THE NET AND THE SCRIBE

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Matthew 13:47-52

We come now to the last two of the eight parables in Matthew 13. The first of these is: THE PARABLE OF THE NET 47 "Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. 48 When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. 49 This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Whatever else the net means it seems that again Jesus wants to make certain that we understand that there will be a sorting and He will be in charge of that procedure. We don't have to do any sorting whatsoever. In fact, we believe it's clear that you and we cannot do anything with respect to the ultimate results of who are the wicked and who are the righteous.

NOTE the term "wicked" that Jesus seems to use frequently. He isn't speaking of a vile, despicable person, but it seems that "wicked" is used of those who do not hear or welcome the words of Jesus and do not practice them.

The primary issue here for me is that the parable of the net teaches us that there will be an accounting at the end. Also, NOTE that everyone will be caught in the net for the final accounting.

Next, we come to a parable that has been so easily overlooked. I've never even noticed it until recently. It is: THE PARABLE OF THE SCRIBE 51 "Have you understood all these things?" Jesus asked. "Yes," they replied. 52 He said to them, "Therefore every teacher of the law who has been instructed about the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old."

NOTE Jesus is referring to a person who is a teacher of the law-one who knows the law well. Then, this one who is conversant with the law is taught the message of the Kingdom of heaven. A person in this position is like the owner of a house who is able to share with his guests new things (things of the Kingdom) as well as the old things (the Law). In fact, what we're discovering is that walking with Jesus in the Kingdom lifestyle brings something new and fresh every day. Personally, my learning curve isn't a curve anymore; it's perpendicular! It's the most thrilling adventure ever! So, do everything you can do to come along on this journey with Jesus. You won't be disappointed at all.