John 1:35-37 says, “Again the next day after John stood, and two of his disciples; And looking upon Jesus as he walked, he saith, Behold the Lamb of God! And the two disciples heard him speak, and they followed Jesus.” The first disciples of Jesus were disciples first of John the Baptist. John was a great man (Matthew 11:11; Luke 1:15), particularly in the way that he pointed others to Christ. He was not seeking his own following, but rather simply wanted to fulfill His role for Christ. Thus, he said of Jesus, “He must increase, but I must decrease” (John 3:30). His influence rubbed off on those who followed him. When they left him to follow Jesus, they, in turn, found others who would follow the Lord Jesus Christ.
Andrew is introduced John 1:40-41 as Simon Peter’s brother. Although his brother Peter has not yet appeared on the scene, Andrew is identified with reference to him because when this book of John was written Peter was well known. How would you like to be known by virtue of your more famous brother (in Christ)? Though Andrew is not given much space in the Bible, he is commended in that, “He first findeth his own brother Simon, and saith unto him, We have found the Messias, which is, being interpreted, the Christ” (John 1:41). Though we ourselves may not be the most prominent and popular figure among the disciples, we may bring a great servant to Christ. Where would Peter be if Andrew had not found him and brought him to Jesus? Where would Paul be if Barnabas had not encouraged him (Acts 9:27; 11:25)? Where would Cornelius’ friends and family be if he had not invited them to hear the message of salvation through Christ that Peter was going to deliver for the first time to non-Jewish people (Acts 10:24, 33)? All great servants of the Lord benefit from others. Like Andrew, we should be busy helping others who will be great, rather than making a name for ourselves.
This week is our Gospel Meeting with Jerry Carmichael with the theme “Come to Jesus.” Jesus invites all saying, “Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-30). Please come to the meeting; bring others with you; bring your family or friends; bring whoever will come (Revelation 22:17). Coming to Jesus is the most important decision a person will ever make. If one refuses to come to Jesus, then there is no more hope for eternal life. Jesus said to those who rejected Him in John 5:40, “And ye will not come to me, that ye might have life.” Will you come?
–Mark Day
