THE DISCIPLES:
Andrew
October 11, 2026
Scripture: John 1:35-42a
A woman owned a parrot that could say only one thing, “Who is it?” For years she had been trying to
teach the bird to extend its vocabulary, but it refused to utter anything other than “Who is it?” One day
the woman had sent for the plumber, and because she had to go to work, she arranged for him to find the
key under the mat outside the front door. The plumber arrived, let himself in and began to work.
Naturally, the parrot, hearing someone in the house asked, “Who is it?” “The plumber!” called the
workman. Hearing a strange voice the parrot again decided to utter his one and only phrase: “Who is it?”
“The plumber!” came the response. The parrot was not satisfied and again asked, “Who is it?” Again the
response, “The plumber.” Again, and again the bird asked, “Who is it?” Repeatedly, the response was “It’s
the plumber.” Finally, the plumber started to look to find who was asking. He desperately went up and
down throughout the house for an hour trying to find who was calling him. Finally, the exhausted man
fainted in the hall. Shortly afterwards, the woman came home and saw the unconscious figure on the
carpet and said, “Who is it?” The parrot replied, “It’s the plumber.”
I tell that story because I think many of us would ask, “Who is Andrew?” He is not a disciple that is well
known. He is best known as Peter’s brother. Simon Peter’s name is mentioned 151 times. Andrew’s name
is mentioned 13 times. Of the 13 times his name is mentioned, he is often referred to as Simon Peter’s
brother.
Some basic facts from Scripture notes that Andrew was born in Bethsaida of Galilee. He was a fisherman
by trade. Andrew was the first disciple chosen. Yet, Andrew is always behind the scenes. He serves
without acknowledgment or recognition. He was at all the gatherings of the 12. He was at the Mount of
Olives. He was in the Upper Room. He was there for the events of His resurrection. He was there when the
disciples met together waiting for the Promise of the Holy Spirit. This morning we want to look at the few
instances Andrew is mentioned and see what characteristics we can learn from him?
First, Andrew was a learner. He was teachable. He was a seeker after the truth.
Andrew had a moldable heart as he was a disciple of John the Baptist. Apparently, Andrew thought more
about matters of the soul than about fishing, for he left his fishing nets to follow John the Baptist.
In John 1:29 and following, John the Baptist sees Jesus coming towards him and says, “Look, the Lamb of
God, who takes away the sin of the world. Then he notes that Jesus is the one who would come after him.
Then he tells the reason why he knows this. Verses 32-34 states, Then John gave this testimony: “I saw
the Spirit come down from heaven as a dove and remain on him. 33 And I myself did not know him, but
the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘The man on whom you see the Spirit come down and
remain is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ 34 I have seen and I testify that this is God’s
Chosen One.”
The next day John was there again with two of his disciples. 36 When he saw Jesus passing by, he said,
"Look, the Lamb of God!" These two disciples then go to Jesus and spend the day with him. Andrew was
one of the disciples.
Andrew was attentive to what John the Baptist said and wanted to pursue truth, the Messiah. After that
initial meeting, Scripture is somewhat unclear. It seems to indicate that Andrew went back to Capernaum
and continued his fishing career. It was at a later time-perhaps several weeks, possibly after Jesus’ time
of being tested in the wilderness that Jesus came to Galilee and as Matthew 4 records that He said to
Andrew and Peter, “Follow Me and I will make you fishers of men.” Andrew left everything to follow and
learn from Jesus.
In another instance from Mark 13:3, we learn that Jesus was sitting on the Mount of Olives opposite the
temple, Peter, James, John and Andrew asked him privately, “Tell us when will these things happen?”
These disciples wanted to learn more.
The story is told of a teacher taking a 2nd grader to the library to help her learn to read. The book she
chose for the girl only had pictures. So, the teacher sat down with the child and said, "Why don’t you
identify the pictures for me?" She started: "That’s a house, that’s a man, that’s a boat, that’s a car.” She
turned to a picture of a hatchet and she said, "That’s a hammer.” Then she turned to the next page and
there was a picture of a hammer. She looked back at the hatchet and then at the hammer several times
back and forth. Finally, she closed the book and said, "You know we’re not supposed to be talking in the
library.” She gave up learning or seeking after the truth.
Sadly, too many believers have given up learning! They have the attitude, “I have had enough.” People
give up learning, developing in Christ for various reasons. It might be because of failure, discouragement,
resentment, laziness, feeling committed to something else, love the darkness more than the light, just to
name a few. Please take to heart. The Lord wants to teach and help you so much more. He wants you to
continue to be mature in Christ (Colossians 1:28)!
Aren’t you glad that as Jesus picked up that old rugged cross and started walking up the road to Golgotha,
He didn’t stop halfway and say, “This is as far as I am willing to go. I have had enough.” “He could have
called Ten Thousand Angels, but He died alone for you and me.” He went all the way. He died for us, at
least we could live for Him.
Principle 1: Be a learner. Be teachable. Be a seeker after the truth.
