Scripture

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a fishing net that was thrown into the water and caught fish of every kind. When the net was full, they dragged it up onto the shore and sorted the good fish into crates, but threw the bad ones away.

Observation

Jesus introduces another parable, this time from fishing. Just as a fishing net catches all kinds of fish and other creatures, that are later sorted, so at the end of the age, the angels will sort the wicked from the righteous. The wicked will be thrown into the fiery furnace.

Jesus then returns to Nazareth where he teaches in the synagogue. At first, they are amazed at His teaching but then they start to scoff. They are deeply offended and refused to believe in Him. Jesus says that a prophet is honoured everywhere, but in his own hometown. He is only able to do a few miracles there because of their unbelief.

Application

Jesus uses a different parable to explain how the judgement happens.

The kingdom of God is like a fishing net that sweeps in all kinds of fish. A sorting takes place after the fishing is finished. In the same way, there will be a judgement as the righteous followers of Jesus are separated from the unrighteous.

It is all a part of God’s grace that unbelievers and hypocrites can be found in church. We should not be surprised when pastors fall into scandalous sin.

The church attracts all kinds of people. Some are seeking the Lord, some are true believers, while others remain committed to their self-centred lifestyle.

Everyone, genuine or not, hears the same gospel week by week. The hypocrites and sinners, still have a chance to repent.

But there will be a judgement. Everyone will be sorted into those who are faithful and those who are not

Prayer

Lord, I thank you for the gift of salvation. Thank you for the knowledge that, in you, I will be raised to eternal life. Amen.