Albert Barnes Commentary Matthew 4:22

"And they straightway left the boat and their father, and followed him." — Matthew 4:22 (ASV)

Left their father. This showed how willing they were to follow Jesus. They left their father. They showed us what we ought to do. If necessary, we should leave father, mother, and every friend (Luke 14:26). If they will go with us, and be Christians, it is well; if not, yet they should not hinder us.

We should be the followers of Jesus. And while doing so, we should treat our friends tenderly and kindly, yet we ought at all hazards to obey God and do our duty to him. We may add that many, very many children, since Sabbath schools have commenced, have been the means of their parents' conversion.

Many children have spoken to their parents, read the Bible or other books to them, and prayed for them, and God has blessed them and converted them. Every child in a Sunday school ought to be a Christian; and then should strive and pray that God would convert his parents and make them Christians too.

We see here, too, what humble instruments God uses to convert men. He chose fishermen to convert the world. He chooses the foolish to confound the wise. This shows that religion is true and is the power of God, when he uses such instruments to change the hearts of men and save their souls (See Barnes on 1 Corinthians 1:26 and following).