#4: Andrew, A Real Man For Jesus!

 

The name Andrew means, ‘manliness’, legend suggests to us that he was the older brother of Simon and that their parents were both Jewish & Greek, for Andrew is a Greek name. A 7th. century story purports that Andrew was finally caught by Roman soldiers and crucified on an “X” shaped cross by a Roman Proconsul in Greece, and in 12th.  century artwork, the X is a symbol used to represent Andrew the apostle. All because of his enthusiastic spreading of the gospel, probably in Greece and northwards into Russia. (Eusebius in his Eccl. History 3.1.1. mentions this). After he was martyred in Greece, there is legend which claims some bones of Andrew were brought to Scotland where a monk named Regulus established a church where St.Andrews Scotland still stands. Why there and then? Legend purports that before the 3rd. century King Athelstan of England tried fighting the Picts of Scotland while Hungus King of the Picts dreamt about the bones of Andrew. The next day in battle a shining white cross was in the sky, terrifying the English and allowing the Picts to enjoy victory, so to this day, Scotland’s flag is the white St.Andrew’s cross on the blue sky. Why consider these stories? It shows us how our nature is to admire and aspire courage and zeal, which Andrew relentlessly showed without regard for himself.

 

 But of course, the best and most reliable source for learning about Andrew is the gospel of John.  Real men, bring people to Jesus. Andrew did it often, and three times it is recorded for us to learn from.

 

1. Simon, Jn.1:40-42. We should not flinch from trying to introduce our own physical family to Jesus. Andrew knew Simon’s instinctive leadership capabilities, and SELFLESSLY brought him to Jesus, being aware that Jesus could use Simon’s character.

2. The boy with the bread, Jn. 6:8-9. We should be courageous and bring people with resources to Jesus for his work. No matter how small!  Andrew was OPTIMISTIC in leading this little lad with a little bread to Jesus, it never occurred to Andrew that anyone could be useless to Jesus.

3. The Greeks, Jn. 12:20-22, We should bring foreigners to Jesus. Regardless of their motives we might question. It seems Philip was unsure about introducing them to Jesus, but Andrew was certain EVERYONE needs to know Jesus, regardless of their background. Most Jews considered Greeks ignorant of the oracles of God, but these Greeks were more than curious, they were perhaps proselytes and God-fearers. Did Andrew take them farther than Philip would, because he saw their potential in growing the faith they already had? Having a Greek name and possibly a Greek parent in Bethsaida, might have made him from his youth, be more curious about foreigners coming to a knowledge of the truth.

Originally Andrew was a disciple of John the Immersionist. It was from this bold example of godliness that Andrew had his faith nurtured.  We must rejoice in the fact that zeal is contagious. It is peculiar of Andrew to be contented with letting his brother Simon be the leader and enjoy the inner circle of activity with Jesus. Whether Simon was the younger or older brother, matters not, regardless of age, Andrew had the zeal of a leader, but Jesus chose his impetuous brother to lead, not Andrew. Why? If Andrew was the older brother, perhaps he had the maturity to see what was really important. Not 1st. or 2nd. seat, but rather being a disciple of Jesus and enjoying the unity of all believers is what we should rejoice in. Some people, perhaps Andrew, was not only zealous, but a quicker student of spiritual truths.  Perhaps he knew how much Simon Peter needed him to lean on as a brother in a leadership position.

Being able to support leaders is essential for teamwork to exist. Andrew is not on record for teaching, writing or preaching the truth, but without his ENCOURAGEMENT the truth would not be heard, believed and obeyed. Andrew didn’t seem to care about his self, but only that others be exposed to the light of the gospel.  This is the mind we are to adopt, Philippians 2:5-8. Some of us need more renewing than others, but we all need to conform, even Andrew. Please read Romans 12:1-3.