The Parables of Jesus

The Parable of the Fishing Net

Matthew 13:47-50 ^{Amplified Bible}

Matthew 13:47

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet which was lowered into the sea and gathered fish of every kind….”

            This parable describes what will take place at the Final Judgment. It is said that there are 24 different species of fish in the Lake of Galilee. Some were clean and edible, some were unusable. The net does not discriminate regarding what it catches. That sorting out of the good and bad fish comes once the nets are dragged ashore. The church doesn’t escape this sorting out process in that those only professing to be disciples of Christ and not serious about that relationship will also be sorted out along with those wicked individuals among them.

                  This final judgment will reveal those who are truly committed to God and his kingdom and are truly invested in this commitment with their lives, however, the parable mostly refers to those in the world who have elected to avoid any serious allegiance to God at all. Therefore, on the last day angels with do the sorting out of the good and the evil. There will be no avoiding your destiny at that point, for until then forgiveness is available to all. But just as the door of the ark was closed as the rains began to fall, so the opportunity for God’s mercy to forgive is available until the proverbial hammer shall fall.

                  Now is as good a time as any to do a complete spiritual assessment to see where your heart stands with regards to your commitment to the Lord. If you come up lacking, there is time to amend your behavior. Your lack will be shown by comparing what scripture shows as the behavior modelled by Jesus. There is a standard that is brought forth by God and not man, so you mustn’t compare yourself to mortal man. Compare yourself to God himself and then allow for his mercy and grace as you modify your thoughts, words, and actions. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In his name & for his glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resources: Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): New Testament, Copyright 2004; IVP New Testament Commentary Series made available by the generosity of InterVarsity Press.

 

Matthew 13:47-50 - “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet which was lowered into the sea, and gathered fish of every kind, 48 and when it was full, they dragged it up on the beach; and they sat down and sorted out the good fish into baskets, but the worthless ones they threw away. 49 So it will be at the end of the age; the angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw the wicked into the furnace of fire; in that place there will be weeping [over sorrow and pain] and grinding of teeth [over distress and anger].”