Andrew: Servant Disciple

“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 (which is translated the Christ)’ “—John 1:41-42

Andrew can well be termed the servant disciple. He was first a disciple of John the Baptist (see John 1:35-37, 40). He asked Jesus “Where are you staying?” and Jesus invited Andrew and John’s other disciple to “come and see.” Andrew followed Jesus. Moreover, he invited his brother, Simon, whom Jesus named Peter, the rock, to go with him to Jesus. What greater blessing can come than to lead another member of your family to follow Jesus? In Matthew 4:18 we learn that Andrew and Peter were fishermen, and in John 1:42 that they were sons of Jonas.

Andrew had the privilege of being with Peter, James and John when Jesus gave them his teaching about the destruction of the Temple and the escatological (end times) discourse found in Mark 13 (compare with Matthew 24, although Andrew’s name is not mentioned in Matthew’s account).

Andrew exercised his servant role when the hungry crowd of 5,000 was fed. When Philip was doubting that there was any way to feed the multitudes, Andrew found the lad with the five loaves and two fish, and brought him and his lunch to Jesus.

We know the story. The crowd was organized, seated, and the disciples began to pass out the food as it multiplied. More was taken up in leftovers and saved in a dozen baskets after everyone was filled. What a miracle Andrew participated in.

Was that not a story to tell again and again? And it has been told, many times, from then until now.

It was Andrew and Philip, both from Bethsaida of Galilee, who brought Greeks to Jesus to see and talk with Him. To them He predicted his death (see John 12:20-33). It seems that the message was specifically for Andrew and Philip (as well as the seeking Greeks): “He who loves his life will lose it, and he who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. If anyone serves Me, let him follow Me, and where I am, there My servant will be also. If anyone serves Me, him My Father will honor.” (John 12:25-26).

Andrew, the servant disciple, was listed among the eleven remaining after the resurrection and ascension of Jesus as they were “with one accord in prayer and supplication” in the upper room in Jerusalem, awaiting the Holy Spirit’s appearance. The disciples had the task of choosing Judas Iscariot’s successor as a disciple. The vote was for Matthias (Acts 1:13-26). This passage is the last time Andrew is mentioned in the scripture. However, there is much extra-biblical information about Andrew, who brought people to Jesus, including his brother Simon Peter. According to these records, Andrew was active in the early church. Tradition holds that he was martyred for the faith, crucified on an x-shaped cross. He fulfilled Jesus’ words: “The man who hates his life in this world will keep it for eternal life. Whoever serves Me must follow Me: and where I am, my servant also will be. My Father will honor the one who serves Me (John 12:25-26, NIV).

Prayer: May we have a committed servant heart as did the disciple Andrew who found his brother and the lad with loaves and fish and brought them to Jesus. Amen.

c Ethelene Dyer Jones; Saturday, March 6, 2010