Big Idea: Peter and Andrew are brothers but could be more opposite. Peter is the first of the Apostles and serves in the foreground of the New Testament Church. Andrew faithfully serves in the background and loves to introduce others to Jesus Christ. We can learn much from these men in their life and ministry.
Peter in the ___________________________________
Luke 6:14 (ESV) — 14 Simon, whom he named Peter…
Peter serves a prominent role in the establishing of the early church.
Matthew 10:2 (ESV) — 2 The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter…
Both in Peter’s life and in his ministry we find he is a born leader. And it seems his ambition gets the best of him at times. Sometimes, Peter gets a little ahead of himself. Sometimes, it appears Peter says things without considering all the facts. Sometimes Peter reacts, when he should respond in faith and trust.
Mark 8:31-33
Peter’s ardent support of Jesus and his commitment to the Jewish ideal of the Messiah, betrays him here. He gets out ahead of himself. He puts the cart before the horse. He wants the glory without the cross.
Acts 10:9-16, 11:1-18
Beloved, it is good to admit when you are wrong. It is godly to admit when you are wrong.
Andrew in the ___________________________________
Luke 6:14 (ESV) — 13 And when day came, he called his disciples and chose from them twelve, whom he named apostles: 14 Simon, whom he named Peter, and Andrew his brother…
Andrew faithfully served in the background and had an ardent desire to introduce others to Jesus.
John 1:35-42
John 12:20–22 (ESV) — 20 Now among those who went up to worship at the feast were some Greeks. 21 So these came to Philip, who was from Bethsaida in Galilee, and asked him, “Sir, we wish to see Jesus.” 22 Philip went and told Andrew; Andrew and Philip went and told Jesus.
If Peter was a bit reluctant to introduce the gospel to the Gentiles, Andrew is eager to introduce the Greeks to Jesus. If Peter is behind the ball, Andrew seems to be in front of it, and rightly so.
Luke 14:7–11 (ESV) — 7 Now he told a parable to those who were invited, when he noticed how they chose the places of honor, saying to them, 8 “When you are invited by someone to a wedding feast, do not sit down in a place of honor, lest someone more distinguished than you be invited by him, 9 and he who invited you both will come and say to you, ‘Give your place to this person,’ and then you will begin with shame to take the lowest place. 10 But when you are invited, go and sit in the lowest place, so that when your host comes he may say to you, ‘Friend, move up higher.’ Then you will be honored in the presence of all who sit at table with you. 11 For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”
Too often beloved, some of us aspire to be like Peter, when we should first be content to be like Andrew. For those who humble themselves will be exalted.
Questions to Consider
What are some things we can learn from the life of Peter and Andrew?
What is the Lord teaching you as you seek to faithfully serve him?
