18 As he walked by the Sea of Galilee, he saw two brothers, Simon who is called Peter and Andrew his brother, casting a net into the sea; for they were fishermen. 19 And he said to them, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." 20 Immediately they left their nets and followed him. 21 And 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, and he called them. 22 Immediately they left the boat and their father, and followed him. Matthew 4: 18-22
What the Word is for our ears, the icon (image) is for our eyes. And Polenov seems to understand, even in the details.
Verses 18-20 Polenov has even shown us the path following the shoreline. Jesus is inviting followers from two boats. Here, he's already been to the first boat where Peter and Andrew were at work. He's called to them, "Follow me," Two boats in a short distance and in a short amount of time. The fellows in the first boat aren't sitting out on the water thinking about Jesus' summons, but their response is underway—they've already drawn in the nets and have pulled into shore.
Verse 21. Second boat. Jesus has an arm outstretched, as if he's calling to them, "Hey, I'm talking to you!" And we see James and John already turned in Jesus' direction—even leaning to hear more clearly. Old bearded Zebedee and the mystery companion, maybe not as much.
Verse 22. This is the second time the word, "Immediately" appears in five verses. A hopeful fellow who has just proposed to his intended may say, "Take some time to think about it." A mother may cut some slack when she calls her children to bedtime. We don't know the depth of response Jesus expected when he called out to Peter, Andrew, James and John, but their response was immediate. The word "immediately" even sounds urgent. Something needs to be addressed. We get it — the agitated TV voice says, "Make your call right now to get not one, but two..."
In all things related to Christ (which is really all of my life) I would like to feel a sense of surprise — of desire — of quick response to a heart-summons.
