John the Baptist was a highly respected “preacher.” The forerunner of Jesus. The “one crying from the wilderness.” He had disciples who followed him. Let’s take a closer look at the one called Andrew.
Andrew was a fisherman by trade. Scripture doesn’t tell us how Andrew came to be a disciple of John the Baptist. There was so much interest in the Messiah that God had promised. They were hearing the loud preaching of this man telling them to repent and prepare the way of the Lord. That surely caused them to draw close to him.
Andrew was present at the time John the Baptist saw Jesus and declared “behold the Lamb of God.” (John 1:35-36). Andrew grew up hearing the words of the prophet Isaiah that the Messiah would come as a lamb to slaughter. (Isaiah 53:1-12) He and his fellow disciple, John, would immediately follow this Jesus to see for themselves what all the fuss was about. If indeed He was the Messiah.
They follow along not pressing just yet, when Jesus turns and sees them there. (John 1:38) They address Him as “Rabbi.” Jesus invites them to “…Come and see.” They would spend the rest of the day and through that night with Jesus, hearing His words. (John 1:39). What they heard in those hours with the “Rabbi” so convinced them that He was who John the Baptist had been preparing the way for, that Andrew left and hurried to find his brother Simon Peter. It may have taken a bit of convincing to get Peter to leave his work and go see this One who had made such an impression on Andrew. Nevertheless, Andrew persisted and asked him to come, for they had found the Messiah. (John 1:41) Peter goes with him.
When Peter approached this Jesus, not only did He tell him whose son he was but he changed his name to Cephas, which meant “a stone.” (John 1:42) The rest is history in our scriptures. A magnificent story of allegiance, betrayal, forgiveness and ministry to lead the world to Christ. All because Andrew sought Peter out and led him to Jesus. Many teachers of the Bible believe that Andrew was the first to lead someone to Jesus.
It seems that it wasn’t until after John the Baptist was imprisoned that Andrew and Peter became fully devoted disciples of Jesus. Scripture says that Jesus approached them on the shores of the Sea of Galilee and invited them to follow Him and He would make them fishers of men. (Mark 1:16-18)
Thought For Today:
I often wonder where I would be if that friend had not invited me to church in the Fall of 1967. I was introduced to the man called Jesus. I accepted Christ as my Savior soon after. There have been good times and some difficult times in our relationship. Yet, He has never left my side nor forsaken me. He has gently walked with me and called me close to Him during some of the saddest days of my life. Our history together, has proven to me that I can trust Him with my future.
We are disciples of Christ for this time. We are those shouting in the wilderness of our days, to prepare for the “return” of the Lord. We are also to be the “Andrews” of our time. Inviting souls to “come and see.” Jesus will take care of it from there.
Scripture For Today:
John 1:35-42
35 Again, the next day, John stood with two of his disciples. 36 And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” 37 The two disciples
heard him speak, and they followed Jesus. 38 Then Jesus turned, and seeing them following, said to them, “What do you seek?” They said to Him, “Rabbi” (which
is to say, when translated, Teacher), “where are You staying?” 39 He said to them,
“Come and see.” They came and saw where He was staying, and remained with Him that day (now it was about the tenth hour). 40 One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. 41 He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which is translated, the Christ). 42 And he brought him to Jesus. Now when Jesus looked
at him, He said, “You are Simon the son of Jonah. You shall be called Cephas” (which is translated, A Stone).
Mark 1:16-18
16 And as He walked by the Sea of Galilee, He saw Simon and Andrew his brother casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 17 Then Jesus said to them, “Follow Me, and I will make you become fishers of men.” 18 They immediately left their nets and followed Him.
Prayer For Today:
Hello Father! We pray to be “fishers” of men as Andrew and Peter. We pray for a voice to welcome any who will, “to come and see.” We pray for courage. Forgive us of our sins. In Jesus’ Name. Amen.
©2015 Kathy Ledbetter. All rights reserved.