And they immediately left the ship and their father, 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.
Deuteronomy 33:9,10 Who said unto his father and to his mother, I have not seen him; neither did he acknowledge his brethren, nor knew his own children: for they have observed thy word, and kept thy covenant…
Mark 1:20 And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.
they left the boat
The boat represents their livelihood and daily life as fishermen. Leaving the boat symbolizes a departure from their previous way of life and a willingness to embrace a new identity and mission. This act of leaving behind their profession is significant, as it demonstrates their trust in Jesus to provide for their needs and their readiness to become "fishers of men" (Matthew 4:19).
and their father
Leaving their father, Zebedee, underscores the cost of discipleship. In the Jewish culture of the time, family ties were paramount, and honoring one's parents was a key commandment. By leaving their father, the disciples show that their allegiance to Jesus takes precedence over even the most sacred family bonds. This act reflects the teaching of Jesus in Matthew 10:37, where He states that love for Him must surpass love for family.
and followed Him
Following Jesus involves both physical and spiritual dimensions. Physically, the disciples literally walked with Jesus, learning from His teachings and witnessing His miracles. Spiritually, following Him means adopting His teachings, values, and mission. This phrase encapsulates the essence of discipleship, which is a total commitment to Jesus and His path. The act of following is a fulfillment of the prophetic call to be a light to the nations, as seen in Isaiah 42:6, and it prefigures the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20.
“Immediately” underscores a response without hesitation.
• Jesus calls; the sons of Zebedee answer at once, echoing Psalm 119:60, “I hurried without hesitating to keep Your commandments.”
• Mark 1:18 shows the same urgency with Peter and Andrew—obedience is the proper reflex when the Lord speaks.
• Genuine faith acts now, not “when it’s convenient” (cf. 2 Corinthians 6:2).
Leaving the boat meant abandoning livelihood and security.
• Luke 5:11 notes, “they left everything and followed Him,” highlighting total surrender.
• Boats, nets, and a steady income symbolized self-reliance; Philippians 3:8 reminds us every earthly gain is “loss compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ.”
• Practical takeaway: following Jesus may require releasing possessions, plans, or comfort zones (Matthew 6:33).
Walking away from Zebedee shows that allegiance to Christ outranks even cherished family ties.
• Jesus later says, “Anyone who loves father or mother more than Me is not worthy of Me” (Matthew 10:37).
• Luke 14:26 speaks of “hating” family in the comparative sense—Christ must hold first place.
• The call does not diminish honor for parents (Exodus 20:12) but establishes priority: God first, then family under His authority.
The heart of discipleship is active, ongoing companionship with Jesus.
• “Follow Me,” He says in Matthew 16:24, inviting self-denial and cross-bearing.
• John 12:26 adds the promise, “Where I am, there My servant will be also,” assuring presence and purpose.
• Following is not a one-time decision but a lifelong journey—listening, learning, obeying daily (John 8:31-32).
Matthew 4:22 paints a vivid portrait of wholehearted discipleship: instant obedience, open-handed release of security, re-ordered family priorities, and a sustained walk with Jesus. The verse challenges every believer to respond just as swiftly and completely when the Master calls.
(22) Left the ship and their father.--St. Mark adds, with the hired servants," a fact of interest as showing that the sons of Zebedee were probably, in some measure, of better means and higher social standing than those of Jona. The absence of the name of the latter suggests the inference that he was no longer living.The sacrifice of the disciples seems, perhaps, small as compared with others in the history of saints; yet to leave all, to give up the life of home, and its regular occupations, requires, in any case, an effort more or less heroic; and beyond it there lay the future, as yet undiscerned, with all its possible trials and sufferings, to which, by that one act, they pledged themselves. (Comp. 19:27.)
Verse 22. - Left the ship and their father, and followed him (ἠκολούθησαν αὐτῷ) . St. Matthew emphasizes the facts that they left both natural relations (so also St. Mark, adding the vivid detail, "the hired servants") and means of livelihood, and that here their continuous following of Christ began. St. Mark rather lay stress on their leaving the old life (ἀπῆλθον ὀπίσω αὐτοῦ) .