I think Andrew is one of the ‘main-player’ apostles who often gets overlooked in our preaching. When was the last time you heard someone reference his involvement in the ministry of Jesus?
It’s an interesting feature that, as the story unfolds, we find the man who would draw someone who would become one of the greatest apostles to Christ.
Andrew was on board with the greatest prophet according to Jesus, John the Baptist. The brother of Simon Peter, Andrew was also a fisherman by trade and was very accustomed to life by the Sea of Galilee, yet, his life was destined for anything but predictability, especially as a disciple of the fiery prophet from the wilderness whose message of repentance stirred the hearts of the nation in anticipation of the coming Kingdom of God. It was in this setting that Andrew first encountered Jesus.
Andrew’s Encounter with Jesus
John’s Gospel tells us that one day, as John the Baptist saw Jesus walking by, he shouted out, “Behold, the Lamb of God!” (John 1:36). Intrigued and moved by these words, Andrew, along with another disciple, followed Jesus. What moved Andrew to leave John the Baptist by the river and follow Jesus? We do not know. Perhaps it was curiosity, but certainly, it was the leading of the Holy Spirit, who is always drawing mankind to follow Jesus, as you probably know.
Andrew was following Jesus discreetly at a distance when Jesus turned and asked, “What are you seeking?” (John 1:38). Andrew’s life suddenly took a dramatic turn. Clumsily, Andrew responded, “Where are you staying?” to which Jesus invited him, “Come and see!” It was a dramatic “come” – not so far removed from when his brother would see Jesus walking on the water and receive a similar invitation. Whenever you engage with the Lord, He is also saying to you, “Come!”
That day, with that invitation, Andrew spent the day with Jesus and quickly realised that He was the Messiah, the Anointed One Israel had been waiting for. With excitement, Andrew found his brother Simon and told him, “WE HAVE FOUND THE MESSIAH!” (John 1:41 – excited text by me!). This simple act of bringing his brother to Jesus marked the beginning of a mission that would change the world and introduce us to one of the Spirit-inspired authors of Scripture.
Andrew’s Role in Jesus’ Ministry
As one of the very first to follow Jesus, Andrew had an openness to Jesus that is inspiring, especially as he had no idea of the adventure that lay ahead. Over the next few years, he witnessed an abundance of miracles, heard profound teachings, and found himself in the midst of some of the most significant events in human history.
One such moment was during the feeding of the five thousand—a day that started like any other but ended with astonishment. Amongst the thousands gathered, and now hungry, Andrew had noticed a young boy with five barley loaves and two fish. Though unsure how such a small amount could feed so many, he brought the boy to Jesus, saying, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish, but what are they for so many?” (John 6:9). This act of faith, though seemingly small, played a crucial role in one of Jesus’ most famous miracles. It demonstrates Andrew’s willingness to bring whatever he had, no matter how insignificant it seemed, to the Lord—even though the dinner that fed the multitude belonged to the boy! (The fish didn’t look like the ones in the picture above though!)
A Quiet yet Significant Influence
Andrew’s context as a disciple was unique. While his brother Peter often took the spotlight—or had it thrust upon him—Andrew was content to work behind the scenes, quietly leading others to Jesus. Whether it was his brother, the boy with the loaves and fish, or the Greeks who sought to meet Jesus (John 12:20-22), Andrew consistently pointed others to the Messiah. His actions reflect a heart deeply committed to Christ, dedicated to bringing others to the Saviour, regardless of the recognition he received. He showed a great depth of character—perhaps this is what Jesus saw in him when He set him apart as an apostle.
Andrew After Jesus’ Ascension
This steadfastness carried Andrew through to the painful, emotional days after Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. After Jesus ascended into heaven, Andrew was among those who gathered in the upper room in Jerusalem, as recorded in Acts 1:13. It was a critical, pivotal time for the early followers of the Way, marked by prayer, unity, and anticipation of the promised Holy Spirit. Despite the fear and uncertainty that must have gripped the disciples, Andrew faithfully remained with them, holding on to the hope of what Jesus had promised.
The upper room was more than just a physical space; it was a place of intense prayer and anticipation. For Andrew, being there was a testament to his obedience and unwavering belief in Jesus’ words and his readiness to receive the Holy Spirit. His inclusion in this gathering, praying, singing, and calling out to the Lord, speaks to his deep commitment and perseverance. He joined in prayer with the other apostles, as well as with Mary, the mother of Jesus, and other followers until, suddenly, the day of Pentecost brought an unexpected and powerful manifestation of the Holy Spirit. He descended upon them in power, enabling them to speak in different languages and boldly proclaim the Gospel.
Andrew, now filled with the Holy Spirit, became a vital part of the early Church’s explosive growth.
Lessons from Andrew’s Life
Andrew’s perseverance, despite the loss and uncertainty following Jesus’ death, is a powerful lesson for us today. His presence in the upper room shows us a man marked by the character of Jesus in his heart. His role in the unity of the early Church demonstrates the importance of being part of a community of believers, sharing in prayer, support, and mission. He demonstrates that there is no independent spirit about him; he’s part of the Christian community—belonging, inclusive, encouraging, and more importantly, God’s.
Andrew’s three-year journey with Jesus, with all its challenges, exhilaration, and wonder, along with his openness to the Spirit’s leading, reminds us of the importance of being receptive to the Spirit’s guidance in our own lives and ministries, especially in 2024.
After Pentecost, tradition holds that Andrew took the Gospel to the far reaches of the known world, preaching in places as diverse as Greece, Asia Minor, and possibly even as far as the region of modern-day Russia. His ministry was marked by a passion for spreading the message of Jesus, even to the point of martyrdom; according to tradition, he was crucified on an X-shaped cross in Patras, Greece, choosing to die in a manner that he felt was not worthy of his Lord’s death on a regular cross.
A Challenge to Follow
Andrew’s life is a challenge to us and is a testament to the power of a simple, faithful response to Jesus. It is an encouragement to bring whatever we have to Christ, trust Him to work through it, and be content in serving Him, whether in the spotlight or behind the scenes.
In God’s Kingdom, every role, no matter how small, is significant. It was a simple, unassuming start that Andrew had when he asked the man from Galilee, “Where are you staying?” But what really set everything ablaze was the answer: “Come and see!”
You have that invitation—do yourself a favour. Come and see.
