October 04, 2006

Andrew, One of the First Disciples

John 1:35-42

The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon ... And he brought him to Jesus. John 1:41-42

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Andrew was one of the first to follow Jesus. His quest for spiritual renewal had led him to John the Baptist. John had preached a message of repentance, saying, "The kingdom of heaven is near" (Matthew 3:2), and Andrew wanted to know more about this kingdom and the one who would establish it.

One day John pointed Jesus out to his listeners, saying, "Look, the Lamb of God ... !" So Andrew followed Jesus from that day onward. He believed in Jesus as the promised Messiah, the Christ, and he hurried to tell his brother Simon (whom Jesus renamed Peter).

We should remember four things about Andrew. First, he was a man of insight and courage. Drawn by God on his spiritual journey, he followed Jesus and never turned back.

Second, Andrew was both serious and cautious in spiritual matters. When Jesus asked Andrew and his friend, "What do you want?" they indicated that they wanted to spend time with Jesus and get to know him.

Third, as soon as Andrew was convinced about Jesus, he began to witness. He found his brother and brought him to Jesus. If only all Christians did that!

Fourth, though he was not a leader like his brother Peter, Andrew was a faithful worker. Most of the work of the church is done by people like him.

Lord, raise up more people like Andrew-- wise and discerning, faithful, hardworking, and eager to tell others about you. Make me one of them too, Lord. In your name, Amen.

About the author — Roger S. Greenway

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