Andrew was the first young man whom Jesus called to follow Him. What do we know about this disciple? He does not seem to have been an exceptionally gifted or influential man. The Gospels say little about him. Andrew was probably an average person like you and me. Most likely, the congregation in our day also consists mainly of average people, of unassuming natures who do not have outstanding talents or exceptional education. That is why it is quite appropriate to take a closer look at this young man, Andrew. Even though he never became famous, he filled an especially prominent place in the kingdom of God.
When people refer to him, they usually say, “Andrew, the brother of Simon Peter.” Peter achieved fame. He was honored and became a recognized missionary. Andrew stood in the shadow of his great brother. Peter played first fiddle; Andrew accompanied him timidly. It is not easy to take a subordinate position, always following where others lead, doing the small tasks while others organize—and then reaping the praise afterwards. That takes grace.
Others may have overlooked Andrew, but Jesus looked deeper. In this quiet man, he discovered a burning desire for spiritual things and a strong interest in the promised kingdom of God. Jesus knew that it had cost Andrew a great deal to listen to the young prophet, John the Baptist, personally at the Jordan. It was certainly a big decision for Andrew when he and his friend John made the long journey from their home village of Bethsaida to Bethabara on the Jordan. The fiery messages of John the Baptist penetrated his heart so deeply that he held closely to him. But when the one appeared of whom his master said, “Behold, this is the Lamb of God,” he knew to whom he should be faithful to from then on. When Jesus later called him away from his fishing nets with the promise of making him a fisher of men, his longing of seeking God was satisfied and his life was set on the right course. Jesus knew what moved Andrew. He saw deeper.
After his first encounter with Jesus, Andrew immediately felt called to a task. “He first finds his brother Simon” and introduces him to the Messiah, is how John reports it. Each time we read about Andrew in this book, he stands before us like a friendly signpost, showing others the way to Jesus. He is not only the first disciple, but also the first to lead a person to the Savior.
In this personal witnessing ministry, for which Andrew became our role model, the method of this disciple should also be an inspiration to us. He starts at home. That is where it is often most difficult to speak a word about the Savior: with unrepentant parents or children, with the mocking uncle or the critical aunt, with the self-righteous grandfather or the easygoing cousin—that is where one must begin. Whoever fails there cannot expect success outside. Our life and confession at home is the foundation on which fruitful gospel work among our coworkers, amid public acquaintances, and among strangers is built. Andrew “first found his own brother Simon” (John 1:40-42).
If it weren’t for Andrew, we probably wouldn’t have a spirit-filled Pentecost sermon. Peter later surpassed the one who led him to Jesus. In this way, many an unnamed soul has become the catalyst for the conversion of a future leader in the kingdom of God. Are we also concerned with seeking out new “Simon Peters” in our circle and showing them their place in the kingdom of God?
Another time, we meet Andrew on a sun-drenched hill in Judea, where hundreds have gathered to listen to Jesus’ incomparable messages. The shadows are growing longer, and hunger is setting in. How did Andrew know that the boy had something to eat with him? I like to imagine that he had befriended the little boy during the long day. Andrew must have been someone whom both young and old trusted. Perhaps he struck up a conversation with the boy, asking him where he was from and whether his mother had allowed him to come. Maybe Andrew also asked him if he would like to get to know the great prophet better? In any case, he soon knew about the loaves and fishes that the boy’s mother had probably given him as provisions for the journey. Andrew brings the boy to Jesus: “There is a lad here who has five barley loaves and two small fish” (John 6:8-9). Jesus took the boy’s meager supplies and turned them into a miracle.
Is this not the purpose of our work with children in our families and Sunday schools? Is it not to lead the little ones, with their undeveloped talents and dormant abilities, to Jesus so that he may create beautiful and useful fruit from these promising seeds?
In John 12:20-22, we get to know Andrew’s gentle guidance once again. Some foreigners have come who wish to speak with the Master. Why does Philip turn to Andrew in this matter? Perhaps he was already experienced in introducing people at that time, so that this task was simply left to him. Andrew could be trusted with anyone. He always proved himself to be an interested and helpful friend. He would certainly have been an excellent guidance counsellor in the church.
How does Andrew behave toward these Greeks? He could have tried to protect Jesus from these annoying visitors, as the disciples did when the mothers brought their children. Perhaps he could have put the men off until a more convenient time. Wasn’t prudence also appropriate? After all, one could never know what secret goals these foreigners were pursuing. Then Andrew would have been guilty of the “sin of silence.” How often do we remain silent out of sheer caution! How often are we shy when we should speak freely about what God inspires us to say! Andrew led the Greeks to Jesus. He wanted the strangers to hear something from the Master. Isn’t that the purpose of all missionary work?
Andrew, just an average person? In truth, he was indispensable in the work of God’s kingdom! What could a preacher accomplish without “Andrews” in the congregation? How successful would evangelistic meetings be if the “Andrew signposts” did not lead anyone to them?
Much hidden heroism lies in this Andrew ministry. These people are not mentioned when the work and its leaders are honored. Yet the success of every undertaking and the fruitfulness of all church work depends on them. We cannot leave all the work to the preacher and then blame him for the meager harvest. Each of us can be an Andrew, a quiet signpost to Christ. Everyone who has experienced the Master as Andrew did will also hear the same promise: “I will make you a fisher of men!”
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