Andrew was a very ordinary man. His name is only mentioned thirteen times in the New Testament, but each reference to him unfolds something of his character. He lived to introduce others to the Lord Jesus. He was the first home missionary (John 1:41), the first children’s missionary (John 6:9), and the first foreign missionary (John 12:22) of the apostolic band. Musing over the references to this disciple, we learn of his definite conversion (John 1:37-40), his happy communion (John 1:39), his personal devotion (John 1:41), his helpful suggestion (John 6:8-9), his spiritual illumination (John 12:21-23), his inquiring spirit (Mark 13:3), his complete consecration (Matt. 4:18-20), and his joy in prayer (Acts 1:13).
His name means “manly,” and this was characteristic of him throughout his service for the Master. Manliness was seen in his character in six ways.
(1) In the step he took (John 1:37). The testimony of the Baptist influenced John and Andrew to leave their old teacher and to follow the Lord Jesus. John directed them to Christ (v. 36). His theme was His atoning death and they were attracted to Him (v. 37). Happy the hearer who finds his attraction in, and his attention drawn to, the Lord of Glory. Andrew’s interest is expressed in the inquiry: “Master, where dwellest Thou?” The spirit of inquiry marked this new convert and his interest is heightened by the reply made by the Lord (v. 39). Well might the Lord ask them (and us), “What seek ye?” The invitation was accepted; “They came, they saw where He dwelt and abode with Him that day.” Thus we are introduced to the secret of all Christian life and service; “Abide in Me.” What impressions were made on these two disciples as they abode with Him that day.
(2) In the service he rendered (John 1:41-42). Abiding leads to service and enables us to witness for our Lord in the most difficult place — the home circle.
You will notice his difficult task (v. 41a). “He first findeth his own brother.” What enthusiasm — “first” — it was the first thing he did. He became deeply concerned about others and began his work in the home circle. Surely this is divine order and pleasing to the Lord (Acts 1:8). Reaching others should always be regarded as a matter of first importance. What enterprise — “he findeth!” Does that not suggest patient search for Peter? Andrew realized Peter’s need and yearned for his blessing. Clear vision leads to holy passion which compels to dynamic mission, finding others for the Lord. What evangelism! “His own brother.” Andrew’s first find was a great one; he began his missionary work at home, not abroad. Here is a wonderful lesson on soul winning, for a good thing is worth telling and sharing.
Out of his heart came this delightful testimony (v. 42). What are the marks of this soul-thrilling, saving testimony? First, it was beautiful in its simplicity: “We have found the Messiah.” There was no argument, no elaborate reasoning, but a simple witness based on personal experience (3:11). Every word was easy to understand and carried conviction to the heart of Peter. There was also sincerity: “We have found . . .” Andrew wanted Peter to share in the discovery that was so precious to him. Here was a new-found interest and joy thrilling his soul. And there was certainty and brevity. Andrew was absolutely certain of his message and was not ashamed to speak for his Lord. Only eleven words, yet what wealth of meaning, fullness of truth and convincing testimony they convey! The world is still waiting for personal conviction and public witness. May we go, tell, and bring others to the Lord.
(3) The sacrifice he made (Mark 1:16-18). Almost a year has passed and Andrew, having begun at the center, works his way out to the circumference and the Lord directs him to his life-work. “We being delivered . . . might serve” (Luke 1:74). Now Andrew is called to definite work. Discipleship leads him to a specific ministry and apostleship (Mark 3:14-19). The Lord was looking for helpers then, and is looking for them now, and He usually calls those who are already occupied (1:16). Theirs will be the same task, only in another realm. They were to catch men alive and this has been rightly called “the greatest work in the world.” They responded immediately to the call and were informed of their new ministry. It would be difficult work but they had the promise of the Lord’s enabling. “I will make you to become,” implies progress in a process. In the school of Christ, we are fashioned for our life-work and our response should be whole-hearted: “They left all,” and warm-hearted: “They followed Him.”
He equips us for every task; He trains us, teaches us and bestows upon us all the wisdom and grace required in this delightful work. Andrew, like his brother and fellow fisherman, was willing to trust the Lord and went on to victory over fear and over the flesh.
His manliness is seen again later in:
(4) The suggestion he offered (John 6:8-9). Further training is given the disciples by the Lord and now He tests them. It was not to perplex or humble him that the Lord proved Philip as He did; it was to teach him. Here Andrew comes forward to help, but with doubts and fears. His suggestion was helpful, not critical; it was well-meant although weak and it was adopted by the Lord to the blessing of the hungry multitude. The Lord took counsel with them, regarding them as His fellow-workers and taught them to lean hard upon Him and do His bidding. The lad surrendered all willingly to the Lord and, in His hand, the impossible became possible. In our service, all that the Lord requires is complete surrender (v. 11), perfect trust (v. 6), and loyal obedience (v. 10). He will bless our resources.
(5) The sympathy he showed (John 12:21-22). These Greeks knew that the Jews have rejected the Lord (Matt. 21:23; 23:29), yet they intimated their desire to see Him. Andrew made the introduction along with Philip. Andrew readily cooperated in the grand work of introducing these Greeks to the Saviour. Faith and courage are strengthened by companionship. They were helpful to one another and cooperated in bringing men to the Master. The fulfillment of the desire, “We would see Jesus,” is only possible for us through the cross. What a great yet brief sermon the Lord preached that day. A single grain of wheat is His text, the cross His theme. Nature is an expression of the thoughts of God, a part of His revelation, and a parable of better things. His self-sacrifice calls us to follow Him in the service of love and personal attachment.
(6) The company he sought (Acts 1:3-9). Andrew finds himself at the Master’s feet, drinking in revealed truth which balanced His outlook on life years later (Mark 13:3-4). The last glimpse we have of him is in the happy company of kindred souls waiting upon God in prayer (1:13-14). Their hearts have been fused as one; petty problems have been settled, and now, in joyful obedience and prayerful expectation, they wait the fulfillment of the Master’s promise: “Ye shall receive power.” These saints were interdependent. They were a real brotherhood and their interest in prayer was amply rewarded by divine blessing at Pentecost.
Thus Andrew found in the Lord Jesus one who met his needs, solved his problems, and satisfied his heart’s deepest longings. For him, the sin question was settled (John 1:29); the social question — he enjoyed the warmth of the friendship of the Lord (John 1), and the companionship of fellow saints (Acts 1:13). He also discovered that the Lord could solve the self question, so he gladly surrendered the management of his life to Him (Mark 1:18), and later the service question was disposed of, for Andrew found lasting joy in working for His glorious Lord (Mark 3:14-15).