Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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EXAMPLE OF ANDREW

St. John 1:35-42
The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). (John 1: 42)
The Mar Thoma Church is observing October 7th as the Voluntary Evangelist’s Association Sunday and the theme of the day is “Readiness to share the Gospel”. The late Abraham Mar Thoma Metropolitan envisioned ‘every Mar Thomite as a Missionary and a witness to Jesus Christ.’

Beginning of Evangelization: It was the beginning of Jesus’ ministry. John the Baptist declared that Jesus was the Lamb of God and two of his disciples who heard this affirmation decided to follow Jesus. Andrew was of one these two disciples. They asked Jesus where he was staying and Jesus responded to them to come and see it by themselves. They went with Jesus and stayed with him. This was a great opportunity for them to experience Jesus and acknowledge him as Christ.

Andrew - the man bringing others to Christ: We do not know much about Andrew except that he was from Bethsaida (verse 43), and a disciple of John the Baptist. He was the brother of Simon Peter and brought Simon Peter to Jesus. He was the one who brought the boy with five loaves of bread and two fishes to Jesus (6:8). He also helped Philip to bring Greeks to Jesus (12:22). But his main act was that as soon as he realized who Jesus was, he brought his brother to Jesus with a clear testimony that he had found Christ.

The disciple - standing behind the curtain: Wherever his name was mentioned in the Bible, it was in connection with his readiness to bring people to Jesus. Certain conditions were in his favor; he was a disciple of John the Baptist and heard his sermons on repentance and Kingdom of God. He had direct guidance from John the Baptist that Jesus was the real Messiah and had the opportunity to experience Jesus. He was one of the first disciples. Ordinarily all these qualifications would bring anyone to a very high privileged position. However, he did not have his own identity and was known only as the brother of Simon Peter. He was not included in the inner circle of Jesus. Still without any resentment, he continued to bring people to Jesus. Why? - Because he accepted Jesus as his Christ and dwelt with him. It is this dwelling with Jesus makes one ready to share the Gospel without any resentment and looking for any benefit.

Prayer: Lord! Please allow us to live with you and acknowledge you as our Christ. Make us ready to share the gospel in its various functions. Amen

P.T. Thomas, St. Thomas MTC, New York



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