A life that points to Christ
Andrew
From Andrew we learn the quiet ministry of bringing people to Jesus, contentment in a supporting role, and readiness to offer what little we have. His life teaches faithful, personal witness, and it points to the Christ whom Andrew could not help introducing to others.
“He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ.”John 1:41
“One of the two which heard John speak, and followed him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother.”John 1:40
“One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, saith unto him,”John 6:8
“Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.”John 12:22
Their story, honestly
Andrew was Simon Peter's brother and a fisherman, and one of the first to follow Jesus. His very first act after finding the Messiah was to go and bring his brother Peter, saying, we have found the Christ. Andrew is nearly always shown bringing someone to Jesus: he brought the boy with five loaves and two fish, saying honestly, but what are they among so many, and he helped bring inquiring Greeks to Jesus. He never occupies center stage the way his brother does, yet his instinct throughout the Gospels is the same, to introduce people to the Lord he had found.
What their life teaches us
First, Andrew teaches the power of personal, one-to-one witness; he simply brought people to Jesus and let Jesus do the rest, beginning with his own brother. Second, he teaches contentment in a supporting role; he was overshadowed by Peter yet faithful, showing that not everyone needs to be prominent to be fruitful. Third, he teaches the readiness to offer what little we have; he brought the boy's small lunch even while doubting it could matter, and Jesus fed thousands with it. Andrew reminds us that most people come to faith not through crowds but through one friend who brings them to Christ.
How their life points to Christ
Andrew's whole life points to Jesus by pointing others to Jesus; his instinct was always, come and see, we have found the Christ. He shows that the most ordinary believer can do the most important work, introducing people to the Savior. The little he brought, a brother, a boy's lunch, some curious foreigners, Jesus took and multiplied. Andrew teaches us that we do not need to be the center of the story; we only need to keep bringing people to the One who is. In this, his quiet faithfulness beautifully serves the glory of Christ.
Questions people ask
What is Andrew best known for?
For bringing people to Jesus. His first act after following Christ was to find his brother Peter and bring him. He also brought the boy with the loaves and fish, and inquiring Greeks. His example teaches the quiet, powerful ministry of personally introducing others to the Lord.
What does Andrew teach about serving in a supporting role?
That faithfulness matters more than prominence. Andrew was overshadowed by his brother Peter, yet he served Christ steadily and fruitfully. He teaches that we do not need to be the center of attention to do vital work for God; bringing even one person to Jesus is significant.