Let me ask you: How moldable is your heart? Are you willing to learn and grow in Christ? Will you seek
the TRUTH?
Secondly, Andrew brought people to Jesus.
Andrew had found a great treasure, and he wanted to share it with others. John 1:41-42 notes that after
Andrew found the Messiah, he could not keep it to himself. He goes and finds his brother Peter. He tells
him about Jesus as he stated, “We have found the Messiah.” Joy compelled him to share the good news!
Andrew was always bringing people to Jesus. When the 5,000 were hungry and in need of food in John
6:8, it was Andrew who brought the young boy to Jesus with 5 small loaves and 2 small fish.
Later in the Gospel of John, some Greeks wanted to see Jesus, Philip told Andrew and together they took
their request to Jesus.
Andrew is a model for every believer in this matter. We might not have the gifts to speak to thousands
like Peter, but we can be instrumental in bringing one person at a time to Jesus.
Many of us have never heard of Edward Kimball, a Sunday school teacher. He was instrumental in leading
a young fellow, a Boston shoe salesclerk, to the Lord. This shoe salesman became so on fire that he
became a well-known evangelist. His name Dwight L. Moody. Moody went on to preach great revivals in
America and England. He founded Moody Bible Institute in Chicago, which still operates today and has
trained thousands of missionaries, evangelists and others. All of this is because of one person, Edward
Kimball.
In 1934, Albert McMakin, a 24-year-old farmer from Charlotte, North Caroline became a Christian. He was
so full of enthusiasm that he filled a truck with people and took them to a meeting to hear about Jesus
from the evangelist, Mordecai Ham. Now, there was a good-looking farmer’s son whom he was especially
keen to get to a meeting, but this man was hard to persuade. He was too busy falling in and out of love
with different girls. He did not seem to be attracted to Christianity. Eventually, Albert McMakin managed
to persuade this 16 year old young man by asking him to drive his truck. When they arrived, Albert’s
guest decided to go in and was “spellbound” and began to have thoughts that he had never known before.
He went back night after night until one night he went forward and gave his life to Jesus Christ. Since
then, the young truck driver has spoken to at least 250 million people about Christ during his lifetime and
he went on to become a spiritual advisor to the last nine US Presidents. The young truck driver was of
course Billy Graham. (taken from “Questions of Life – Nicky Gumbel” p.193-194)
Most of us have never heard of Edward Kimball or Albert McMakin. Yet, they played an important role in
building the Kingdom. We might not be called to be a D.L. Moody or a Billy Graham, but we can in our
own quiet way be like Edward Kimball and Albert McMakin. They are modern day examples of the Apostle
Andrew. Remember, without Andrew there may have never been a great Simon Peter, who preached the
first Christian sermon at Pentecost which influenced thousands and then in turn these thousands
influenced hundreds of thousands and eventually millions and the whole world.
We all have opportunities to talk about Jesus with our family and friends about Jesus. Each one of us can
be a light in our communities by the way we live. We may not be the greatest at this or that, but all of us
can influence someone else to come to Christ.
Kimball, McMakin and even Andrew did not become famous, but they had an enthusiasm for Jesus and
were faithful in sharing Jesus. This is how our neighbors and friends and family will be won to the Lord one
at a time. I may not be able to reach everyone, but I can reach someone for Jesus!
Please note the first thing Andrew did was tell someone else about Jesus. Today’s trend in the church is to
make it the last thing that we do as Christians. With Andrew evangelism was the most natural thing he
could do. May we be so overwhelmed with knowing Jesus that we share and are prepared to share that
Jesus is the Messiah. He is Lord.
Please never underestimate the importance of connecting with people. Most people do not come to Christ
as an immediate response to a sermon they hear in a crowded setting. They come to Christ because of the
influence of an individual.
And please realize today’s children, teenagers, and young people are in a code blue state. It is a life-or-
death emergency. This younger generation is struggling, lost. It is not because Satan is more powerful or
has something better to offer. It is because the church hasn’t shown up for the battle.
Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 28:19, 20, Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing
them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey
everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Acts 1:8 states. You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses
in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.
A primary purpose of the Church is to tell others about Jesus! A 90-year-old faithful Christian was asked
Why and how do you so much for Jesus? He responded, “I never lost the wonder of knowing Jesus.”
Andrew never lost the wonder, and he couldn’t wait to bring people to Jesus.
Principle 2: Have an enthusiasm to share about Jesus! Be prepared (I Peter 3:15,16)! Don’t be
afraid to share the good news of Jesus (Matthew 10:16-33).
Thirdly, Andrew had a simple, a mustard seed faith!
