Leaving Their Nets Matthew 4:20

Matthew shared how Jesus was “baptized” and “tempted” by the “devil”, and he wrote, “Then the devil left him, and, behold, angels came and ministered unto him. Now when Jesus had heard that John was cast into prison, he departed into Galilee. And leaving Nazareth, he came and dwelt in Capernaum, which is upon the sea coast, in the borders of Zabulon and Nephthalim: That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by Isaiah the prophet, saying, The land of Zabulon, and the land of Nephthalim, by the way of the sea, beyond Jordan, Galilee of the Gentiles; The people which sat in darkness saw great light; and to them which sat in the region and shadow of death light is sprung up. From that time Jesus began to preach, and to say, Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand. And Jesus, walking by the sea of Galilee, saw two brethren, Simon called Peter, and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea: for they were fishers. And he said unto them, Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men”, and in chapter four and verse twenty of his book, Matthew shared how Peter and Andrew, “straightway left their nets” where we read:

And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.

The verse reads, “And they straightway left their nets, ...” Matthew began with the words, “and they straightway left” which means “forthwith and immediately departed and let go of” “their nets” which refers to “Peter and Andrew's fishing nets”. Matthew shared how Peter and Andrew “forsook” their “fishing nets” as soon as Jesus told them to “follow” Him.

The verse goes on to say, “... and followed him.” Matthew continues with the words, “and followed” which means “and joined, sided with and became disciples to”“him” or “Jesus”. Matthew shared how Peter and Andrew went after Jesus.

When we think through Matthew's words in this verse, we see how Peter and Andrew responded immediately to Jesus' “call” to “follow” Him. Though their “fishing nets” were essential to their livelihood, Peter and Andrew left them behind. God desires to have a relationship with every person through His Son Jesus Christ, and He is known to invite them right where they are. Perhaps there are those reading these words who wonder if Jesus would “call” them away from their occupation to “follow” Him. If so, leave the “nets” right away and become His disciple today.

Next time Matthew shares how Jesus saw, “James and John” so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

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