Andrew

“The next day, John stood with two of his disciples. And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, ‘Behold the Lamb of God!’ The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus … One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ … And he brought him to Jesus” (John 1:35-37, 40-42).

This brief narrative in John’s gospel is about the only scripture that describes something Andrew said or did; yet it has something valuable to teach us.

When most people discover something that is of great help or value to them, they like to tell their friends about it. Whether it’s a good book or toothpaste or car wax, we figure if it helps us, it will help someone else. We call it “word of mouth” advertising.

Andrew found something that was important to him. So he did what was perfectly natural: he shared the good news with his brother. It didn’t require vast knowledge, dynamic personality, or great speaking ability. All Andrew did was tell Peter about Jesus and bring him to the Savior. Why do we find that so hard to do? Do we not think Jesus is important enough to tell someone about? Do we want to keep the gospel all to ourselves instead of sharing it? Do we think we’re incapable of telling someone about Him? None of these things entered Andrew’s mind as he rushed to find Peter and share the joyous news.

What if Andrew hadn’t cared enough to tell his brother about Jesus? Peter might never have come to know the Messiah. A precious soul might have been lost. And a man to whom we owe much might never have been anything more than a fisherman.

“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?” (Romans 10:14). Christian, if men are going to be saved, it is up to each and every one of us to say to them, “We have found the Messiah.”