Parable of the Net

Day: 9

Text: Matthew 13: 47-50

Introduction

Jesus used the parable of the net to alert his listeners about the final judgement of God that is coming at the end of the age. It is a warning parable that the wicked will eventually be separated from the righteous and will be punished for their sins. This parable is similar to the parable of the wheat and tares (Matt. 13 24 – 30), where good and bad grow together until the final separation. It also reflects Jesus’ teaching about the sheep and the goats in Matthew 25:31-46.

The dragnet represents the Gospel (Gospel net) spreading the good news of God’s salvation from sin through Jesus to every corner of the world. The dragnet cast into the sea of humanity catches all kinds of fish -representing the universal reach of God’s kingdom – where people from all backgrounds are drawn in by the gospel. The separation process symbolizes final judgment – good fish (valuable) separated from the bad fish (worthless). So will the Angels separate the righteous from the wicked at the end of the age.

Life Lessons

1. This parable clearly illustrates the truth that there are two types of people in the world with two different paths and eternal destinies – i) the furnace of fire (hell) which is a place of suffering (wailing and gnashing of teeth), and ii) heaven which represents the presence of God.

• The kingdom of God is universal – available to all kinds of people irrespective of race, status, or gender. The gospel is the most important message that could ever be given and it is for everyone who believes (Mark 16: 15-16)

• As long as God’s people (the just) are still in this world (the sea), There will be unbelievers (the wicked) among them.

• It is not the job of the church to weed out those who appear to be Christians but actually are not. That is God’s job at the end of this age.

• God’s patience has limits, and the time will come when judgment is executed.

Life applications

1. It is possible to be ‘in the net’ – become religious or a member of a church – and yet be cast away as ‘bad fish’ if you have never accepted and confessed Jesus as your Lord and savior (John 3:3; John 1:12).

• There are many pretenders – false teachers and false prophets – operating among God’s people, showing signs and wonders to deceive God’s people. Jesus says that by their fruits you shall know them. (Mark 13:22-23; Matthew 7:15-16)

• Be not deceived. Be alert and ready. A day of reckoning is coming (Gal. 6:7-8; Rev. 22:12).

• It is our responsibility to go and share the Gospel to everyone, everywhere and with every opportunity we have. It is God’s responsibility to draw as many as would be saved to His kingdom (Matt. 28: 18-20).

• Do not be preoccupied with criticizing or judging others while ignoring your own wrongdoings (Luke 6:41-42). Although the righteous and the wicked abide together, remember that God is the ultimate and final judge (Gen 18:25).    

Lesson of the Day

We must strive to remain faithful to God and be ready for Christ’s return when true believers will be rewarded, and the ungodly will face eternal suffering in hell fire.

Complied by: Pastor Eleazer Ekwue