Sports Spectrum Daily Devotional: Thursday, November 14

“Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother, was one of the two who heard what John had said and who had followed Jesus. The first thing Andrew did was to find his brother Simon and tell him, ‘We have found the Messiah.'” — John 1:40-41

See Andrew … In the Shadows

Jesus had 12 disciples. His inner circle included Peter, Andrew, James and John. Peter and Andrew were brothers who ran a fishing business. Peter was the most prominent disciple; Andrew was the least conspicuous disciple. 

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. Andrew brought his brother Peter to see 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. Andrew lived in the shadow of his brother, but there is not a hint of jealousy or competition.

Peter preached to thousands of people. Andrew brought people 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 faithfulness, not particular ministry styles or prominence. You may feel that you live in the shadows, but like Andrew you can point people to Jesus as the answer to life, one or two people at a time.

Tom Petersburg, Catapult Ministries

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