• The Parable Of The Dragnet
•
• Matthew 13:47-50
• "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet cast into the sea,
and gathering fish of every kind; {48} and when it was filled, they drew it up
on the beach; and they sat down, and gathered the good fish into containers, but
the bad they threw away. {49} So it will be at the end of the age; the angels
shall come forth, and take out the wicked from among the righteous, {50} and will
cast them into the furnace of fire; there shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth."
• Introduction
• Once again, we make comparisons of things spiritual, which cannot be seen,
with objects that we humans can relate to.
• These word pictures combined together give us a pretty good description
of the kingdom of heaven.
• What we have to keep in mind is what perspective we are using at any given
parable.
• The kingdom of heaven and the kingdom of God are the same.
• It can refer to the present day church or it can refer to the futuristic
heaven after judgment.
• Introduction
• We must be careful to interpret these with the right perspective concerning
each.
• Some of these parables have to do with the beginning, not only of the
church, but also of our individual relationships we develop with God.
• Some of these parables deal with the Church in existence and contending
with evil in it's midst.
• Some of these parables deal with the great value placed upon finding and
obtaining these priceless treasures.
• The Parable Of The Dragnet
• And some of these parables deal with the judgment to come.
• This particular parable is obviously dealing with the judgment.
• The picture given is that no one will escape the dragnet.
• Unlike shrimp boats that only gather a small portion of the sea, and by
law have methods to release unintended guest from their nets.
• This reveals that none will be released and that none can or will escape,
the judgment.
• Cast Into The Sea
• The sea can be one of two thoughts.
• It is the world and everyone that lives in the world will be caught up
in this net for ultimate judgment.
• Or it is the church of God or the church of Christ of which judgment is
still required.
• This teaches that just being in the church is not enough, we still must
be active and continuous in our obedience.
• Gathered Up
• The gathering is the same gathering that will be found in the great hall
on judgment day.
• This is pictured in Matt.25:31ff.
• The idea of fish of every kind is used to show that all will be pulled
in for judgment.
• This is in opposition to the teaching that only the just will be caught
up in rapture (a false doctrine very popular with many).
• The good and the bad will face the same judgment.
• Net Was Filled
• It was filled indicating the completeness and fullness of the magnitude
of this gathering.
• When they draw it up on the beach is the same as gathering in the great
throne room of God where the separation takes place.
• Notice that the fishermen have time to sit down and choose the good from
the bad.
• The concept of sit down means that there is no rush or urgency in the
matter.
• Net Was Filled
• We know from our personal experience that fresh fish lose freshness quite
quickly.
• We almost have to put them on ice immediately or have to eventually throw
them away because they become rotten or bad.
• No, these people are going to take their time, and do it right.
• The Separation
• The good fish are gathered into containers where they are reserved for
later use.
• The bad fish are thrown away.
• Out on the water, you would just throw the bad fish back into the sea,
but this does not indicate thrown away into the sea, but rather for destruction,
which is in line with the explanation found in v.50.
• Jesus says it will be this way in the end, whenever that time comes, that
the angels will come and make the separation.
• There are other passages that state that Jesus will return with his angels.
2 Thessalonians 1:7 says that they will come with flaming fire to execute retribution
to the bad.
• The bad are described by Paul as those who do not know God and those who
do not keep His commandments.
• The Separation
• Jesus also states that the wicked will be removed from the righteous.
• Since we as God's people are to be set apart or separate from the world
and worldly ways and people, then this must mean that within our confines of the
church, that there will be those who are considered wicked.
• Jesus describes laziness and slothfulness and being wicked.
• A deceiver is considered to be wicked.
• The Separation
• v41 says that the angels will remove all the stumbling blocks and those
who commit lawlessness.
• 1 John 3:4 "sin is lawlessness".
• The five foolish virgins who were not prepared were denied entrance into
the feast.
• Those who offered excuses were said that they could not enter and partake
of the feast.
• Those who treated their brethren in an ill manner were taken and cast
into the place of chains and darkness.
• The Description Of Hell
• The final picture is that of hell, described as a furnace of fire.
• There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth.
• Throw me into a fire and I'll do more than that, screaming, hollering,
begging, crying, jumping, writhing, suffering, and I would be calling for the
mercy of my God.
• But by then it is too late.
• The Description Of Hell
• If we never took the time to acknowledge God and His presence.
• If we did not want to abide by His teaching.
• If we did not listen to His holy prophets the evangelists.
• And if we did not follow His Holy Spirit's message calling for obedience.
• The Description Of Hell
• Then it will be too late to beg for mercy.
• Our judgment will be sealed up for all time and this will be the place
where the worm dies not.
• Forever in agony and punishment.
• All because we thought of ourselves first.
• Summary
• At the close of these parables, Jesus asked His disciples if they understood
all these things.
• They said to Him, "Yes".
• It is doubtful that they comprehended these concepts fully, but with the
help of the Holy Spirit, on the day of Pentecost, they finally did understand
them.
• We have the Holy Spirit to guide us in our comprehension of being in God's
kingdom.
• Summary
• We know that our citizenship is special and we cannot put a price tag
on it.
• We know that we have responsibilities and duties in this kingdom and that
we are a part of it.
• We also must contribute to the welfare of the kingdom and it's ruler.
• We stand accountable.
• Putting This Into Perspective
• Just what does this have to do with kingdom growth and development?
• What does this have to do with making the church grow?
• We must learn the following lessons.
• There are people out there who are in need of salvation.
• Putting This Into Perspective
• These people are lost and someone or something needs to show them the
way.
• For many people, we are the only bible that they will ever read.
• We must be a good influence and must set the right examples, and teach
the right lessons by the way we live and talk.
• If we make the effort to lead people to Christ, then God has promised
to give the increase.
• Putting This Into Perspective
• There are many of our friends who think that they are saved, when in reality,
they are servants of Satan.
• We must have enough boldness and love for them, that we are not afraid
to expose their error, yet do it in a meek fashion.
• The church is Christ's is a great possession.
• Christ is the worlds greatest treasure.
• Putting This Into Perspective
• We must bring the world to Christ so that He can claim His church and
present it to God.
• This is all given with the intent of bringing lost souls to Christ.
• We need to work together to accomplish the task set before us.
• Like I said before, Either bear fruit, or burn!
• Conclusion
• Are you doing your part?
• Examine yourselves.
• Are you ready to face your judgment?
• Are you living according to His word, or mans?
• Turn to the Word of God to find the correct answer, and you will find
Jesus Christ to be your Savior.
• Will you acknowledge Him?
By Carey Scott
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