THE FISHERMAN’S NET

The seventh and final parable in Matthew’s thirteenth chapter is the Parable of the Fisherman’s Net.

“The kingdom of heaven is like a large net thrown into the sea. It collected every kind of fish, and when it was full, they dragged it ashore, sat down, and gathered the good fish into containers, but threw out the worthless ones” (Matthew 13:47-48).

Peter and Andrew, James and John, were fishermen. They knew their nets were likely to catch big fish and little fish, good fish and worthless fish. As Jesus told the story, they remembered dragging a net onto the shores of Galilee. They remembered sorting the fish, keeping the good ones, and throwing out the fish that couldn’t be sold in the market.

After Jesus told the parable, He immediately interpreted its meaning.

“So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will go out, separate the evil people from the righteous, and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (Matthew 13:49-50).

As the disciples faithfully preached the Gospel, many would respond. Some were genuinely converted by the saving grace of God. Others were pretenders, whose lives were not truly transformed.

Unlike the fishermen who sorted their catch, disciples are not called to judge the hearts of men. On the final day, at Jesus’ direction, “the angels will go out, separate the evil people from the righteous.” Those who are born-again will be ushered into the “kingdom of heaven” and those who are not will face unspeakable and eternal damnation.

“… think on these things” (Philippians 4:8, KJV).