THE PARABLE OF THE DRAGNET [Mt. 13:47-50]
With this article we conclude our series on the septuplet of sea-side stories Jesus told by Galilee on the nature of heaven's kingdom. We have learned how the kingdom grows, despite having small beginnings. We have understood that the realm of God must exist and even flourish amidst an evil and wicked world. Finally, the 7th parable tells us that God will see to it that His kingdom will be "pure at last."
It is altogether fitting that this topic would be the final one the Lord expounded upon in talking about His kingdom. It shouldn't take much effort to see that He is discussing final judgment. Yes, the Lord beckons all to come to his kingdom (1 Tim. 4:2; 2 Pet. 3:9). But, He also knows that not every sinner sanctified will remain that way. Some will fall away (Mt. 13:5-7). Some will come to this kingdom and never really have any intention of changing the way they live. All they will ever do while in His kingdom is wreck havoc among saints and use any situation to enlarge themselves at the expense of their brethren. What we need to see is the comforting side of this parable for this very reason.
A "dragnet" was a very large fishing net used by commercial fishermen; clearly, a familiar sight on Galilee. It was weighted on the bottom and floated on the top. Boats would troll these nets behind them, catching any and everything in its path. Obviously, not everything caught was "keepable." What could be kept was, and that which was unusable would have to be thrown away.
This speaks of final judgment when the good is separated from the bad (v. 49). It is not for redemptive purposes, but for a final purging of those who will not walk worthy of their calling (Eph. 4:1). Despite unfaithful disciples, local churches must do all they can to maintain purity & doctrinal fidelity. Despite our best efforts, we are not omniscient. Some will succeed in hiding sin from us (1 Tim. 5:24). Those who are nothing more than pretenders may feel like they're "getting away with" their charades, but the net will catch us all (1 Cor. 4:5). Then, and only then, will this kingdom of which He spoke on Galilee's shore be "pure at last."
