“Andrew?” “What’s there to learn about Andrew?” Like yeah, he was a part of the Disciples but come on, he didn’t even write a book? Like in the context of the Disciples, Andrew was more a bystander; a witness, if anything!”
But that’s the whole point. Many of us within our church community are Andrews. Not everyone will be on the pulpit. Not everyone will be taking the thanksgiving prayer. But that doesn’t mean anything in front of God. Andrew, like many of us, are largely a witness to what God has done.
Let’s take it back. Andrew, along with John, was the very first of the twelve disciples to follow Jesus. Then why didn’t he have a more prominent role? It’s true. Andrew was excluded from the inner circle of Peter, James and John and he did not preach any major sermons, tending more towards the background. However, he excelled in bringing others to Christ.
Andrew was so drawn to Christ, he was adamant that if others could just witness Jesus and his glory, it would be enough. Hence, he found his brother and told him “We have found the Messiah” (John 1:41). Who’s his brother? The one. The only. Simon Peter.
Yep.
Andrew brought Peter to Jesus, but it was Peter who made the inner circle and “truly” experienced Christ.
Now I know, this may feel like an L. “I brought my man in, but its him who got to enjoy”. “Ahhh swear Andrew, your brother took your spot just like that. Personalllly, I wouldn’t have that if I was you”. But Andrews had a heart that was magnetized to draw others to Christ.
Want further proof of Andrew’s selflessness? Even in the Bible, Andrew was constantly referred to as “Simon Peter’s brother”. But still Andrew remained humble and continued to act as a witness of Christ and brought others to do the same. It wasn’t only his selflessness which made Andrew the optimal witness. He was also extremely optimistic. According to John 6:5-9, it was Andrew who suggested to Christ the five loaves and two fishes. Imagine the situation. 5000 people in front of you to feed. And your response is…5 loaves and 2 small fish. He may have appeared foolish, but he understood and trusted the power of Christ, as a result of being a witness in the past.
So, what can we take from this? There will be situations where God is using us to help others. We may not be the main character in every story.
And if that’s not enough to convince you. Imagine being upset that you get to be one of the Disciples. Your name eternalised. Yet many of us would complain because we’re not Peter, James or John. We aren’t in competition with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Let’s approach God with an open heart. A giving heart. A loving heart. One which doesn’t compare.
Wow you’re still reading…
Little fun fact: Scotland’s X-shaped cross on a blue background is a reference to Andrew being martyred on an X-shaped cross. Okay maybe this isn’t so fun. But even in that position, he praised God and prayed for his enemies.
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