Athletes in Action Playbook: Influencers in SportSample

Jesus had 12 disciples. Four of them formed an inner circle with Jesus: Peter, Andrew, James and John. Peter and Andrew were brothers who ran a fishing business. Peter was always the most prominent disciple; Andrew was always the least conspicuous.

Andrew is usually referred to as the brother of Simon Peter. When people introduced Andrew as Simon Peter’s brother, they were saying, “You probably have no idea who this guy Andrew is, but his brother is Simon Peter, the one we all know.”

Andrew was the first of the disciples that Jesus called to follow Him. Peter was the first one that Andrew looked for, to take him to Jesus.

Andrew and Peter were both leaders, but opposites. Peter was brash and usually had at least one foot in his mouth. Andrew was decisive, thoughtful and usually said the right things.

There is not a hint of jealousy or contention in Andrew as he lived in the shadow of his brother.

Andrew’s influence is seen most often in his habit of taking people to Jesus: Simon, the boy with loaves and fish and the Gentiles who wanted to meet Jesus. Peter preached to crowds of thousands; Andrew brought them to Jesus one or two at a time.

Tradition says that Andrew introduced the wife of a provincial Roman governor to Christ. When she refused to deny Christ, her husband ordered Andrew to be crucified. He hung dying on a cross for two days, calling to those who passed by to give their lives to Christ.

Jesus values the faithfulness of His followers, not their ministry styles or prominence. You may feel that you live in the shadows on your team, in your campus housing or among your interest groups, but it does not change the potential significance of your impact for Christ.

Who introduced you to Christ? With whom can you do the same? It will affect their eternity!