October 8

“The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.” —JOHN 1:41

Andrew is a man whose name most of us are familiar with yet about whom little is known. In fact, when he is first introduced in the Bible, it says, “Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother,” and Simon Peter was not even on the scene yet. We are aware that Peter wrote two books of the New Testament and is one of the most prominent of Jesus’ disciples. Andrew, however, is relegated to the shadows of his more robust, outspoken brother.

Originally, Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist, but he left John the day Jesus was passing by and he heard John say, “Look, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36) Andrew and another disciple of John immediately followed Jesus. There is no record of any engagement or conversation. They simply followed closely behind. “Turning around, Jesus saw them following and asked, ‘What do you want?’ They said, ‘Rabbi’ (which means Teacher), ‘where are you staying?’ ‘Come,’ he replied, ‘and you will see’’” (1:38-39). 

“Come and see,” was the invitation, and the first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon Peter and tell him, “We have found the Messiah,” and he brought him to Jesus. This is one of the best verses on evangelism in the Bible. He found someone. He told him. Andrew did not try to persuade his brother but simply brought him to Jesus. When Jesus fed a crowd of more than 5,000 near Bethsaida, it was Andrew who said, “Here is a boy with five small loaves and two fish” (6:9). When some Greek people had asked Philip if they could see Jesus, Philip brought them to Andrew who took them to Jesus (12:21-22). 

Here we have a wonderful picture of a man who becomes a true disciple of Christ. Andrew took every opportunity to bring people to Jesus and leave them with Him. As Christians, that is our task – to direct people to Jesus and leave them with Him. We do not have to devise clever strategies or to persuade and convince, because it is Jesus Himself by His Holy Spirit who will draw them. In a multitude of ways He reveals the truth to the heart that is disposed towards seeking and finding Him. 

Though we do not have a physical Jesus to bring people to as Andrew did, the invitation is still to “Come and see”. As people meet Jesus, they come to know Him for themselves, not because we have persuaded them, but because we have introduced them to a living Christ who will do His own work in their lives.

PRAYER: Dear Lord, thank You for giving us examples of good evangelism. I ask that You lead me to others who will be receptive to knowing You. 

TO REFLECT UPON: Am I alert to opportunities of introducing others to Christ?