Faithful on Fridays Blog

Jesus was on a roll in His teachings telling more than ten parables to His listeners by the sea, but when He wanted to drive home a point He took them ‘in the house’. Private interpretations were vital because the disciples would be spreading the gospel after His departure and He wanted accuracy regarding The Plan. This is the second parable (Wheat/Weeds came first) that included the ‘end times’ and His explanation of how it will unfold.

The lower story goes like this; fishermen cast their net in the sea gathering a variety of fish and when it was full they went to shore sorting the good ones from the bad ones. Simple enough, but what does that have to do with the end times? First of all, this net was probably about 300 ft. long and 6 ft. wide with corks holding it up and weights holding it down. It connected two boats who indiscriminately trolled for fish not caring about good or bad ones at this point. This story would’ve been familiar to the disciples since some of them were already commercial fishermen. 

These ‘fishers of men’, as Jesus called them, listened intently shaking their heads in understanding, however, Jesus slightly changed the story; He wanted to explain, again, how the end times will progress. This was a key to the gospel that needed to be understood in order for our passion for salvation to stay kindled.

Now, let’s look at the upper story. This net (the gospel) is cast into the sea (the world) by followers of Christ who share their stories of faith and God’s love. We gather the fish (people) indiscrimately, unconcerned about ethnic background, when we’re given opportunities. It’s God’s job to decide who are the good (righteous) and bad (rebellious); we simply cast a wide net. 

In His explanation Jesus changed the fishermen to angels; why would He do that? Undoubtedly because as the end times progress our assignment will be completed: the net will be full. This fullness of time is only known by the Father when Judgment Day will arrive. The Greek word for judgment means to divide, therefore, He sends the angels to divide and separate believers from unbelievers; they have different destinies. Jesus’ solemn words should make us shudder as He described Hades (hell), the fiery furnace, and the intense suffering that awaits those required to pay for their own sins. Rejection of Christ’s blood freely given for them determines that destiny. 

After telling this story Jesus asked His disciples if they understood it and they answered, “Yes.” I respond, “Really?” Do we really understand that God’s Plan is a reality? Mark 13:27 tells us His angels will gather His elect from the ends of heaven and earth during this final Feast of Ingathering, the only feast Jesus hasn’t fulfilled. When God gives you opportunity, cast a wide net, even the internet, and share your story! You never know if you’ll catch a fish.