NOTES for Mat 4:18-23
Have you ever wondered why Simon, Andrew, James, and John respond so immediately to Jesus' proposal? Let us imagine ourselves in a similar situation, and it becomes clear that our reaction might well have been different. Who "in his right mind" would get up from his workplace, leave his familiar life, leave what provides a livelihood and simple everyday joy and satisfaction, and follow Someone he had seen very little, and even then "under mysterious circumstances" - see Matt. 3:13-17, John 1:29-39 - and who promises something completely unclear (see Matt. 4:19)? Now we know that they do not leave their fishing nets forever (see Luke 5:1-11), but then it could have seemed to them that they were completely breaking with their familiar life.
What makes them do this? Why do we see no hesitation, reflection, or conversation? Yes, they had probably managed to understand something about this Man through their conversation (see John 1:38-41). But even if they recognized Him as the Messiah, it still is not easy simply to pick up and move instantly. Yet this is exactly what they do. What is the reason? A frivolous attitude toward life, a dislike of work? It is hardly something inside them themselves, since these people are much too different.
No, it turns out that the point is not in them, but in the One who calls them and in the way He does it. He calls them, and it becomes impossible not to answer His call. His voice is so strong, His person so rightly attractive, that doubting the truth of His words, and still more His presence, simply does not happen. Here He is, standing at the door and knocking (see Rev. 3:20).