And immediately he called them. And leaving their father Zebedee in the boat with the hired men, they went after him.
This verse shows the supremacy of Christ’s call over all a person’s earthly ties. The disciples leave not only their work, but also their family setting, in order to follow the Lord. This does not mean that Christ despises family responsibilities, but it shows that when God’s call is clear, it must take first place. Their immediate obedience reveals the inner power by which Christ’s word touches the heart. This is also a reminder to every believer that devotion to the Lord is above every kind of earthly tie and security.