And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
Matthew 10:37 He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me: and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me.
Matthew 19:27 Then answered Peter and said unto him, Behold, we have forsaken all, and followed thee; what shall we have therefore?
1 Kings 19:21 And he returned back from him, and took a yoke of oxen, and slew them, and boiled their flesh with the instruments of the oxen, and gave unto the people, and they did eat. Then he arose, and went after Elijah, and ministered unto him.
they left their nets
The nets symbolize the disciples' livelihood and their previous way of life as fishermen. By leaving their nets, they are abandoning their former occupation and security to embrace a new identity and purpose. This act of leaving behind their nets can be seen as a metaphor for repentance and the renunciation of worldly attachments. It echoes the call to leave behind the old self and embrace a new life in Christ, as seen in passages like 2 Corinthians 5:17.
and followed Him
Following Jesus implies discipleship, which involves learning from Him, imitating His life, and participating in His mission. This phrase indicates a personal commitment to Jesus, prioritizing His teachings and example above all else. The act of following is not just physical but spiritual, signifying a transformation of heart and mind. This call to follow is consistent with the broader biblical theme of God calling individuals to a covenant relationship, as seen in the call of Abraham in Genesis 12:1-4 and the call of the prophets. The disciples' response foreshadows the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20, where Jesus commands His followers to make disciples of all nations.
• The tiny conjunction ties verse 20 to Jesus’ prior invitation: “Come, follow Me, and I will make you fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19).
• It reminds us that the disciples’ response is directly linked to Christ’s sovereign call; the initiative began with Him (John 15:16).
• Similar narrative flow appears in Mark 1:17-18, showing that when Jesus speaks, decisive moments follow.
• “At once” (or “immediately,” Mark 1:18) highlights urgency—no hesitation, no committee meeting, no weighing pros and cons.
• Genuine faith acts promptly; compare Levi, who “left everything, got up, and followed Him” (Luke 5:28).
• Delayed obedience is disobedience (Matthew 8:21-22; Psalm 119:60).
• Nets symbolize livelihood, security, and identity for fishermen like Peter and Andrew.
• Leaving them shows wholehearted surrender: earthly provision traded for Kingdom purpose (Matthew 6:33; Luke 14:33).
• The pattern continues throughout Scripture—Paul counts all things loss for Christ (Philippians 3:7-8).
• To “follow” means more than physical trailing; it is lifelong discipleship—listening, learning, imitating (John 10:27; 1 Peter 2:21).
• Following a Person, not a program, keeps devotion relational and transformative (John 12:26).
• This commitment perseveres; Revelation 14:4 praises those “who follow the Lamb wherever He goes.”
Matthew 4:20 shows an immediate, costly, and wholehearted response to Jesus’ call. The disciples instantly surrendered their former way of life, trusting Christ for purpose and provision, and embarked on a lifelong journey of obedience. Their example urges every believer to act without delay, release competing priorities, and faithfully walk wherever the Master leads.
Verse 20. - And they straightway left their nets. (For their leaving everything Wetstein, on ver. 19, compares Epictetus, 12, Ἐάν δὲ κυβερνήτης καλέσῃ τρέχε ἐπὶ τὸ πλοῖον ἀφεὶς ἐκεῖνα πάντα μηδὲν ἐπιστρεφόμενος, "If the steersman call, run to the ship, leaving all those things, without regarding anything.") The Rheims Version, with its love of archaisms, has, "But they incontinent, leaving the nettes, followed him."