PARABLE OF THE NET
Matthew chapter 13 contains several of Jesus'
parables. One of them is "The parable of the dragnet." "Again,
the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered
some of every kind, which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat
down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. So it will be at the end of the age. The
angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, and cast them
into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth."
(Matthew 13:47-50) In this parable let us observe:
The dragnet was cast into the sea: God's
net, the gospel, is cast into the great sea of humanity. There are multitudes
of people, young and old, good and evil. The net gathers "some of every
kind." The gospel is publicly proclaimed to all and when this is done the
gospel net draws all kinds.
The dragnet explained by Jesus.
Jesus gave the time when this separation would take place. It will take place
at the end of the world. He was very clear in identifying the agents by which
this would be accomplished. "The angels will come forth and separate the wicked
from among the just." (Matthew 13:49) Jesus also pictures the doom of the
wicked. "Cast them into the furnace of fire."
Let us learn from the parable of the
dragnet: (1) A net is the instrument to catch fish. The gospel is the
only instrument with which to catch men. (2) The net must be cast into the sea
to be useful. The gospel must be preached to sinners before it can draw men to
shore. (3) When fish are caught they are removed from the water. When men are
caught by the gospel they are removed from sin and wickedness. (4) Each time
the net is cast the fisherman hopes for a catch of fish. Christians should
hope and pray for souls as the gospel net is cast. (5) Sometimes the net is
drawn in empty. Christians may not see immediate fruit. But, never become so
discouraged you stop casting the gospel net. (6) When the net is full it brings
in all kind of fish. The gospel net brings in all kinds of people. Let us work
to try to see Christ formed in them. (Galatians 4:19)
You are encouraged to become a Christian
today. It is time to get serious about our own salvation and about the
salvation of others. To become a Christian you must hear the gospel (John