New Testament
Matthew 4:20
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Right away they dropped their nets and followed him.
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And they straightway left their nets, and followed him.
What Matthew 4:20 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, we see the immediate response of two fishermen, Simon Peter and his brother Andrew, when Jesus calls them to be his disciples. They were engaged in their daily work, fishing, when Jesus approached them. Instead of hesitating or making excuses, they dropped their nets without delay and chose to follow him. This act signifies a profound commitment and willingness to leave behind their old lives for a new purpose. Their decision reflects the importance of responding to God's call with urgency and faith. It also highlights the transformative power of Jesus' invitation, as he not only calls them to follow him but also to become 'fishers of men.' This moment marks the beginning of their journey as disciples, illustrating how faith can lead to significant life changes and new directions.
How to apply Matthew 4:20 to your life
This verse encourages us to respond promptly to God's call in our lives. Just as Peter and Andrew left their nets, we should be willing to let go of distractions and commitments that hinder our spiritual growth. Trusting in God's plan can lead to fulfilling our true purpose.
Curated for this public verse page. Matthew Summary
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Illustrated scene from Jesus's story: Calling the Fishermen (Matthew 4:18–22)
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Jesus
Photo: Photochrom print, Library of Congress Prints and Photographs Division (LCCN 2002724966). License: Public domain in the United States; Library of Congress states no known restrictions on publication. Source. Location: Bethlehem, West Bank; print preserved by the Library of Congress. Resized for the web.
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Bethlehem
David's hometown, and the town where Jesus was born.
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Key themes
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At a Glance — the Book of Matthew
- Author
- Matthew the apostle
- Written
- Around AD 60-70
- Genre
- Gospel
- Original Audience
- Jewish Christians
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Matthew 4:20 mean?
Matthew 4:20 describes how Simon Peter and Andrew immediately left their fishing nets to follow Jesus. This reflects their readiness to embrace a new life and purpose as disciples, highlighting the importance of responding quickly to God's call.
What is the significance of dropping their nets in Matthew 4:20?
Dropping their nets signifies a decisive break from their previous lives and commitments. It shows their willingness to prioritize their calling from Jesus over their daily work and routines.
How does Matthew 4:20 relate to discipleship?
Matthew 4:20 exemplifies the essence of discipleship, which involves leaving behind old ways to follow Jesus. It shows that true discipleship requires a commitment to respond to God's invitation without hesitation.
What can we learn from Matthew 4:20?
From Matthew 4:20, we learn the importance of responding promptly to God's call in our lives. It encourages us to let go of distractions that prevent us from pursuing our spiritual growth and purpose.
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