Matthew chapter 2: verses 4-6 (NIV)
When he had called together all the people’s chief priests and teachers of the law, he asked them where the Messiah was to be born. “In Bethlehem in Judea,” they replied, “for this is what the prophet has written: “‘But you, Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, are by no means least among the rulers of Judah for out of you will come a ruler who will shepherd my people Israel.’”
John Chapter 1: Verses 41-42 (NIV)
The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, “We have found the Messiah” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus.
The Magi knew recognised that a king, Jesus, had been born, because they had seen the sign given to them, but they didn’t know exactly how to find Him, so they asked for guidance where they should have been able to get it. Herod didn’t know, so in turn he asked the priests and teachers. They knew their scriptures had the answer, and told them where he would be found. The Magi went off rejoicing and found Jesus where they had been told He would be. But it doesn’t seem like the priests and teachers followed their own advice. In fact, they did nothing.
Andrew, on the other hand, once he had found Jesus, lost no time, not only in telling his brother Simon, but taking him to meet Jesus himself. When we need help and guidance, we will always be able to find it in God’s Word. But what do we do once we’ve found it. It will mean nothing unless we take it and apply it to our lives. And what about others who may want to find out about God? Sometimes its not enough to point them in the right direction. They might need to be introduced to Jesus by someone who knows Him.
We can become like the priests and teachers of the law, knowing it in our head, but not taking it to heart and doing anything with it, or we can apply it, like the wise men and follow what it says, rejoicing. We can be like Andrew and introduce Jesus to someone who needs to meet Him, because we have met Him already and know who He is. Andrew wasn’t a learned man, but he did better than those who should have joined the Magi on their visit to Bethlehem. And its Andrew’s example we need to follow along with the wise men’s. Apply the scripture to our lives, and when we see that it works, share it with others who need to know about its teaching, and how to find Jesus.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the guidance and help that is found in Your word. Help me to apply it to my own life, and when someone needs help finding Jesus, let me introduce them. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.