March 2010

    In both the Bible and in modern-day lessons, the apostle Andrew is often referred to as “the brother of Peter.” That he was. Yet, there is more about Andrew that we need to remember than just the fact that he was Peter’s brother in the flesh.

An enlightening episode in Andrew’s life is recorded in the first chapter of the Book of John. There we learn that Andrew, before he began serving Jesus, was a disciple of John the Baptizer. Andrew and another of John’s pupils met Jesus. “And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus” (John 1:37). The record goes on to say: “One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, We have found the Messiah (which is translated, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked at him, He said, You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas (which is translated, A Stone)” (John 1:40-42).

Did you notice the four actions of Andrew that are mentioned in the above passage? There is nothing in any of those four items that is complex to understand, but when the four of them are joined together, they present a powerful picture. Let us highlight those four matters. What did Andrew do?

First, Andrew FOLLOWED Jesus (John 1:37,40). Some people just followed Jesus from place to place, whether out of curiosity or to benefit from His healing powers (John 6:1). Others, though, followed Him in the sense of becoming His disciples. Andrew was in the latter category. What is the greatest decision that a person can make in life? Is it not the choice to follow Jesus?! The Master said, “If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me” (John 12:26). The Christ also said, “My sheep hear My voice, and I know them, and they follow Me” (John 10:27). True followers of the Christ must deny themselves and take up their cross daily for Him (Luke 9:23).

Next, Andrew FOUND his brother, Peter (1:41). The text in John 1 seems to indicate that Andrew sought his brother for a purpose. What might that be? To let him know about the wonderful Teacher that he had met. It is a blessing to be able to get together with our loved ones for meals, holidays, reunions, vacations, or other pleasurable activities. At the same time, though, we do not want to neglect to take the opportunity to approach our family members about spiritual matters. That is what Andrew did with his brother.

Third, Andrew TOLD Peter about the Christ. What exactly did Andrew tell his brother? “We have found the Messiah. . .” (1:41). Can you imagine the excitement that must have been in Andrew’s heart and voice as he shared this message? The one and only Christ, about Whom the prophets had foretold and for Whom the Jewish people had been waiting century after century, here He was in the first century, living among men, and Andrew had had the privilege of meeting Him face to face! Is it not possible for you and me to repeat Andrew’s action in our generation and tell others that the Messiah has come into the world? We might be tempted to think, “But everybody I know has already heard about Jesus, so what else is there to tell them?” We must be clear on this point: to tell others about the Christ includes informing them what the Bible says about His eternal kingdom (Colossians 1:13; Acts 8:12), as well as His teaching about what a person must do to be saved (Mark 16:15,16).

Fourth, Andrew BROUGHT Peter to Jesus (1:42). No doubt, Peter had had some great days in his past life. This day, however, the day when he met the Savior of the world, was the greatest day of his life! And, to a certain extent, he owed it to Andrew. Yes, Peter was indebted to his brother for bringing him to Jesus. Should you and I not be busy doing the same thing today? We understand that since Jesus is no longer walking on the earth, but now sits at the right hand of the Father (Colossians 3:1), it is not possible for us to literally bring someone to Him in the sense that Andrew did Peter. But, we would ask: should you and I be seeking opportunities to teach the gospel to lost people in order to try and help them know the Lord and His will? Indeed, we should! Remember, it is through the gospel that calls men unto salvation (2 Thessalonians 2:14).

Once again, what did Andrew do on the occasion that we have considered? He followed Jesus, then he found Peter, he told Peter, and he brought Peter. Brother, you can be an Andrew! So can you, dear sister. Come to think of it, so can I, along with every other member of the body of the Christ. Would it not be great if the church was filled with people like Andrew?! We can all be active in trying to help our loved ones, as well as others, to know and follow the Lord. Now that we have seen how Andrew did it, what should we all be saying to ourselves? Answer: “Go and do likewise” (Luke 10:37).

— Roger D. Campbell