Tuesday, November 30, 2021 Deuteronomy 30:11-14; Romans 10:8b-18; Matthew 4:18-22; Psalms 19 & 146; Psalms 85 & 94 While walking by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon (who is called Peter) and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. – Matthew 4:18-20 10:14 How then will they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? 15 And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, “How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”
Names are important. In fact, for many of us, our names were given to us for some particular reason y — perhaps to honor a family member, or exemplify a biblical character. Throughout much of history, converts to Christianity were actually given a “Christian name” at their Baptism, usually as a sign of their new identity in Christ. I have always been honored to have been named after the apostle Andrew, but it was only recently that I began to understand the significance of sharing in his legacy. Andrew is only mentioned a handful of times in the New Testament; he’s a character mostly behind the scenes. Here in Matthew, we learn that Andrew is one of the first disciples called by Jesus to follow him. And in the first chapter of John’s Gospel, we learn a little more detail: Andrew has an incredible early moment of faith and action.
After spending a day with Jesus in his home, Andrew not only recognizes him as the Messiah, but instantly ventures off to share this news with his brother, Simon, who then receives a new name and identity when discovering the Christ. “He (Andrew) brought him to Jesus” (John 1:42). It’s a short and simple story, and yet in this moment, Andrew — who responded to the invitation to come and see — then did his own small part to share Christ with his brother and throughout his town.
In this Advent season, we have a great opportunity to reflect on the coming of Christ to this world as we prepare for Christmas. As much as we need this season of preparation, there are others who need to be brought to Jesus as well. The Church of Jesus Christ needs a whole lot more Andrews, people who believe in Christ so much that they are willing to talk about Christ to their closest relatives, friends and those they encounter. May we remember the call, and have courage to share the grand story of Jesus with others during Advent, Christmas and Epiphany! After all, “how beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!”