Dear Beloved Followers of Our Risen Lord,
Greetings in the precious name of Jesus Christ, our Savior and Redeemer. I am Andrew, once a simple fisherman by the Sea of Galilee, and forever grateful to be called a disciple of Jesus, the Messiah. Though my name may not echo through the annals of Scripture as prominently as others, my journey with Christ has been one of profound transformation and unwavering devotion. Today, I wish to share my heart and reflections with you, hoping to kindle in your souls a flame of steadfast faith and relentless pursuit of our Lord.
In the shadow of my brother Peter, and amidst the vibrant ministry of James and John, I found my calling not in the limelight, but in the quiet, sincere moments of introducing souls to the Savior. Each encounter, from bringing Peter to Christ (John 1:40-42) to noticing the boy with loaves and fish (John 6:8-9), underscored a simple truth: our God cherishes the willing heart, the humble service, and the quiet steps taken in faith.
Reflecting upon the wondrous acts of Jesus, my mind often wanders back to the moments leading to His ultimate sacrifice and glorious resurrection. The week that changed the world forever began with an entry into Jerusalem that fulfilled ancient prophecies (Zechariah 9:9), heralding Jesus as the King who came in peace and humility. Amidst the shouts of "Hosanna!" my heart swelled with hope and awe, yet was tinged with a solemn understanding of the path that lay before our Lord.
Jesus’ teachings in the temple, His poignant parables, and His unwavering commitment to the truth amidst mounting opposition, painted a vivid picture of His divine mission. His cleansing of the temple was not just an act of purifying a sacred space but a powerful statement against the commodification of faith and the corruption that had seeped into the very heart of worship.
The intimate moments shared at the Last Supper, where Jesus washed our feet (John 13:1-17), served as a profound lesson in humility and service. He, the Master and Lord, knelt before us, setting an example that leadership in the kingdom of God is rooted in servitude and love. This act of love was a precursor to the greatest act of love humanity would ever witness—the sacrifice of the Lamb of God.
The garden of Gethsemane bore witness to the depth of Jesus' agony as He prepared to bear the weight of our sins. His prayer, “Not my will, but Yours be done” (Luke 22:42), echoes as a testament to His submission to the Father’s will, a model for our own lives.
And then, the cross. The brutal execution of the Son of God stood as the dark moment when hope seemed lost. Yet, it was in His death that the power of sin and death was broken, a truth that dawned on us in full magnitude only with the empty tomb and His glorious resurrection.
Mary Magdalene's encounter with the Risen Christ (John 20:11-18) and Jesus' subsequent appearances to us, His disciples, turned our mourning into joy, our doubt into faith. His resurrection was not just a victory over death but a promise of life eternal for all who believe in Him.
Dear friends, as I pen these reflections, my heart's desire is for you to see beyond the miracles and the teachings, to the heart of who Jesus is—the embodiment of God's love for us, the bridge to reconciliation with the Father, and the door to eternal life. Let us not be mere spectators of His miracles but active participants in His kingdom, carrying our crosses daily and following Him with unyielded commitment.
Though I felt overshadowed at times, I came to understand that in God’s kingdom, there are no small roles—only small hearts. Let us then enlarge our hearts with love for our Savior, dedicating every breath to His service, introducing souls to Him, and living out the truths He has taught us.
May the peace of the Risen Lord be with you always, guiding your steps, illuminating your path, and drawing you ever closer to His heart. With every sunrise, may you be reminded of the hope of resurrection, and with every breath, may you live in the light of His love.
In His Eternal Love,
Andrew, a humble servant and disciple of Jesus Christ
24-086 Whispers of a Lesser-Known Disciple: Reflections from Andrew's Journey