Matthew 4:21

Friday, 1 November 2024

Going on from there, He saw two other brothers, James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, in the boat with Zebedee their father, mending their nets. He called them, Matthew 4:21

“And having advanced thence, He saw others, two brothers – James, the ‘of Zebedee,’ and John, his brother – in the boat with Zebedee their father, repairing their nets. And He called them” (CG).

In the previous verse, Simon and Andrew were said to have left their nets and followed Jesus. Now, it next says, “And having advanced thence.”

The meaning is from where Simon and Andrew were but still along the shore of the sea. The word ekeithen is used. It is an adverb meaning “from there.” A single English word, also an adverb, that gives the sense is the word thence. Continuing along, it says, “He saw others, two brothers.”

Jesus started with the brothers Peter and Andrew and now He directs His attention to another set of brothers. They are “James, the ‘of Zebedee,’ and John, his brother.”

Quite often in the Bible, the state of belonging to or possession is implied. In this case, most translations add in the words “son of” such as “James the son of Zebedee.” Some translations avoid that by saying, “James of Zebedee.” That is acceptable, but the Greek reads, “James the Zebedee.” The state of belonging is found in the article itself. Thus, saying, “James the ‘of Zebedee’” conveys the full intent.

The name James (Greek: Iakóbos) comes from the Greek of the Hebrew name Jacob (Greek: Iakób, Hebrew: Yaaqov). That is derived from the word aqev, the heel. The reason for the name is based on the birth of Jacob in Genesis 25 where he grabbed the heel of his brother during birth. This name has a few different meanings which are based on the idiom “takes hold by the heel.”

The idea is that in grabbing someone by the heel, you will trip him up. But there is also the idea of a deceiver, one who supplants, or one who follows closely behind. All of these fit the life and circumstances of Jacob. But grabbing the heel, or “following after” gives the right sense. His name was, and remains to this day, a popular name for Jews and Christians.

The name Zebedee comes from the Hebrew name Zebadiah (Hebrew: Zebadyah). That is derived from zabad, to bestow, and Yah, a shortened form of the name of the Lord, Yehovah. Thus, it means Gift of Yah or Given of Yah.

The name John (Greek: Ióannés) is from the Hebrew name Yochanan. That is derived from Yah and khanan, to show favor or grace. Thus, the name means Yah is Gracious, Yah Has Been Gracious, or something similar. With the names explained, it next says they were, “in the boat with Zebedee their father.”

It appears that Peter and Andrew were casting from the shore, but it is possible they were on a pier or even a boat as well. The narrative didn’t specify other than to say they were casting a net into the sea. These two are on a boat with their father. But instead of casting it says they were “preparing their nets.”

The Greek word katartizó is used. It means to prepare. This could include repairing, mending, or simply getting them ready to be used. The idea is bringing something into its proper condition. Before fishing, nets have to be properly arranged. After fishing, they need to be reorganized so that they are not all tangled up.

At times, nets need to be mended or more fully repaired. It isn’t stated what the case is here. They could have been on their way out to go fishing, just finishing up their fishing, or repairing the nets after having fished. No matter which, the next words indicate that dad will probably have to finish up without them because Matthew records, “And He called them.”

Like Peter and Andrew, Jesus came upon the men while they were engaged in their activities. The calling at this time is purposeful – “You are in the middle of something important to you. Rather than waiting till you are done, I am calling to you now. What is your priority?”

Life application: Every person who has believed in Jesus has a calling. This doesn’t have to be something big like dropping everything and heading to Thailand, but it is a calling, nonetheless. When you first believed in Jesus, you probably didn’t know much beyond a few sentences conveyed to you about what He had done for you.

You accepted that premise and the Bible says that in your act of faith, He saved you. Your calling, then, is to get to know your Savior. If someone calls a woman to be his wife through an arranged marriage, the wife now has the responsibility to know her husband, what he expects, what he likes and doesn’t like, and so forth.

The same is true with new employment, joining the military, etc. When you enter boot camp, it is to know and learn what you have committed to. The Christian’s boot camp includes the technical manual for his work in his new assignment. This is the Bible. The Christian’s new Husband has expectations of His bride. He has things that please Him and things that don’t please Him.

How can you be an effective bride if you don’t attempt to learn how to please the Lord? How can you be an effective soldier if you don’t know the training manual for soldiering? Both of these metaphors are used concerning Christian life. And yet, how great a percent of Christians hardly bother with these things at all.

Rather than a secondary focus in our lives, it should be the main focus. Everything else we do should be relegated to a lesser state of importance as we learn obedience to the Lord. Are you doing this? If not, then why not? Get on it! Start today! Be the Christian that you have been called to be!

Lord God, help us to be faithful followers of the Lord Jesus who saved us from our sins. May we diligently study the word that tells us of our responsibilities as believers. May this be the primary focus of our lives all our days. Yes, Lord, may it be so to Your glory. Amen.