Jesus didn't invite but commanded people to follow him
Matthew 4:18–22 “Immediately they left the boat and their father and followed him” ( v. 22 ). Jesus ’ ministry begins a new phase when He settles in Capernaum ( Matt. 4:13 ) in Galilee , because it is there that the people begin to take notice of Him. In His day, Galilee is a bustling commercial area bordered by Syria and Phoenicia, offering ample opportunities for Jesus to interact with Jews and Gentiles alike. Travelers on trade routes can spread news of His ministry outside of Galilee. Moreover, the leaders in Jerusalem, as we shall see, strongly oppose Jesus, but in Galilee He can minister more freely and not have to be constantly looking out for those who might kill Him before the appointed time. When Christ begins His ministry He delivers virtually the same message as John the Baptist — “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” ( v. 17 ) — because both the old covenant and the new speak of the same kingdom. John, the final prophet of the old covenant, pr...