Andrew

August 11th sermon came from John, chapter 1, verses 35-51. I made notes and still have something to say from those few verses.

Search for “Andrew” in this blog and there will be three pages listing posts where that name appears. Search for it in the King James Bible and you’ll only find twelve verses. Yet, he sets huge examples for us.

We first hear of him listening to John the Baptist:

Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. (John 1:35-37 KJV)

First example – listen to men of God who have biblical messages for us. John preached from the Torah. He used scripture for his call to repentance and return to God. He did not point to himself, he pointed out (loudly I imagine) Behold the Lamb of God! Andrew listened and with another man, followed Jesus, who noticed them and asked what they were seeking. I found their answer a bit odd:

Then Jesus turned, and saw them following, and saith unto them, What seek ye? They said unto him, Rabbi, (which is to say, being interpreted, Master,) where dwellest thou? (John 1:38 KJV)

They followed Jesus home and spent the rest of the day in discussion, so my second example is – spend time talking to Jesus, and hearing His responses. I find this best done through Bible reading and prayer.

Andrew then went to his brother to share what he had learned:

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 KJV)

Third example, then – go tell your family, the people you love, that prophecy has been fulfilled. The Messiah lives, as God promised!

Another story tells me that Andrew listened to those around him – and helped them accomplish their goal:

And there were certain Greeks among them that came up to worship at the feast: The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus. (John 12:20-22 KJV)

That’s pretty much the biblical Andrew, except for his name in lists of disciples. Unlike the Catholic or Orthodox churches, we look upon Andrew as a disciple of Christ, a missionary and a leader of the early church – the sainthood for him is the same for all of us, whether Old . . .

All thy works shall praise thee, O LORD; and thy saints shall bless thee. (Psalms 145:10 KJV)

. . .  or New Testament:

Unto the church of God which is at Corinth, to them that are sanctified in Christ Jesus, called to be saints, with all that in every place call upon the name of Jesus Christ our Lord, both theirs and ours: (1 Corinthians 1:2 KJV)

Three easy progressions – listen, learn and share what was discovered – and we can set examples as Andrew did.