I’m a big personality. I walk into a room, big and tall and loud. – Adele

Sometimes I long for a different personality. People like Adele intrigue me. Larger than life, we all notice them. Their bold and outspoken natures instinctively equip them for leadership. 

Naturally quiet and reflective, my personality paints a completely different picture. Although I am friendly and enjoy meeting people, I rarely grab the spotlight. I do assume leadership roles, but I tend to be more collaborative than directive.

At times during my walk with Jesus, I felt challenged to become more outgoing and assertive. I sincerely believed I needed to change my personality in order to influence others for Christ. 

But then I looked closely at the twelve disciples. Immediately I noticed Peter. His actions and words populate the New Testament. But another disciple also caught my eye. Although not often mentioned by name, this quieter disciple affected great influence. We know him as Peter’s brother, Andrew.

One of the first references of Andrew occurs in the gospel of John:

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” (that is, the Christ). And he brought him to Jesus. (John 1: 40-42 NIV)

Immediately after meeting Jesus, Andrew introduced Peter to Him. Some might say without Andrew, we wouldn’t know Peter. Although the Lord could have adopted any means to meet Peter, He chose Andrew as His messenger.

Two other gospel events specifically mention Andrew:

When the crowds following Jesus grew hungry, Andrew brought a young boy with five barley loaves and two fish to Jesus. From this boy’s provisions, Jesus miraculously fed five thousand people. (John 6: 8-11)

Shortly before the Passover, some Greeks came to worship at the festival. They asked Philip if they could see Jesus. He consulted Andrew who then brought Philip and the request to the Lord. (John 12: 20-22)

All three gospel references show Andrew bringing people to Jesus. His life after the resurrection continues to attest to his passion for the gospel. 

Bible scholars believe he preached as far as the Soviet-Union, Asia Minor, modern-day Turkey and Greece. According to early church historians, Andrew paid the ultimate price for his faith. In 70 AD he chose to be crucified on a cross shaped like an X. He didn’t consider himself worthy to be crucified in the same manner as Jesus.

We can easily be tempted to overlook Andrew and his contribution to the early church. His much more outgoing brother, Peter, commands more attention. Yet, using their unique strengths, both brothers served Jesus well. Their stories remind me:

Jesus calls both the Peters and the Andrews of this world to advance His kingdom.

Dear friend, I am definitely an Andrew. As I travel down the road, I pray to use the strengths He gave me for His glory. Whether you are an Andrew or a Peter, I pray the same for you.