There were men and women in the New Testament who impacted the faith greatly. Some wrote the Gospels and the Epistles, some had much influence in the lives of many who followed Christ but there are others that you will only hear their name in passing, very unassuming, but also did mighty works for the Lord but on the quiet.
One of such unassuming people in the Bible is Andrew, the brother of Simon. He is mentioned a few times in the New Testament, but at each time, he is seen leading people to Jesus. The first time Peter met Jesus was not on the shore fishing. Peter was introduced to Jesus by his brother Andrew. (John 1:39-42) Then in John 6:8-9, he introduced the lad with the five loaves and two fishes, and finally he introduced the Greeks to the Lord (John 12:20-22).
Andrew Found His Brother
Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (this is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. –John 1:40-42
What a glorious thing to do. He first looked for his brother, brought him to see and hear for himself. For he said “We have found the Messiah”. He didn’t wait, neither did he procrastinate, he has met the Light of this world, the giver of life, his brother ought to partake in this heavenly bliss. Andrew was eager to introduce his brother to Jesus, and immediately he did, Jesus changed his name from Simon to Peter. His destiny was changed. I can imagine the joy that flooded Andrews’s face. He brought his brother to the Lord He never kept the Good News to himself.
Jesus Followed Up
Matthew 4:18-20 says, “As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into a lake, for they were fishermen. ‘Come, follow me,’ Jesus said, ‘And I will send you out to fish for people.’ At once they left their nets and followed him.”
As if He knew where to find them, Jesus saw them (Andrew and Peter) casting a net into a lake and made a call on their life; to fish for men. Follow up is one important aspect of soul winning. Jesus was not done with them until he called them to be part of His party. 1 Corinthians 1:9 says, “God is faithful, who has called you into fellowship with his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Called into Partnership
Andrew thereon took his soul winning cap and begun to bring souls to Christ. The joy to do the most important work, to lead people to Christ. Andrew had been called to this essential task. All he needed to do was to concentrate on his calling; ‘Introducing people to Christ.’ (Matthew 4:18-20) He did not rank with Paul or his own brother Peter. We are not told that he ever preached a sermon, but he led Peter to Christ. Peter preached many sermons, but there would have been no sermons from him had it not been for the faithful, personal soul-winning of Andrew. He lets the others deal with the multitudes. He deals with the individuals. He never longed for recognition but went about his work of winning souls to Christ. Andrew is an illustration of a successful soul-winner.
Sometimes it can be hard to find ways to bring friends to Jesus. We want them to have those transformational moments like Peter had or Paul. But do not worry just do what He has asked you to do. Talk to them about Christ, be persistent and lead them to Him like Andrew did and He will take over. We may be very ordinary people, like Andrew, but the Lord can use us in bringing others to know Him. Andrew was not interested in being the center of attraction, holding big crusades and healing services, but the individuals he brought to Christ became like the Peters, Reinhard Bonnkes, Billy Grahams, and many great preachers who have drawn thousands of souls to Christ, because there was an ‘Andrew’ who never slept or procrastinated.
Luke 19:10 tells us that we are to be constantly engaged in the same glorious and heavenly calling. Don’t ever think Jesus is not interested in the individuals you bring to Him. Every soul matters to Him. As you bring them to Him He will change their destiny and use them greatly and you will be rewarded.
Do not ever think you have to stand in the pulpit before you can preach or tell somebody Jesus loves Him. On the day of reward the Lord will ask you, Where is your Simon?
