Andrew: First Called Disciple Lesson 1 Series

“John the Baptist stood with two of his disciple looking at Jesus. The Baptist said, ‘Behold the Lamb of God,’ and Andrew and John began following Jesus. The Master… asked, ‘What are you looking for?’ They said, ‘Master-Teacher, what are You staying?’ Jesus said, ‘come follow Me.’ It was 4 p.m. so they followed Him. They stayed to learn from Jesus, then Andrew left first to bring his brother Simon Peter to Jesus. Next, John came bringing his brother James.”

John 1:35-41, ELT

A. WHAT WAS FIRST ABOUT ANDREW?

1. First showed interest in Jesus. “Two disciples (of John the Baptist) heard him speak and they followed Jesus” (John 1:37).

2. Wanted more information. “Jesus … saw them following and saith … what do seek you?” (John 1:38).

3. First to be with Jesus … listen … “They came … abide with Him … it was about (4 p.m.)” (John 1:39).

4. First to reproduce in another. “He (Andrew) first found his own brother Simon, and said to him, ‘We have found the Messiah’ … and he brought him to Jesus” (John 1:41-42).

B. ANDREW A PEOPLE-PERSON SOUGHT PEOPLE FOR JESUS

1. The twelve disciples were with Christ and heard him preach; the multitude was hungry. Jesus asked, “Where shall we buy bread, that these may eat?” (John 6:5). All heard the question. Philip answers with facts: 200 pennyworth ($2,400) would be needed to feed the multitude.

2. Because Andrew was a people-person, he brought the boy with fish and loaves to Christ (John 6:1-14).

a. The boy gave the things he needed most – food.

b. The boy gave personal things to Jesus.

c. The boy gave the things he had, he gave all.

d. God uses small, unlikely people, sources, and events.

3. Andrew brought the Greeks to Jesus (John 12:20-22). Certain Greeks came to Jerusalem searching for Jesus. They asked the question, “Sir, we would see Jesus.” They found Philip and Andrew, who brought them to Jesus.

a. Because Andrew was a people-person, he was sensitive to those seeking Jesus.

b. Andrew had to be available to bring people to Jesus.

c. Andrew had to be willing.

d. Andrew had to know where Jesus was located.

C. TEN PRINCIPLES LEARNED FROM ANDREW

1. The first response as a disciple is to give yourself to Jesus to learn about Jesus and stay close to Him to learn Him personally.

2. When you first begin to follow Jesus, respond positively to Jesus’ invitation, “come and see” (1:39).

3. When you first begin to follow, make sure you call Jesus “Master … Teacher.” So He can instruct you what you need to know and you can become what He wants to make of you.

4. If you find Jesus as your Savior, first find someone close to you and tell them about Jesus, and bring them to Jesus.

5. Andrew was not famous (not in top 3), but he was sensitive to people and brought them to Jesus. Do you know who Garland Carey brought to Jesus? Jerry Falwell.

6. When 5,000 people were hungry at the end of Jesus’ sermon, the disciples knew the physical need of the multitude, but Andrew – people-person – found a small boy with a lunch.

7. Philip was fact-oriented while Andrew was people-oriented.

8. Was Andrew searching for lost people who were searching for answers, when the Greeks were searching for Jesus? (John 12:20-22).

9. Note the searching Greeks asked Philip about Jesus, it was then Philip knew Andrew could get them to Jesus. “Certain Greeks … came to worship … come to Philip … Philip came to Andrew … told Jesus” (John 12:20-22).

10. A searching person who searches for Jesus and finds Him, knows how to help other empty people find Jesus.

If you have never really accepted Jesus as your personal Savior, would you do it right now? Do not delay or put it off. If you would like to receive Christ by faith, pray this simple prayer in your heart:

Dear Lord, I acknowledge that I am a sinner. I believe Jesus died for my sins on the cross, and rose again the third day. I repent of my sins. By faith I receive the Lord Jesus as my Savior. You promised to save me, and I believe You, because You are God and cannot lie. I believe right now that the Lord Jesus is my personal Savior, and that all my sins are forgiven through His precious blood. I thank You, dear Lord, for saving me. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

If you prayed that prayer, God heard you and saved you. I personally want to welcome you to the family of God and rejoice with you.

Dr. Towns’ email is eltowns@liberty.edu.

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