Andrew was a fisherman, a son of Jonas of Bethsaida on the Sea of Galilee. He had a close relationship with Philip, also of the same town. He worked in the business with his brother Peter both out of Bethsaida and Capernaum on the other side of the lake, where they shared a house. He was a follower of John the Baptist, but on the arrival of Jesus he became one of His first disciples. He spent a day with Jesus and being convinced himself of His claims, and attracted by His Person, he immediately informed Peter, ‘We have found the Messiah’, and he brought him to Jesus. Andrew is the first to bring someone to the Lord – one of his own family – it makes him the first New Testament ‘homeworker’. This became the character of Andrew’s life, bringing people and circumstances to the Lord.
Andrew became one of ‘the twelve’ and very much a favoured one. We often consider the favoured three – Peter, James and John – yet on some occasions the three became four with the addition of Andrew, Mark 13. 3. The miracle of the feeding of the five thousand shows Andrew in good light. There was no bread; the multitude were hungry and there was no money to purchase what was needed. Realizing that the disciples could do nothing in such circumstances Andrew discussed the problem with the Lord. He pointed out that a lad present had five barley loaves, and two small fishes, to be used as relish on the bread. Even though he was convinced of the meagre insufficiency of these things he brought the opportunity to the Lord. Thus, the Lord was able to use this provision to supply more than fully the needs of the multitude. There is nothing too small for the Lord to use!
One day some Greeks on a visit to Jerusalem, and perhaps dissatisfied with what formal religion had to offer, asked Philip whether they could see Jesus. Unsure how to respond he shared the problem with Andrew. Will Jesus see Greeks or will He wish only to deal with Jews? Andrew knew how to proceed – tell Jesus! We now see Andrew as the first to introduce Gentiles to the Lord – the first ‘missionary’! He demonstrates characteristics that we should seek to emulate – bring others to the Lord; recognize opportunities; and at all times ‘tell Jesus’.