In John 6, we have the story of Jesus feeding the 5000. Verses 5-13 states, When Jesus looked up and
saw a great crowd coming toward him, he said to Philip, "Where shall we buy bread for these people to
eat?" 6 He asked this only to test him, for he already had in mind what he was going to do. 7 Philip
answered him, "Eight months' wages would not buy enough bread for each one to have a bite!" 8 Another
of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter's brother, spoke up, 9 "Here is a boy with five small barley loaves and
two small fish, but how far will they go among so many?" 10 Jesus said, "Have the people sit down…. 11 Jesus
then took the loaves, gave thanks, and distributed to those who were seated as much as they wanted. He
did the same with the fish. 12 When they had all had enough to eat, he said to his disciples, "Gather the
pieces that are left over. Let nothing be wasted." So they gathered them and filled twelve baskets with the
pieces of the five barley loaves left over by those who had eaten.
Jesus gave a test to Philip. “Where shall we buy bread for these people to eat?” Philip didn’t pass the test,
but Andrew did. Andrew knew the boy didn’t have enough food, but he made sure Jesus knew about it. He
must have had some kind of faith to believe that the Lord could do something with an insignificant
amount of food. Maybe Andrew remembered Jesus’s miracle of changing the water to wine. Andrew set
the stage for the miracle.
Principle 3: When you go through various tests or trials, have faith in the LORD! Trust Him! Put
your hope in Him!
You might not know how the Lord will work or respond, but no matter what trust Him!
Job 13:15 states, Though He slay me, I will trust in Him.
Romans 5:3-5 states, Not only so, but we also glory in our sufferings, because we know that suffering
produces perseverance; 4 perseverance, character; and character, hope. 5 And hope does not put us to
shame, because God’s love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been
given to us.
Fourthly, Andrew took the initial step to break the dividing wall of hostility as he brought near
those who were without God. He overcame the prejudice of his society.
John 12:20-22 states, Now there were some Greeks among those who went up to worship at the Feast.
21 They came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, with a request. "Sir," they said, "we would like
to see Jesus." 22 Philip went to tell Andrew; Andrew and Philip in turn told Jesus.
Phillip is wondering what he should do with these Greeks. He was not sure if he should allow these men to
see Jesus or not. Andrew is the first disciple to put a dent in the wall of hostility.
Andrew saw or sensed God working as these Greeks come and he joined God in carrying out his work. He
recognized that Jesus had come to save Jews and Gentiles. He shed his racism, prejudice, and pride.
Prejudice and racism have existed throughout history in every part of the world. Jonah felt it against the
people of Nineveh. The Jews felt it against the Samaritans, the Egyptians against the Jews, the Pharisees
against the sinner, slaves against owners, wealthy against poor, and males against females.
Jesus tells us we are to love one another. The Apostle Paul wrote about the unity people have in Christ as
he states in Galatians 3:28, 29, There is neither Jew nor Gentile, neither slave nor free, nor is there male
and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus. 29 If you belong to Christ, then you are Abraham’s seed,
and heirs according to the promise.
The church should be a picture of that togetherness. If this is going to happen then each one of us need to
heed Paul’s instructions in Philippians 2:3-5. He instructs each of us to put on humility, consider others
better than yourself and not look at your own interests but at the interests of others. We are to have the
mindset of Jesus Christ (Philippians 2:3-5). Remember Jesus how he humbled himself to show God’s love
and to have people come to know Him! (Note Philippians 2:6-11; John 17:3-5).
Principle 4: Love others! Put on humility! Consider others better than yourself! Look not to your
own interests, but to the interests of others. Have the mindset of Jesus!
People can be difficult! However, we need to learn to love. Sometimes this is sacrificial,
forgiving, tender-hearted love and other times it is tough-hearted love, as one teaches without
resentment, speaking the truth in love.
The last Biblical record of Andrew is his mention in the upper room in Acts 1:13. Early church history
indicates that Andrew stayed in Jerusalem and ministered there for several years. Early church history and
tradition suggests that Andrew went on to preach in Russia and then in Greece. One story noted that
Aaegaas, the proconsul of Achaia/Greece, after debate with Andrew ordered Andrew to forsake his religion
or be tortured fiercely. Each begged the other to recant. Asegaas urged Andrew, “Don’t lose your life,
recant!” Andrew in return urged Asegaas not to lose his soul. “Don’t lose your soul! Repent!” History
records that Andrew was put to death for his faith on an x-shaped cross. After being scourged, Andrew
was tied, not nailed, to a cross that his suffering might be prolonged. Andrew exhorted the Christians and
prayed. Andrew hung upon the cross two to three days, exhorting all who watched. 69 A.D. is generally
accepted as the year of his death.
It almost seems that Andrew died as he had lived -- in obscurity, unknown. But how God used Andrew!
Andrew lived his life bringing people to Jesus and telling people about the cross that brings life. Andrew
faithfully served because he loved Jesus. In Andrew, we see a simple, honest, faithful follower of Jesus
(Matthew 25:14-30)! He used what he had to make a difference in the lives of others.
Andrew is the picture of all those who labor quietly in humble places. Those who serve the Lord
faithfully use whatever gift or gifts they have for the Lord. They use their talents to make a difference.
They do not serve for recognition but serve out of love for Jesus! How about you?
