Morning Cup of J(esus)
Fueling the Day!
Parable of the Fishing Net
Parable of the Fishing Net
The parable of the fishing net is sometimes called the parable of the dragnet. It is one of the last parables in this lengthy series of parables in Matthew 13. It is also one of the many “Kingdom of Heaven” parables. It’s very similar to the wheat and the tares parable earlier in the chapter because both deal with the end times separating of the good from the evil. Both parables speak of eternal punishment for the “bad.” Additionally, both parables deal with angels aiding in the process of sorting the true believers from the false. Unlike several of the parables in Matthew 13, Christ interprets this parable for the listeners in verses 49-50.
What is the Dragnet?
The dragnet is a weighted net that is drawn along the bottom of the water. Its intent is to gather as much and as many types of fish as possible. And just as the net gathers all kinds, so does the gospel message. Many never truly repented; some were wolves among the flock. And still more are the true followers of Christ, but all will be in the net and be sorted in the end. Those who don’t truly know Christ “into the furnace of fire.” These are very sobering parables, but they still remind us of the beauty of the Gospel to perform miracles.
“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a dragnet that was cast into the sea and gathered some of every kind, 48 which, when it was full, they drew to shore; and they sat down and gathered the good into vessels, but threw the bad away. 49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come forth, separate the wicked from among the just, 50 and cast them into the furnace of fire. There will be wailing and gnashing of teeth.”