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Andrew Window Jesus’ public life began when he was 30 years old and came to the Jordan River to be baptized by John. As he came out of the water the Spirit of God descended and a voice from heaven proclaimed him as God’s beloved Son. Immediately afterward the Spirit led him into the wilderness, where he fasted 40 days and was tempted by the devil. But Jesus conquered Satan by obeying God’s Word. Jesus then began his ministry, preaching a message of repentance and calling disciples to himself. The first of these was Andrew. He was originally a disciple of John the Baptist, but after Jesus was baptized, Andrew followed him and they spent the day together. When Andrew realized he’d found the Messiah, he brought his brother Simon (later named Peter) to Jesus, as well. After Jesus returned from the desert, these two fishermen were the first to receive his call: “Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men.” Immediately they left their nets and became his disciples—literally, his students. Matthew’s Gospel depicts Jesus’ disciples as those who understand him, teach others, and do what Jesus taught and did. Mark reminds us that discipleship also involves fear, doubt, and suffering, and hints that the fear itself is the beginning of wisdom. Together the Gospels portray discipleship as a life of learning, growing, self-sacrifice, and commitment required not of an apostolic elite, but of every Christian, as we leave everything to follow him. Andrew is mentioned only a few more times, most notably at the feeding of the 5,000. He brought the boy with the five loaves and two fish to Jesus. The child gave Jesus all he had, and Jesus used it to feed a multitude. Andrew, the first apostle, is shown in his fishing boat, pulling in his nets. At his feet is a fish, representing his trade and his vocation as a “fisher of men.” The fish was an early Christian symbol of Christ, and the Greek word for fish is an acronym for the phrase translated as “Jesus Christ, Son of God, Savior.” Jesus stands on the shore, calling Andrew and reminding us that he still calls us to discipleship today.
Like Stars Appearing: The Story of the Stained Glass
Windows of St. George's Episcopal Church, Dayton, Ohio | |||
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