Article August 22, 1931 Issue

Andrew—Simon Peter's Brother

LUDA F. CORLEY

Only a few incidents are related in the New Testament in which Andrew, usually referred to as Simon Peter's brother, played a part. With another of the Baptist's disciples, Andrew was standing with John as Christ Jesus passed by, we read in the fourth Gospel. Hearing John speak the memorable words, "Behold the Lamb of God!" these disciples followed Jesus. We have no record of what transpired at the interview between them and Jesus; but so thoroughly convinced was Andrew that this was indeed the long-looked-for Saviour, that he went in search of Simon Peter, and when he had found him, said, "We have found the Messias," and it was Andrew who brought Simon Peter to Jesus. Again, when the five thousand had followed the great Master into the wilderness and, having no food, were hungry, it was Andrew who called attention to the lad with the basket containing a few loaves and some fishes, the nucleus of a feast for the multitude. It was to Andrew that Philip came with some Greeks who very much desired to see the Master. Andrew and Philip, equal to the occasion, told Jesus about them.

Since he was with the twelve whom Christ Jesus sent out to preach the gospel and to heal, Andrew surely had a part in the healing mission of Christ Jesus; but it is true that we have no authentic record of any healing works performed by him personally, of his preaching a sermon of note, or of his having accomplished anything the world either of his time or of ours could call great. However, before the calling of Simon Peter, who left a memorable record, there was Andrew. No doubt those who returned from the feast of the Passover, where they had gone to worship, carried the news to their friends that they had seen and talked with the great Master. And we may feel sure the multitude carried away with them from the feast in the wilderness, as well as the physical healing which had come to many of them, a higher hope, a surer trust in good, a light in their hearts which could never be extinguished, and that the lad to whom Andrew called attention always gratefully and rejoicingly remembered the wonderful thing which happened with the food he had carried in his basket.

Our beloved Leader, Mrs. Eddy, has written in "Science and Health with Key to the Scriptures" (p. 570), "Millions of unprejudiced minds—simple seekers for Truth, weary wanderers, athirst in the desert—are waiting and watching for rest and drink." Faithful students of Christian Science, whose hearts and lips are burning with the fervor of unselfish love, are taking advantage of many opportunities to bring the weary wanderers of earth to where they may find rest, the thirsty to where they may drink the healing waters of Truth, and to break for the hungry the bread which, if they eat, quiets hunger for material things. The Christian Scientist who has glimpsed the Christ, or healing Truth, for himself endeavors to be ready lovingly and wisely to tell a brother about the Messias, who is here always. He is alert to opportunities to bring honest inquirers to where they may find healing.

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