---

---

Andrew and Simon (later known as Peter) were brothers and worked together as fishermen on the Sea of Galilee. They not only shared the hard work but undoubtedly also their thoughts and dreams. They likely talked about daily life, the political situation (the Romans were in power!), and their future. And certainly also about that big question: when would the Messiah come, that deliverer their people longed for so deeply, someone who would free them from their oppressors?

One day, Andrew meets Jesus of Nazareth. This encounter leaves a deep impression. He hears Jesus speak and is astonished by His words. These are no ordinary words; the Bible calls them ‘words of eternal life.’ They give hope, they give life, and they strike you right in the heart.

Silence is No Longer an Option

When you experience something like this, something that influences your whole life, you can’t remain silent about it. Andrew certainly couldn’t. He had spoken with Simon so many times about the coming of the Messiah. And now he had found Him! He had to share this, especially with his brother.

Just think about something else that touches you deeply. When you’re in love, you want to shout it from the rooftops. When you’ve had an amazing vacation, you show the pictures and endlessly recount your adventures. How much more does this apply to something that so fundamentally renews your life and hope?

Sharing Courageously

Andrew’s name means ‘manly’ or ‘courageous.’ And courageous he certainly is. It’s not always easy to share something as personal as your faith or a profound experience, especially when you’re afraid of being rejected or considered ‘crazy.’ Simon could have said, ‘Oh, come on, get real!’ or ‘The Messiah isn’t coming from Nazareth at all, but from Bethlehem!’ But Andrew put his fear aside and boldly testified to his first encounter. ‘We have found the Messiah!’ he told his brother.

Do You Dare to Testify?

This story makes us think: Do you dare to speak about what you believe? Or about your doubts? Do you have that courage of Andrew to say, ‘I have found Him,’ or ‘I have come to know my Savior’? Honestly, that’s sometimes quite difficult. At school, at work, in your family, or among your friends. Especially when people want nothing to do with faith or are even hostile towards it.

Jesus Himself said to His followers, ‘And you will be my witnesses.’ That applies to the first disciples like Andrew and Peter, but actually to everyone who believes in Him. That courage to testify doesn’t always come naturally. Shame and fear of embarrassment can hold you back. But the Bible says that we will receive power from the Holy Spirit to be His witnesses, everywhere in the world. You can ask the Holy Spirit to help you and give you the right words.

Focus on Jesus Himself

I prefer to speak about Jesus Himself. Theological theories and dogmas can sometimes lead to discussions and division. But when you speak about Jesus, about who He is and what He has done (especially the ‘crucified one,’ He who did something very special on the cross to make amends for our mistakes), then that touches the heart and shows His great love. The apostle Paul also decided to speak about nothing else but Jesus Christ, and specifically about Him as the crucified one.

Bring Him to Jesus

And then comes the powerful moment in the story: Andrew enthusiastically tells his brother Simon about his encounter with Jesus. And what does he do next? ‘And he brought him to Jesus.’ That’s the core. Not just telling about Jesus, but also bringing the other person to Him.

Therefore, the same invitation: ‘May I bring you to Jesus? May I introduce Him to you and say: Just follow Him. With Him, you are safe. He is the Son of God.’ He also calls Jesus the ‘Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world.’ If you struggle with wrong choices (sin), or with addictions that control your life and make you feel alienated from God, then Jesus is the solution.

The story of Andrew and Simon shows how valuable it is to share your experience with Jesus. It sometimes takes courage, but you are not alone. The most important thing is not to explain complicated theories, but to tell about Jesus Himself, the Savior who gives hope and life. And just like Andrew, we may invite others: ‘Come with me, go to Jesus!’ Because with Him, you will find the Source of new life.

---

@wimvanputten