In Matthew 4:18-22, we see Jesus calling his first disciples. While walking by the Sea of Galilee, Jesus noticed Simon Peter and his brother Andrew casting a net into the sea. He asked them to follow Him, assuring them that they would become "fishers of men." This straightforward yet significant invitation emphasizes the core of discipleship: leaving our old habits behind and committing to a new purpose under Christ's guidance. This passage urges us to assess our own lives and contemplate what we may need to let go of in order to fully embrace our role as followers of Jesus.
In a practical sense, this passage prompts us to prioritize our spiritual journey over our worldly pursuits. Just as Peter and Andrew abandoned their nets, we are encouraged to leave behind any distractions or activities that hinder our relationship with Christ. This may involve reevaluating our commitments and making deliberate choices to devote more time to prayer, reading the scriptures, and serving others. By doing so, we align our lives with God's purpose for us, becoming more effective in our testimony and service.
This passage also underscores the significance of immediate and wholehearted obedience. When Jesus called James and John, they unhesitatingly left their boat and their father. In our lives, we frequently encounter moments when God calls us to step out in faith, whether through acts of kindness, sharing the gospel, or making major life changes. Our response should mirror that of the disciples: prompt and unwavering. By trusting and obeying God's call, we engage in His mission and experience the satisfaction that comes from leading a life devoted to His service.
The Gospel of Matthew, takes its name from its traditionally attributed author, Matthew, also known as Levi, one of the twelve apostles of Jesus. Though modern scholars do not universally accept this attribution, it remains a long-standing tradition in Christian history (Brown, 160).
Scholars debate the authorship of the Gospel of Matthew. Traditionally, believers held that Matthew, a tax collector and one of Jesus' disciples, wrote the gospel. However, contemporary scholarship often questions this attribution, suggesting that an anonymous Jewish Christian, well-versed in Hebrew Scriptures and traditions, likely authored the gospel (Harrington, 42). The text emphasizes Jewish customs and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, reflecting the author's Jewish background and intent to present Jesus as the promised Messiah.
Scholars generally date the Gospel of Matthew to between 80-90 AD, based on internal evidence, such as references to the destruction of the Jerusalem Temple in 70 AD (Brown, 177). The setting is likely Antioch in Syria, an early Christian center with a substantial Jewish population. This context explains the gospel's focus on Jesus' fulfillment of Jewish prophecy and its frequent citations of Hebrew Scriptures (Harrington, 48).
Matthew aims to affirm that Jesus of Nazareth is the long-awaited Messiah prophesied in the Hebrew Scriptures. The gospel seeks to instruct Jewish and Gentile Christians on Jesus' teachings and strengthen their faith amidst persecution. Major themes include the Kingdom of Heaven, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, Jesus as the new Moses, and his ethical teachings, particularly those in the Sermon on the Mount (France, 25).
The Gospel of Matthew is structured around five major discourses, which some scholars suggest parallel the five books of the Torah. These discourses include the Sermon on the Mount (chapters 5-7), the Mission Discourse (chapter 10), the Parabolic Discourse (chapter 13), the Discourse on the Church (chapter 18), and the Olivet Discourse (chapters 24-25). Chapter 4, covering the temptation of Jesus and the beginning of his public ministry, serves as a transition from the introductory chapters to the first major discourse (France, 30).
Matthew 4 holds significant importance. It recounts the temptation of Jesus in the wilderness, highlighting Jesus' obedience and faithfulness to God, contrasting Israel's disobedience during their wilderness wanderings. This chapter also marks the start of Jesus' public ministry, with his proclamation of the Kingdom of Heaven and the calling of the first disciples. These events set the stage for Jesus' teachings and miracles, emphasizing his authority and mission (Harrington, 67).
Verse 18: "As 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 lake, for they were fishermen."
This verse sets the scene for the calling of the first disciples. The Sea of Galilee, a significant body of water in the region, serves as the backdrop for many of Jesus' interactions and miracles. Jesus encounters Simon (later called Peter) and Andrew while they are engaged in their daily work as fishermen. This detail emphasizes that Jesus calls ordinary people, going about their regular lives, to follow him. The use of their profession, fishermen, becomes metaphorically significant later as Jesus promises to make them "fishers of men" (Harrington 81).
Verse 19: "'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will send you out to fish for people.'"
In this verse, Jesus issues a direct invitation to Simon and Andrew, calling them to follow him. The promise that they will "fish for people" redefines their vocational identity. Jesus uses their current skills and reorients them toward a divine mission. This call to discipleship implies leaving behind their previous way of life to embrace a new purpose centered on gathering people into the kingdom of God (France 142).
Verse 20: "At once they left their nets and followed him."
The response of Simon and Andrew is immediate and decisive. The phrase "at once" underscores their readiness and willingness to follow Jesus without hesitation. This instant obedience reflects the compelling nature of Jesus' call and the transformative power of his presence. Their abandonment of nets, their means of livelihood, signifies a total commitment to their new mission (Harrington 82).
Verse 21: "Going 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, preparing their nets. Jesus called them,"
Jesus' calling of James and John mirrors the earlier calling of Simon and Andrew. They are also engaged in their work as fishermen, indicating that Jesus' mission includes ordinary people from various backgrounds. The presence of their father, Zebedee, highlights the family ties and potential sacrifices involved in responding to Jesus' call. This verse continues to build the theme of immediate and transformative discipleship (France 144).
