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Lent is a time of prayer, reflection, and preparation for the celebration of Easter, the resurrection of our Lord Jesus. Each Lent we revisit His Gospel, the tragic crucifixion, and His triumph over death offering our gratitude for redemption; a salvation that was gifted through the sacrifice of our Lord Jesus. Our Savior was rejected, unfairly tried by the Sanhedrin court, falsely sentenced by Pontius Pilate, unmercifully beaten, tortured, and crucified… for our deliverance. Lent is forty days of prayerful remembrance recognizing our salvation and representing an opportunity for a renewal of our commitment to serve Him.

Service to Christ is defined as discipleship. Pastor Valerie recounted a story from this past Labor Day taken from a children’s sermon with the theme of “Working for Jesus”. The children were first asked about their occupational aspirations then she described the goals of a pastor, “Our  job is to make heaven crowded”. I’m not sure I have heard a better definition of discipleship. We are all commissioned by Jesus, “to make heaven crowded”.1

Let’s consider discipleship as defined by the Twelve beginning with the first called. Andrew encountered Jesus after listening to the sermons of John the Baptist and likely witnessing the baptism of Christ. Although the New Testament only briefly mentions Andrew, historians chronicle his ministry in volumes establishing churches around the Black Sea, through Turkey, and across Russia. 2 He is defined as a believer, a follower, and a disciple of Jesus.

Andrew was the son of a John, a fisherman, and the brother of Simon Peter. As a gentle and soft spoken spiritual person, he believed in God and the prophecy of the Messiah. His strong influence was not expressed in words but in his actions to guide people to Jesus. After his first encounter with Jesus, he immediately sought his brother Peter and introduced him to the Messiah. 3 Andrew loved the Lord, trusted His Word, and responded to the call to serve Jesus.

Andrew was follower of Christ. He put aside his fishing nets and followed Jesus into tomorrow with no idea where the Lord would lead him or what challenges he may face. After a late afternoon sermon, the disciples debated on how to feed the 5,000 people isolated in a remote countryside. Andrew saw a young boy with five barley loaves and two fish and took him to Jesus. He pushed aside the rationale on why not and believed that all things are possible through Christ. 13 I can do all things through him who strengthens me. 4 Andrew learned to believe  nd follow Jesus without reservation in his quiet, action - oriented style.

8 One of his disciples, Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, said to him, 9 “There is a boy here who has five barley loaves and two fish. But what are they among so many people?” 10 Jesus said, “Make the people sit down.” Now there was a great deal of grass in the place, so they sat down, about five thousand in all. 11 Then Jesus took the loaves, and when he had given thanks he distributed them to those who were seated;  so also the fish, as much as they wanted. 12 When they were satisfied, he told his  disciples, “Gather up the fragments left over, so that nothing may be lost.” 13 So they gathered them up, and from the fragments of the five barley loaves, left by those who had eaten, they filled twelve baskets. John 6:8-13.

After the death and resurrection of Christ, Andrew, in defiance of Roman authority, continued to guide people to Jesus preaching and converting many in Achaea (Southern Greece) despite the hostile Governor Aegeates. Aegeates commanded Andrew to sacrifice animals to the pagan gods to save himself. Andrew refused and was sentenced to death by crucifixion. He was recorded as requesting to be crucified on an x-shaped cross being not worthy to be nailed to a traditional cross like Jesus. His capturers tied his hands and pierced his side prolonging his suffering. Ancient historians reported that that he preached for two days tied to the cross until his death. 5

Andrew began as a believer on the banks of the Jordan River listening to the words and  prophecy of John the Baptist. He met Jesus, recognized the Messiah, and immediately sought to bring his brother to Christ where they both became dedicated followers. Over the next three years Jesus transformed these average men into disciples. These ordinary men established the church of Jesus Christ across the globe and were responsible for our hometown place of worship.

Prayer: Jesus, we open our hearts in prayer seeking to serve Your children. Transform our lives into disciples who follow the example of the first twelve and spread the Gospel, strengthen your church, and “make heaven crowded”. We make this prayer in the name of our Lord Jesus who died so we may live. Amen.

1 Sunday Service Grace United Methodist, by Pastor Valerie Mireb, September 1, 2025.
2 De Jager, Eben. "Andrew of the Twelve Disciples: Bio, Death, Legacy" TheCollector.com, January 21, 2025.
3 John 1:40-42.

4 Philippians 4:13.
5 De Jager, Eben. "Andrew of the Twelve Disciples: Bio, Death, Legacy" TheCollector.com, January 21, 2025.

The Wesleyan Bridge is written by K.B. Kelly with the Reverend Valerie Mireb and Pastor Hank Brooks as Theological Editors with Debbie Kelly as Text and Content Editor.