Morning Devotional

June 15, 2004

"The  Disciples (Part 5)"

by Don Emmitte

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Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, was one of these men who had heard what John said and then followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother, Simon, and tell him, "We have found the Messiah" (which means the Christ). Then Andrew brought Simon to meet Jesus. Looking intently at Simon, Jesus said, "You are Simon, the son of John, but you will be called Cephas." (John 1:40-42 NLT)

Andrew is not among the most recorded disciples. Andrew was a brother of Peter, and both of them were fishermen at the Sea of Galilee with partners James and John, the sons of Zebedee.. This was a very pious group of fishermen. When they heard about John the Baptist and his preaching about the Messiah, they became his disciples. One day, after Jesus was baptized, John the Baptist saw Him coming, and turning to his disciples said, "Behold, the Lamb of God." Together with his partner, John, Andrew ran to him and followed Him. Later, he brought his brother Peter to Jesus, from this event; Andrew is called Protoclete, which translates the First-Called Disciple. According to the Gospels, Andrew had a place of honor near the Master. He was the one who pointed out to Jesus the boy with the five loaves and the two fishes, which were used for the feeding of the multitude in the wilderness (John 6:8-9). He also was the one who brought the Greeks to Jesus when the expressed their to see Him.

Was he necessary? Absolutely! Although it would have been easy for him to feel otherwise, he doesn't seem to have been affected. So it often happens with some of us. However, we are all essential to the Kingdom. Andrew was a vital part in the ministry of Christ. Christ chose him for a specific purpose; some of which we may not know until we get to Heaven. His influence was evidently vital for the plan Jesus had been called to complete. Just one of the accomplishments of Andrew was the beginning of the church in Constantinople. This church would become very important in the development of Christianity.

 

Perhaps you sometimes feel unnecessary in God's kingdom. If you do, that is clearly NOT a word from God. If you are a believer, then Christ has also chosen you! He has a part in His ministry that only you can do! It may not get the recognition that other people get, but your Heavenly Father will reward it when someday you stand before Him face to face. I would suspect Andrew could tell you that!

 

The most telling of all concerning Andrew’s character is found in our reading this morning. After finding Jesus, Andrew immediately went to get his brother. He was never satisfied with just finding the truth. He had to share it with others. In his small quiet way, Andrew became the example for most of us. He was never to become THE leader, but he would always be leading!