Verse 22: "and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him."
James and John respond with the same immediacy as Simon and Andrew, leaving not only their work but also their father. This detail highlights the cost of discipleship, which may involve leaving family and familiar surroundings. Their response exemplifies the total commitment Jesus demands from his followers. The phrase "immediately they left" reinforces the urgency and decisiveness of true discipleship (Harrington 83).
Viewed through a Wesleyan/Methodist lens, Matthew 4:18-22 is a powerful passage that encapsulates key theological themes. It highlights the dynamics of prevenient grace, the necessary human response to divine initiative, the call to holiness and sanctification, the importance of community and mission, and the engagement in means of grace. The story of the first disciples' call becomes a paradigm for understanding how God's grace invites all people to follow Christ, be transformed, and participate in his mission to the world.
Verse 18: "As 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 lake, for they were fishermen."
In this verse, Jesus encounters Simon Peter and Andrew as they are engaged in their ordinary work as fishermen. From a Wesleyan/Methodist perspective, this moment underscores the doctrine of prevenient grace, which is the grace that goes before and initiates God's call to individuals. John Wesley emphasized that God’s grace reaches out to people even before they are aware of it (Collins 165). Jesus' approach to Simon and Andrew while they are immersed in their daily tasks illustrates how prevenient grace operates in the ordinary aspects of life.
Verse 19: "'Come, follow me,' Jesus said, 'and I will send you out to fish for people.'"
Jesus' call to "Come, follow me" is a powerful invitation to discipleship. Wesleyan theology highlights that this call is both an invitation to relationship and a directive toward mission. The promise to make them "fishers of people" indicates a transformative purpose—turning their existing skills into tools for God's kingdom (Heitzenrater 134). This aligns with the Methodist emphasis on personal and social holiness, where faith is lived out in service to others and participation in God’s redemptive work in the world.
Verse 20: "At once they left their nets and followed him."
The immediate response of Simon and Andrew is a vivid example of how individuals respond to God's grace. In Wesleyan thought, grace requires a human response, which is essential for salvation and sanctification (Maddox 98). Their willingness to leave their nets "at once" demonstrates a profound readiness to embrace a new life in Christ, reflecting the transformative power of God’s call and the disciples' openness to divine grace.
Verse 21: "Going 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, preparing their nets. Jesus called them,"
In calling James and John, Jesus continues to build his community of disciples. This reflects the Wesleyan emphasis on the communal nature of faith. Methodism teaches that Christian faith is not just an individual journey but also a communal one, where believers grow in grace together through accountable relationships and mutual support (Collins 172). The presence of their father Zebedee highlights the familial and relational context of their calling, emphasizing the social dimension of discipleship.
Verse 22: "and immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him."
James and John’s immediate response mirrors that of Simon and Andrew, showcasing a theme of urgent and total commitment to Jesus' call. Wesleyan theology stresses that true discipleship involves a radical reorientation of life priorities in response to God’s grace. Their action of leaving behind their boat and father symbolizes the comprehensive nature of the call to follow Christ, which may require significant sacrifices and a redefinition of one's identity and mission (Outler 214).
Wesleyan theology underscores the concept of prevenient
grace—God’s grace that precedes human action. In Matthew 4:18-22, Jesus
initiates the call to the disciples, exemplifying this grace. Jesus approaches
the fishermen while they are engaged in their daily tasks, indicating that
divine grace reaches individuals in their ordinary circumstances. This
initiation by Jesus parallels the Wesleyan belief that God’s grace seeks us out
even before we respond (Collins 165).
Response to Grace The immediate and willing response of the disciples, as
seen in their leaving their nets and following Jesus “at once” (Matthew 4:20),
mirrors the Wesleyan emphasis on human response to divine grace. Wesley taught
that while grace is freely given, it requires a human response. The disciples'
actions reflect the acceptance of grace and the willingness to embark on a
transformative journey with Christ (Outler 214).
Holiness and Sanctification In Wesleyan theology, the call to discipleship is also a
call to holiness. The journey of following Jesus involves a process of
sanctification—growing in love and holiness. By leaving their former lives, the
disciples begin a new path dedicated to learning from Jesus and living out his
teachings. This journey aligns with Wesley’s view that true faith manifests in
a holy life marked by love, service, and growth in Christlikeness (Maddox 98).
Community and Mission Methodism places a strong emphasis on community and
mission. The calling of the disciples forms the foundation of the Christian
community. Jesus’ invitation to “fish for people” (Matthew 4:19) highlights the
mission-oriented nature of discipleship. Wesleyan theology stresses that faith
is not only personal but also communal and missional. The disciples are called
to gather others into the kingdom of God, reflecting the Methodist focus on
evangelism and social holiness (Heitzenrater 134).
Means of Grace Wesley identified specific practices, or means of grace,
through which believers grow in their faith. The disciples' following of Jesus
can be seen as engaging in such means of grace. By spending time with Jesus,
learning from his teachings, and participating in his ministry, they experience
transformation. This continuous engagement with Christ and his mission mirrors
the Methodist practice of engaging in means of grace such as prayer, Scripture
reading, and communal worship (Collins 172).