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The Parables of Matthew 13 (Part Eight): The Parable of the Dragnet

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

In the Parable of the Dragnet, as presented in Matthew 13:47, Jesus Christ teaches His disciples about the separation of the good and evil within the professing church at the end of the age. This parable illustrates that God's net, drawn by His servants, captures a diverse array of individuals from the world, without regard to age, sex, race, ethnicity, class, wealth, intelligence, language, or beauty. The sea in this parable symbolizes the realm of the earth, representing peoples, multitudes, nations, and tongues, from which the church is called out. The process of judgment is a central focus of this parable, as described in Matthew 13:48-50. Once the net is drawn to shore, the good fish are kept, while the bad fish are thrown into the fire, signifying a time of rejoicing for the good in a bright, eternal future, and a time of mourning for the evil before eternal oblivion. Jesus Christ, as the righteous Judge, evaluates each individual based on His holy standard of righteousness, determining whether they are good, useable fish or substandard ones fit only for the fire. God's calling through the dragnet is impartial, gathering a cross section of the world into His church. However, His judgment is absolutely fair, showing partiality to those who love Him, obey Him, serve others, grow, and produce spiritual fruit. The church's current role is not to judge but to declare, warning sinners of the consequences of sin and the coming judgment, while also proclaiming Christ's return and the establishment of God's benevolent government on earth.

Parables of Matthew 13 (Part One): Introduction

Bible Study by Martin G. Collins

The Parable of the Dragnet, as presented in Matthew 13, teaches that the good and evil who intermingle on earth will be completely separated in the judgment. This parable, paired with the Householder, illustrates a key aspect of the church's journey, focusing on the ultimate distinction between the righteous and the wicked as part of the broader narrative of Christ's work through His church. It contributes to the prophetic summary of the historical development of God's church, highlighting the inevitable separation that awaits at the end of this age.

God's Kingdom in the Parables (Part Four): The Pearl, the Dragnet, and the Householder

'Prophecy Watch' by David C. Grabbe

Jesus' parables of the Pearl of Great Price, the Dragnet, and the Householder resolve the problems raised in their corresponding earlier parables.

Parables of Matthew 13 (Part 3): Hidden Treasure

Sermon by Richard T. Ritenbaugh

The church constitutes Christ's treasure, hidden in the world, purchased and redeemed with Christ's blood. The Pearl of Great Price depicts a rich merchant (Christ), the only one who had the means to redeem His church. The Dragnet symbolizes the scope of God's calling while the separation process indicates God's high standards of selection, indicating a time of righteous and impartial judgment. The Householder parable shows the responsibility of the ministry to be authoritative interpreters of scripture, using what they have learned and experienced to instruct the people.

Matthew (Part Nineteen)

Sermon/Bible Study by John W. Ritenbaugh

The parable of the Dragnet describes the culling process God uses to separate the truly committed from every walk of life from those mildly interested.