The disciples have been presented to us throughout history as saints, creating a certain holier-than-us image that can leave us feeling inferior. How can we ever measure up to that?
When I was a child, our family attended a church at the end of our street named for St. Andrew. It featured a statue that represented exactly what you would think of a saint. The man wore sandals and long, flowing robes. His hands were folded and he bore the face of a determined, yet gentle leader. I couldn’t resist touching the statue and, in my little mind, thinking Wow! Saint Andrew! He seemed larger than life.
As I matured, I learned that the biblical account of Andrew does not portray anyone particularly remarkable. In fact, if you were hiring someone to lead your company, you probably would not hire Andrew. He was timid. Unimpressive. A follower. A man standing in the shadow of his more charismatic brother, Simon. Andrew, like all of the disciples, was anything but heroic, and certainly not saintly. They were far from the flawless specimens of perfection we tend to imagine. Instead, they were like us. Confused, called to fulfill roles far beyond their abilities, weighed down by all sorts of flaws, and hindered by individual quirks. Candidly, they were saints just like you and me!
In time, the disciples became great men of God. The Lord chose them, transformed them, equipped them, trained them, and then empowered them to make disciples of all nations. All they did was believe and follow. Even I can do that!
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: 40-42a
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About Charles Swindoll
Charles R. Swindoll has devoted his life to the clear, practical teaching and application of God's Word. He currently pastors Stonebriar Community Church in Frisco, Texas, and serves as the chancellor of Dallas Theological Seminary. His renowned Insight for Living radio program airs around the world. Chuck and Cynthia, his partner in life and ministry, have four grown children and ten grandchildren.
