Articles
Andrew: 'We Have Found the Messiah'
The next day, John stood with two of his disciples. And looking at Jesus as He walked, he said, “Behold the Lamb of God!” The two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus…One of the two who heard John speak, and followed Him, was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, “We have found the Messiah”…And he brought him to Jesus. (John 1:35-37, 40-42)
This brief narrative in John’s gospel is one of only a tiny number of passages that specifically record something Andrew said or did; yet it has something valuable to teach us.
When most people discover something that is of great help or value to them, they like to tell their friends about it. Whether it’s a good book, or toothpaste, or laundry detergent, we figure if it helps us, it will help someone else. We call it “word of mouth” advertising.
Andrew found something that was important to him, so he did what was perfectly natural: he shared the good news with his brother. It didn’t require vast knowledge, a dynamic personality, or great speaking ability. All Andrew did was tell Peter about Jesus and bring him to the Savior. Why do we sometimes find that so hard to do? Do we not think Jesus is important enough to tell someone about? Do we want to keep the gospel all to ourselves instead of sharing it? Do we think we’re incapable of telling someone about Him?
What if Andrew hadn’t cared enough to tell his brother about Jesus? Peter might not have come to know the Messiah. A priceless soul might have been lost. And an apostle to whom we owe much might never have been anything but a fisherman.
“How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard?” (Romans 10:14). Christian, if people are going to be saved, it’s up to us to say to them, “We have found the Messiah.”
