Monday, April 15, 2024
If We Had More Andrews . . .
Andrew went to find his brother, Simon, and told him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means “Christ”). (John 1:41 NLT)
When we think of the Bible’s great men and women, Andrew doesn’t necessarily come to mind. Instead, we generally tend to think of someone like Peter, who was Andrew’s brother, or the apostle Paul. Yet Andrew played an important part in God’s work.
Andrew had committed himself to following John the Baptist, a colorful character who preached that people should repent. John was a national figure during his ministry. In fact, the Jewish historian Josephus wrote more about the ministry of John the Baptist than he did about Jesus.
But when Jesus arrived on the scene, John realized that his work was done. He had been a voice crying in the wilderness, preparing the way for the Lord’s arrival. And when Christ began His public ministry, John said, “Look! The Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29 NLT). In other words, “My work is done here. He’s the One you want to follow.”
So, Andrew followed Jesus, but he did so with some caution. And one day when Jesus saw Andrew and another disciple following Him, He turned around and asked them what they wanted.
No doubt they were a little dumbfounded. But they managed to ask Jesus where He was staying.
Jesus replied, “Come and see” (verse 39 NLT).
We don’t know where Jesus took them, but we do know that He didn’t have a home. On one occasion He said, “Foxes have dens to live in, and birds have nests, but the Son of Man has no place even to lay his head” (Matthew 8:20 NLT).
The Bible tells us that when people went back to their homes in Jerusalem, Jesus went to the Mount of Olives. That was His home.
For Andrew, it wasn’t about seeing where Jesus lived. Rather, it was about finding out who Jesus was. Andrew was inquisitive. He wanted to know. And there is nothing wrong with wanting to know for yourself.
Thomas was that way too. He wanted to know the truth for himself. And we should want to know for ourselves as well.
Here’s an interesting thing about Andrew. Once he saw, he was convinced. Once he knew for himself, he was a believer. And guess what he did next? He went looking for his brother.
Usually, the most zealous evangelists are those who have just come to Jesus Christ. It is not uncommon at our evangelistic events for someone who made a decision for Christ on the first night to bring friends and family members on the other nights.
What’s great about Andrew is that when we read about him in the Bible, he’s always bringing someone to Jesus. We don’t read of Andrew preaching to thousands. But his brother, Peter, did that on the Day of Pentecost.
If we had more Andrews in the world, then we would have more Simon Peters. Thank God for the great men and women whom God uses to touch thousands. But let’s also thank God for all the Andrews who work behind the scenes. They are the unsung heroes of the faith.
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