No 3

(Andrew)

Although Andrew was Peter’s brother, he is the least known in the lead foursome. He was the first Apostle to be called (John 1:35-40) and was responsible for introducing his brother Peter to Jesus. He was a man who was zealous for Christ and missed no opportunity to introduce Him to others. In John 12:20-22, the Bible tells of some Greeks who approached Philip because they knew that he was an Apostle of Jesus and they were interested in meeting Him. The text says “The same came therefore to Philip, which was of Bethsaida of Galilee, and desired him, saying, Sir, we would see Jesus. Philip cometh and telleth Andrew: and again Andrew and Philip tell Jesus.” Philip brought them to Andrew so that he would introduce them to Jesus; Andrew’s reputation followed him. He was a humble person and saw value in insignificant things – Andrew was the one who pointed out to Jesus that a certain boy had five loaves of bread and two fishes (John 6:9); Jesus turned them into a feast for several thousand of His followers. Andrew is the very picture of those who labour quietly in humble places “Not with eyeservice, as menpleasers; but as the servants of Christ, doing the will of God from the heart.” (Eph 6:6). He was not a pillar like Peter, James or John; he was more of a humbler stone. The Bible does not record what he did after Pentecost but tradition says that he took the Gospel north which is probably why he is the patron saint of Russia and of Scotland. Andrew’s example shows us how God can use anyone for effective ministry.