What can we learn from Andrew about bringing needs to Jesus? A Snapshot of the Scene • The crowds have followed Jesus across the Sea of Galilee. • Verse 5 tells us Jesus already knew what He would do, yet He invites His disciples into the moment: “Where can we buy bread for these people to eat?” • Most disciples see only the impossibility—Philip calculates the cost, others stay silent. Andrew’s Simple Offer — John 6:8-9 “One of His disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to Him, 9 ‘Here is a boy with five barley loaves and two small fish. But what difference will these make among so many?’” • Andrew notices the boy and his lunch. • He knows the resources are inadequate, yet he still brings them to Jesus. • Andrew’s words carry a mix of faith and realism: “Here is… but what difference?” Key Lessons from Andrew About Bringing Needs to Jesus • Notice and act: Andrew scans the crowd and finds what little there is. Needs around us often become prayer topics only after we notice them. • Bring the small and insufficient: Jesus never asked for perfection; He asked for what was available (cf. Exodus 4:2—Moses’ staff). • Leave room for the impossible: Andrew’s “but what difference” becomes an invitation for divine multiplication (John 6:10-13). • Trust the character of Jesus: Like the friends who lower the paralytic through the roof (Mark 2:3-5), Andrew banks on Jesus’ compassion and power. More Evidence of Andrew’s Heart for Bringing People to Jesus • John 1:40-42—Andrew is the first to bring someone to Jesus: “He first found his brother Simon… and he brought him to Jesus.” • John 12:20-22—When Greeks want to see Jesus, Philip turns to Andrew, and Andrew brings them. Repeated pattern: Andrew notices seekers, handles introductions, and trusts Jesus to do the deeper work. What Jesus Does with the Needs We Hand Him • He multiplies the inadequate (John 6:11-13). • He teaches dependence: “Apart from Me you can do nothing” (John 15:5). • He exceeds expectations: “Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine” (Ephesians 3:20). Living Out Andrew’s Example Today • Identify needs quickly; don’t wait for ideal conditions. • Gather what you have—time, talents, resources—and place them in Jesus’ hands. • Speak in faith-tinged honesty; it’s acceptable to say, “Lord, this isn’t much.” • Cast concerns on Him: “Cast all your anxiety on Him, because He cares for you” (1 Peter 5:7). • Keep bringing, keep believing—because the same Savior who fed five thousand still invites, “Come to Me” (Matthew 11:28). |
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