Matthew 4:20

Matthew 4:20, in plain English

They dropped their nets right then and there and followed Him. No hesitation, no 'let me think about it.' When Jesus calls, something in you knows it's the most important invitation you'll ever receive.

Why it's here

Leaving their nets meant leaving their income, their security, their identity as fishermen. They traded everything familiar for something unknown, and it was worth it.

Who's speaking

Matthew describes their immediate response.

Where it sits in the story

The first act of discipleship is letting go. Peter and Andrew released what they had to take hold of something infinitely greater.

The scholarly reading

The phrase eutheos (immediately) emphasizes the instantaneous, radical nature of their response. Leaving their nets (ta diktua) represents abandoning their livelihood and economic security to follow an itinerant teacher.

Language and setting

The immediacy of their response, without negotiation, discussion, or delay, mirrors the call narratives of Elisha (1 Kings 19:19-21) and suggests prior acquaintance with Jesus (cf. John 1:35-42).

Voice

Matthew, narrating Peter and Andrew's response.

Significance

The first disciples' immediate response models the total commitment Jesus's call demands and begins the formation of the Twelve.

18As Jesus was walking beside the Sea of Galilee, He saw two brothers, Simon called Peter and his brother Andrew. They were casting a net into the sea, for they were fishermen.

19“Come, follow Me,” Jesus said, “and I will make you fishers of men.”

20And at once they left their nets and followed Him.

21Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James son of Zebedee and his brother John. They were in a boat with their father Zebedee, mending their nets. Jesus called them,

22and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed Him.

Read all of Matthew 4 — Forty days of hunger, three devastating temptations, and the devil's best offer — Jesus refuses every shortcut to power.