And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
When the disciples left everything to follow Jesus, it wasn't just about abandoning their fishing gear; it was about giving up the very source of their livelihood and security in that moment. This wasn't a calculated decision based on promised riches, but a radical act of trust demonstrating that Jesus and His call were worth more than their entire earthly existence.
And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him.
English Standard Version (ESV)
After Jesus miraculously filled their nets with fish following a night of fruitless labor, these fishermen were overwhelmed and recognized their own sinfulness in His presence. Jesus immediately called them to a new purpose, and they responded by bringing their boats ashore, leaving their livelihood behind, and following Him. This radical commitment sets the stage for their future calling as apostles, though they would later return to fishing temporarily before fully dedicating themselves to Jesus' mission.
These fishermen left their boats and nets, but what did 'everything' truly mean for them?
When Jesus called these seasoned fishermen, they 'left everything and followed him.' It's easy to imagine this meant just their fishing gear. But the scholars highlight that 'everything' was their entire livelihood, their independence, their established way of life. It wasn't just about giving up a few boats; it was about surrendering their future as they knew it. Some had even hired servants, indicating a more substantial enterprise than just a hobby. This wasn't a small sacrifice; it was the willingness to trade the known for the unknown, all based on Jesus' word and a miraculous sign.
Was this the first time Jesus called them, or was this a pivotal moment built on prior encounters?
The calling of these disciples wasn't out of the blue. The biblical context suggests Jesus had already taught them and, crucially, performed a miraculous, unparalleled catch of fish right before this call. This divine intervention served as a powerful confirmation of His authority and identity. It wasn't just a casual invitation; it was a call backed by irrefutable proof of His power and a clear demonstration of His purpose: to make them 'fishers of men.' This miraculous sign, coupled with Jesus' teaching, provided the foundation for their radical obedience.
Did they leave everything just once, or was there a process of re-commitment?
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The Scriptures offer a nuanced view of their surrender. While they left their livelihoods immediately after this call, the historical context suggests there were moments of return to their old ways, notably after Jesus' crucifixion. However, this incident in Luke 5 marks a significant, intentional step towards full-time discipleship. It was a willing sacrifice, a willingness to obey Jesus' command and embrace His mission, even if the final, permanent abandonment of their former lives solidified later, particularly after Pentecost. This shows that discipleship is often a journey of progressive surrender.
Understand the original words
akoloutheō · Greek Verb
A person who follows or adheres to a teacher or leader, involving personal commitment, obedience, and imitation of the leader's life and values. In the New Testament, it denotes one who has accepted the call to be a disciple of Jesus Christ.
The disciples' decision to leave everything wasn't a one-time, impulsive act. It occurred after a significant miracle and a personal encounter with Jesus, but their commitment was tested and solidified over time, even after experiencing setbacks.
Early 1st century AD
Jesus begins public ministry
Jesus begins teaching and performing miracles throughout Galilee, gathering a following.
Early 1st century AD— this verse
Jesus calls disciples
Jesus encounters various individuals, including fishermen like Simon Peter, Andrew, James, and John, and calls them to follow him.
Early 1st century AD
Disciples return to fishing
After the initial call, some disciples, like Peter and his companions, temporarily return to their fishing trade.
Early 1st century AD
Miraculous catch of fish
Jesus performs a great miracle, filling their nets with fish after a night of fruitless labor, leading to a profound encounter.
Early 1st century AD
Total commitment to Jesus
In response to the miracle and Jesus' call, the disciples fully abandon their former lives and occupations to follow him.
c. AD 30-33
Jesus' crucifixion and resurrection
The central events of Jesus' life, death, and resurrection occur, fundamentally changing the disciples' understanding and mission.
c. AD 33
Post-Resurrection return to fishing
After Jesus' crucifixion, Peter and some other disciples return to their fishing occupation, indicating a temporary setback or uncertainty.
This passage in Matthew describes the initial calling of these same fishermen, highlighting their immediate obedience and willingness to leave their nets and follow Jesus.
John 21:3This passage shows Peter, and others, returning to fishing after Jesus' crucifixion, demonstrating that the calling was a process and that 'leaving all' can have layers of meaning, with finality coming after greater revelation.
Luke 18:28Peter asks Jesus about their reward for leaving everything, prompting Jesus' promise of a hundredfold return in this life and eternal life, directly linking the disciples' sacrifice to future blessing.
Matthew 19:27Similar to Luke 18:28, this passage records Peter's question about their reward for following Jesus, reinforcing the theme of radical sacrifice and the divine assurance of recompense.
clarkeLuke 5:11: "And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him."
They forsook all, and followed him - God expects this from every person, and especially from those in whose hearts, or in whose behalf, he has wrought a miracle of grace or of providence. Jesus intended to call Peter, James, and John, to become his disciples; and that they might see the propriety and importance of the call, he: - 1st. Teaches in their presence, that they may know his doctrine. 2dly.…
jfbLuke 5:11: "And when they had brought their ships to land, they forsook all, and followed him."
- forsook all—They did this before (Mt 4:20); now they do it again; and yet after the Crucifixion they are at their boats once more (Joh 21:3). In such a business this is easily conceivable. After pentecost, however, they appear to have finally abandoned their secular calling.
When the disciples left everything to follow Jesus, it wasn't just about abandoning their fishing gear; it was about giving up the very source of their livelihood and security in that moment. This wasn't a calculated decision based on promised riches, but a radical act of trust demonstrating that Jesus and His call were worth more than their entire earthly existence.
After Jesus miraculously filled their nets with fish following a night of fruitless labor, these fishermen were overwhelmed and recognized their own sinfulness in His presence. Jesus immediately called them to a new purpose, and they responded by bringing their boats ashore, leaving their livelihood behind, and following Him. This radical commitment sets the stage for their future calling as apostles, though they would later return to fishing temporarily before fully dedicating themselves to Jesus' mission.
After Jesus miraculously filled their nets with fish following a night of fruitless labor, these fishermen were overwhelmed and recognized their own sinfulness in His presence. Jesus immediately called them to a new purpose, and they responded by bringing their boats ashore, leaving their livelihood behind, and following Him. This radical commitment sets the stage for their future calling as apostles, though they would later return to fishing temporarily before fully dedicating themselves to Jesus' mission.
"And when they had brought their boats to land, they left everything and followed him." — When the disciples left everything to follow Jesus, it wasn't just about abandoning their fishing gear; it was about giving up the very source of their livelihood and security in that moment. This…
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Last reviewed October 2026