovable and reliable in his speech and actions. In fact, he is often shown as one who was driven to extremes by his emotions and spiritual instability. Yet in Acts he becomes a bold, powerful and faithful leader of the church. Jesus named Peter not for who he was, but for who he would become. Notice the behaviors shown by Andrew. He followed Jesus without hesitation (John 1:37), and he immediately proceeded to introduce someone else to Christ (John 1:42). This should be the pattern adopted by all who follow Christ.

Although his name is Andrew, he is most often referred to as “the brother of Simon Peter” (Matthew 4:18; 10:2; Mark 1:16; Luke 6:14; John 1:40; 6:8). Although he often stood in the shadows of his popular brother Peter, God had a specific plan for Andrew. He was a fisherman by trade (Matthew 4:18). He was a disciple of John the Baptist (John 1:35, 40). John had been telling his listeners that the Messiah was coming. One day John pointed to Jesus and called Him “the Lamb of God” (John 1:36). From that very moment, and from that time on, Andrew left the family fishing business to follow Christ (Matthew 4:18; Mark 1:16-18). He was one of the first two disciples to follow Jesus (John 1:36-37). God had a plan for Andrew's life, and he followed Christ until the day he died. Someone once said, “Before our gospelizing gets around to the uttermost part of the earth, it should begin at home, "in Jerusalem" as it were. We have a story to tell to the nations, but it is also a story to tell to the neighbors all around us.”

It was Andrew who was the first to be called by Christ and who would bring Peter to Christ (John 1:41). Whenever we read about Andrew doing something, it is him bringing someone to Christ. Andrew would go home to find his brother, Peter, to lead him to the Lord. NOTICE: Later, Peter would preach and reach three thousand souls for Christ. Peter would perform miracles. Peter would write two books in the New Testament. Andrew would not do any of these things, but he knew a man who had potential and if Christ saved this man, he could do great things. Andrew had a part in it. He remembered the day he said to his brother, “We have found the Christ.” Everything Peter did for the Lord, Andrew had a part in it. You may never lead thousands to the Lord but you might be the one to lead one to Christ who will lead thousands to the Lord. Andrew brought Simon—just one. But that one was many, for under God Simon brought three thousand in one day. Joel Stratton, a waiter in a restaurant, brought John Gough to Christ. Just one. And Gough brought many to Christ. Ezra Kimball, a Sunday school teacher, brought Moody to Christ—just one. But that one was many, for Moody shook two continents for God. Just as one digit is valuable in the multiplication table, and one letter in the alphabet, far more valuable is just one soul in God's sight.

In John 6, we see the feeding of the five thousand. While the rest of the disciples were making excuses as to why they could not feed the five thousand, Andrew found a young boy who was willing to offer his lunch to Jesus. To Andrew this boy was not a varmint, he was valuable. Andrew didn’t know how or why, but he knew if he could get this lad to Christ, that Jesus would use him in a big way. The history of the church is the history of people leading people to Christ. Many tend to underestimate or overlook the potential of some. They have a habit of downplaying them with the questions, what can he or she do or amount to? True, Andrew lived in the shadows of his popular brother Peter, but he was never insignificant. In fact, he was a tremendous blessing to others. Some day when were in Heaven we’ll be surprised by the greatness done by those we never heard of.

Winning people to Christ involves effort (Luke 15:4). Sinners need the Lord and it helps for them to see Christ’s love manifested in and through us. What is the Lord leading you to do right now? Do you often compare your life with someone else's life? If so, you have your focus off target. God had a very specific plan for Andrew, and it was a different plan than God's plan for Peter. That being said, God has a very specific plan for you, and it is different than His plan for others. So, don't compare your life with others; compare it with God's will. Fulfilling the Great Commission is a priority of every believer (Matthew 28:18-20). If we are ever going to be, or do, or say anything for our Lord, now is the time!

Points to Ponder:

• Don't give up on that loved one you've been inviting to church.
• Don't quit being a witness before them.
• If we will remain committed to getting them in the presence of Christ, He can work in their hearts and change their eternal destiny.

PRAYER: Father in Heaven, what could You do in and through my life if I was one hundred percent completely willing to do what You called me to do. Help me not to get distracted, discouraged, or disappointed in Your work. May I never get lukewarm in Your service for souls. In Jesus name, Amen.

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