Matthew 4:21
And going on from thence, he saw other two brethren, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in a ship with Zebedee their father, mending their nets; and he called them.
Matthew 4:21 (KJV)
Context
Matthew 4:21 continues the account of Jesus calling His first disciples by the Sea of Galilee. Just before this, He had called Simon Peter and Andrew, promising to make them fishers of men (Matthew 4:19). Now He proceeds further and sees another pair of brothers, James and John, the sons of Zebedee. They are in a boat with their father, actively mending their nets. This is not a scene of idle waiting; they are engaged in the ordinary, demanding work of fishermen.
The setting is the beginning of Jesus’ public ministry in Galilee, after His baptism and wilderness temptation. He had begun preaching, “Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17). The call of these fishermen is part of that kingdom proclamation, showing that Jesus gathers His followers from everyday life and work.
Meaning
The verse highlights Jesus’ divine initiative. He sees James and John, and He calls them. They did not seek Him out; He chose them. The Greek word translated “mending” (katartizontas) means restoring or preparing, indicating they were repairing their nets for future use. This detail shows that Jesus calls people in the middle of their responsibilities, not after they have arranged a convenient moment.
The presence of Zebedee, their father, underscores the cost of discipleship. James and John leave not only their trade but also their family to follow Jesus. The text records no objection from Zebedee, which emphasizes the authority and urgency of Jesus’ call. The brevity of the narrative points to the immediate response expected from those whom Jesus summons.
Biblical connections
This calling parallels the earlier call of Peter and Andrew, forming a pair of brother pairs. It also foreshadows the disciples’ future mission as “fishers of men” (Matthew 4:19). The response of James and John, recorded in the following verse (Matthew 4:22), shows that they left the boat and their father immediately. Their obedience models the radical commitment that Jesus requires of His followers.
Application
Jesus still calls ordinary people in the midst of their daily labor. He sees us in our workplaces, our families, and our routines, and He invites us to follow Him. The call may require leaving behind comfort, security, or even family expectations. James and John’s example teaches us to respond with readiness and wholehearted commitment when Jesus calls.
Divine Initiative: Our relationship with Jesus begins with His grace and purpose, not our own efforts. He seeks us out and invites us into discipleship.
Availability and Readiness: James and John were prepared to respond at once. When Jesus calls, we should be open and willing to follow, even if it means leaving our old ways behind.
Sacrifice and Commitment: They left their profession and their father to follow Jesus. Discipleship often involves giving up comfort zones and making sacrifices for the sake of the kingdom.
Discipleship: The call to James and John is a reminder that Jesus calls all believers to follow Him, learn from Him, and take part in His mission of proclaiming the gospel.
Reflection
Jesus’ call to James and John was personal and immediate. He did not wait for them to finish their work or to prepare themselves. He called them as they were, and they responded. This challenges us to consider how we respond to Jesus’ call in our own lives. Are we willing to leave our nets and follow Him without delay?
