Posted: Jan 11, 08 12:23am
Yesterday's parable discussion was lively. Remember to work at your own pace and contribute as you feel led to. Each contribution is acknowledged and blesses the entire group.
11. Full Net
M't:13:47: Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: M't:13:48: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. M't:13:49: So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, M't:13:50: And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.
The world is here portrayed as a vast sea. The preaching of the gospel is like casting the net into the sea for the purposes of a catch. As large dragnets do, it gathers many kinds of creatures. In the visible church there is also many things other than Christians. There is a time coming when the net is full and drawn to the shoreline of heaven. At that time there will be a separation between the creatures drawn in it. The good will be gathered together and the bad shall be cast away. While the net is in the sea it is unknown what is in it, but the fisherman carefully draw it to shore to see. Here we hear, “So shall it be at the end of the world.” The net is mixed and it has wicked, worthless refuse in it, and that shall be cast in the furnace as worthless garbage.
Have you discovered anything about not judging those within your local church through this parable?
How about those who have not yet been drawn into the net of the Gospel?
Does Jesus influence you in any way here to understand the Kingdom of God and to instruct others in it?
