Matthew 4:17-22

And immediately leaving their nets, they followed him… That’s the theme of this passage. The words that stick with me are εὐθέως, “immediately” and ἀφέντες, “leaving”. This passage also contains Jesus’ well known call to Simon and Andrew: ποιήσω ὐμα̑ς ἀλεει̑̑ς ἀνθρώπων – “I will make you fishers of men…”

The words of Jesus are the words of John the Baptist in Matthew 3:2. μετανοει̑τε˙ ἤγγικεν γάρ η̒ βασιλεία τω̑ν οὐρανω̑ν. “Repent! For the kingdom of the heavens has drawn near.”

What must it have felt like to leave the nets? How did their hearts respond? They acted immediately, that much is clear. But was it the joy of leaving a fisherman’s tasks, or the joy of a new call to the unknown? Were they fretful of what might come? Or did they naively run after the Son of God, leaving fathers and work in the wake?

God, develop in me a heart that never misses a beat, following you quickly and with certainty. Thank you for the call to follow you. Help me to never consider going back. The task you have set before your people is not easy, but you give us the strength to follow you.