Invitation to Easter

One of the less visible apostles of Jesus in scripture is a man named Andrew who is the younger brother of Simon Peter. Despite his seemingly important role as an early follower of Christ, Andrew is only mentioned 12 times in the entire New Testament—and four of those times are simply lists of the 12 apostles. Though he is only mentioned in the Gospels a few times, Andrew was one of the most crucial figures in the New Testament. Each time Andrew appears in the Gospels, it is a turning point or famous act in Jesus’ ministry. And what was he primarily known for?

HE IS CALLED "ANDREW THE INTRODUCER" BECAUSE HE SIMPLY INTRODUCED PEOPLE TO JESUS

It was about four in the afternoon. Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. John 1:39-42

Lives were changed and history impacted because Andrew took a small step of faith. What did he practically do?

1. He brought his FAMILY into an encounter with Jesus. Peter, Andrew's older brother, met Jesus and became one of the most important and influential leaders in all of Christianity. All because of a SIMPLE INVITATION of a family member.

The next time we see Andrew is at the site of one of Jesus’ greatest miracles, the feeding of the five thousand. The people had followed Jesus deep into the wilderness to hear him preach. Seeing the crowd tired and hungry, Jesus seeks to console their needs and commands the disciples to feed them. A nearly impossible task given how many people were present. Phillip responds that two hundred day's wages worth of food wouldn’t be enough for each person to have a little bit.  However, St. Andrew responds by bringing another person to Jesus, “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish; but what good are these for so many?” (John 6:9) The rest is history. Jesus multiplied the food such that there were twelve wicker baskets of leftovers.

THE POWER OF AN INVITATION

2. Andrew let THOSE AROUND HIM  experience the grace and goodness of God because he didn't overlook small, seemingly insignificant opportunities.  

How about you this Easter? Who can you invite into an encounter with Jesus? What family and friends can you bring to Jesus like Andrew? What small steps can you take that God might multiply? Let's follow Andrew's example this Easter. He didn't have all the answers and he didn't know how everything was going to turn out, but he did bring people to Jesus and HE did the rest. 

Sincerely,

Dave Jamerson

Lead Pastor 

Renovate Church