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Disciple: ANDREW

 {Disciples} ANDREW_ 

Bringing others to Jesus 

 
Whether you have a biological brother or not, the disciple Andrew would be an excellent candidate for one! If you were after someone to lead your Bible Study, then Nathanael was your guy. You would go to Matthew for financial investment advice. But for a friend? For a brother who would love you no matter what? Andrew is who you’d choose. 

Andrew wasn’t one of the ‘major players’ among the twelve disciples. 
He always seemed to be off to the side, in the background, playing a ‘supporting role’. 
Whenever he pops up in the gospels he’s usually bringing someone else to Jesus. 

This study of the disciples starts with Andrew because Jesus starts with Andrew. 
In the gospels, Andrew is the first of the twelve to follow Jesus. 
Andrew was even referred to as protokletus (a Greek word which means “first-called”) and the first thing that Andrew did was look for his brother... 

 

[Group discussion starter] What qualities would you look for in someone who is truly a “sister” or “brother”? 

 

Andrew was searching. 
Andrew was already a disciple of John the Baptist, experiencing, first-hand, this eccentric preacher’s message of repentance and preparation. 
One day, Andrew heard John, his Rabbi, point to a man and say, “Look! The Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!” (John 1:29). 
The very next day, Andrew and another disciple, left the baptiser and began to follow Jesus... 

[Read John 1:35-42] 

 

From what you read in this passage, give a brief description of each person’s role in the story. 

  • John the Baptist 

  • Jesus 

  • Andrew 

  • The other disciple 

  • Simon Peter  

 
In verse 37, how do you think John felt when two of his followers left him and began following Jesus? 

 

Explain what Jesus meant when he asked, “What do you want?”  
Was it a simple question or more than that? 

 

What prompted you to seek after Jesus – curiosity, the faith of a parent/family member, a Christian friend, the testimony of the Bible? 
Explain the factors that drew you to faith or an interest in Jesus. 

 

The first thing that Andrew did, once he was persuaded / convinced that Jesus was ‘Messiah’, was to find his brother. 
Why do you think Simon might have struggled with Andrew’s announcement? 

 

Why is it sometimes difficult to talk to our family (or closest friends) about a commitment to Jesus? 

 

What can we do if those closest to us reject Jesus’ offer of forgiveness and salvation? 

 

Later, when Jesus called Andrew away from his fishing career to full-time discipleship, Andrew dropped what he was doing and followed Jesus (Matthew 4:19-20). 
What does that response to discipleship tell you about the sincerity of Andrew’s commitment here in John 1? 

 

In every later reference to Andrew, in the New Testament, he is called “Simon Peter’s brother”. Everyone knew who Peter was; not as many knew Andrew. 
What does that tell you about Andrew’s character and attitude? 

 

What qualities in Andrew do you admire most and why? 
Which one of these qualities do you want to begin to develop or develop further in your own character? 

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