Friends of Jesus-Andrew Calling Others

Matthew 4:18-22

Andrew, a Greek name for a Jewish boy, is the brother of Simon Peter, and the son of Jonah.  (not of whale fame) The first to be called by Jesus to “follow,” made him known as a protoklete or “first called.”    Like his older brother Simon, he too is a fisherman: a man’s man.   Andrew was a disciple of John the Baptist, cousin of Jesus, and was baptized by John.  However, Andrew recognized Jesus as the long awaited Messiah and left following John the Baptist to follow the Master/Messiah.  This recognition would be the motivation of Andrew, who introduced Simon to Jesus as the Messiah, not just a carpenter. From the beginning, Andrew was calling others to “come and see.”  Screenwriter and director Dallas Jenkins of The Chosen says, “Andrew was all in, sold out for the cause of Christ.”

Andrew’s Faith

Andrew had faith in Jesus’ abilities as Jehovah Jireh, the God who provides. (John 6:8-9)   He also asked probing questions of the Master when he did not fully understand.  (Mark 13:1-4)

Andrew served as a “bridge between Jewish and Gentile followers of Jesus.”  As one of four fishing partners (James, John, Simon, and Andrew), he followed the call to “fish for men.”  He had the heart of an evangelist, calling people regardless of creed, color, or nationality to come and see.  While his older brother evangelized the masses, Andrew called others one at a time. 

Andrew’s Courage

The courage of Andrew is seen in leaving all he knew behind and trusting in the Sovereign God who had laid out centuries before, through the prophets, the promise of a Messiah.   This commission may call us to those people groups we have little in common with except our shared creator and spiritual ancestry.  True friends of Jesus say to one and all, “come and see.”  They are willing to be the first “to go where no man has gone before.”  A true trekkie.

Evangelism is the heart of one caring about the heart of another.  It is a love for our fellow man:

“Red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in His sight.  Jesus loves the little children of the world.” Andrew, like his Master, “wanted that none should perish.”  (2 Peter 3:9)   Are we willing to step out in faith when called by God to follow the Great Commission? Do we love like Jesus?   

Scriptures:   Matthew 4:18-22, John 1:14, 40-42. 12:22

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N_J_J_uvaAc

Come and See by Michael Card

Sticks and Stones

https://www.treadingwatertiljesuscomes.com/2019/06/28/sticks-and-stones/