Thematic Selections from the Bible

Once again, Jesus’ parables were specially crafted to cater to all classes of people. The laborer, the farmer, the shepherd, and the fisherman all enjoyed the divine truth brought down to their level of understanding and interest. In this parable, Christ likens the kingdom of heaven to a fishing net that is cast into the sea. The net captures many kinds of fish which, when full, are brought to shore, where the good fish are separated from the bad. All this will occur, Christ says, at the end of the age, and the angels will be entrusted to do the separating.

In this parable, the net is the Gospel, and it will attract many people to it. However, not all who call out “Lord, Lord” will be born again. The Father says that only those who hear his Father’s will and obeys will enter the kingdom of heaven. On judgment day, many will say that they have prophesied in His name, performed miracles and have driven out demons, yet Jesus will say “I never knew you”. Many people will be attracted to the Gospel and the concept of salvation, yet few will accept, believe and obey it. But the Lord says that He will see the believer’s heart, and will scrutinize each and every believer. Will He welcome you into the house of the Lord on judgment day, or will he say “I never knew you”?

Mt 13:47-50

47 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind:

48 which, when it was filled, they drew up on the beach; and they sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but the bad they cast away.

49 So shall it be in the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the righteous,

50 and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be the weeping and the gnashing of teeth.