WRITTEN BY DR. JIM GRASSI
No other disciple had more zeal and passion for the lost than Andrew. He and John were the first of the twelve to attach themselves to Jesus, and directly after Andrew discovered Jesus, he introduced his brother Peter to Him (John 1:35–40).
“He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ (which means Christ). He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, ‘You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas'”(which means Peter) (John 1:41-42).
Soon Peter became the undisputed leader of the apostolic band, and along with James and John, formed an inner circle with their Savior, sharing some of His most intimate moments. Andrew emerges from the pages of John’s gospel as the consummate crusader concerned with evangelism (zealous effort to spread the Gospel) at least three times. There is so much we can learn from Andrew’s character.
Andrew was humble. Serving Jesus in a supportive role, He wasn’t jealous of his brother’s position. Peter was a natural leader, and Andrew had no concern for who was top dog or why others were more favored by Christ. He encouraged others in their giftedness and calling and was dedicated to his own calling, faithfully spreading his Savior’s message. History reveals that Andrew was a gifted communicator who preached in many lands and had a powerful international ministry, but Andrew endeavored to glorify Christ rather than himself.
Andrew was an optimist. Rather than seeing a hopeless, meager offering, he saw five loaves and two fish being offered by a little boy who could be used by Jesus to further His kingdom (John 6:8-9). With a sense of mission and purpose, Andrew took the Gospel to hostile, barbaric lands filled with desperate people, places like Cappadocia, Bithynia, Galatia, and Byzantium. His keen insights and optimistic heart greatly impacted these countries for Christ.
Andrew was not prejudiced. At a time when races and cultures did not mix with one another, Andrew sought to share God’s Word with all people; he was universal in his outreach. Most Jews did not believe that another race could possibly be of any use to God. Gentiles were considered an accursed group of people. Andrew was the first of the disciples to realize that Christ’s message was for all mankind. He crossed the racial and cultural barriers to present Christ as Lord and Savior to all.
Disciples like Andrew form the backbone of the Christian Church and are the salt of the earth. He readily used his gifts, talents, and personality to meet people in the marketplace of life, share his faith, and bring them to Jesus. He remained faithful in his calling and Christ’s mission, humbly offering Christ to all who would listen. The early church fathers tell us that Andrew maintained an unwavering faith and dedication to spreading the Gospel to the very end, even as he faced torture and death – a zealous crusader for Christ to the end.
Scripture Reading: Romans 12:10-12
Personal Application: How would you describe your ministry role? How fervently do you serve God? Ask God to increase your zeal and provide an opportunity to tell someone about Him.
- Taken in part from More Than a Fisherman: Making Disciples Who Make Disciples by Jim Grassi, D. Min.
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5