Devotion for the Feast of St. Andrew, Apostle

On the Feast of St. Andrew today, we read a Portals of Prayer devotion about Andrew’s selflessness in sharing the Gospel with others.

Scripture Readings

Ezekiel 3:16–21
Psalm 139:1–12
Romans 10:8b–18
John 1:35–42a

Introduction

As the brother of the outspoken apostle Peter, Andrew is an apostle we know less about. But this we do know: that upon learning of the Messiah’s arrival, he shared the news with his brother and followed Jesus for the rest of his days.

Devotional Reading

He had just heard the captivating words of his leader, John the Baptist, proclaiming that this Jesus of Nazareth standing among them was the true Son of God. And now, he was hearing this same Jesus giving his brother a new name. Had it not been Andrew himself who had rushed to bring Simon to see Jesus? Was it not he who had followed Him first? So why was this Son of God bestowing such great honor on his brother instead of on him?

Andrew could have been jealous; he could have been offended. But this selfless apostle rejoiced in being able to share the Good News. Instead of feeling entitled, Andrew from Bethsaida humbly followed the Lord with his brother Simon Peter through all of Jesus’ earthly ministry.

All who have been called in Christ have been called to the same share. No one is above another or entitled to more or less, but instead “the last will be first, and the first last” (Matthew 20:16). As we labor in the vineyards of our Lord, let us delight in sharing Jesus with all. May we pray that God grants us hearts that are humble and honored like that of Andrew.

Prayer

Lord of the harvest, help me to praise Your name among my brothers. Amen.

Devotional reading and prayer are from Portals of Prayer, October–December 2013, November 30 devotion © 2013 Concordia Publishing House. All rights reserved.

Scripture quotations are from the ESV® Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version®), copyright © 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Used by permission. All rights reserved.