519. MAT 13:47, MAT 13:50. THE PARABLE OF THE NET

Mat_13:47, Mat_13:50. The Parable of The Net

"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away," &c.’97Mat_13:47, Mat_13:50.

The Redeemer’s parables were calculated to interest all classes of persons. The laborer, the sower, the shepherd, and the fisherman, all had divine truth brought down to their capacity, and illustrated by the peculiarities of their several employments. In this parable the Saviour represents the kingdom of heaven as like unto the net which being cast into the sea, incloses within it all kinds of fish, and which when full and brought to shore, the good are separated from the bad. So, says the Great Teacher, shall it be at the end of the world. The angels shall come forth and sever the wicked from among the just, &c., Mat_13:49, Mat_13:50. Observe,

I. The state in which men are by nature. In the world, represented in the parable by the sea. The world as distinguished from the Church, like the sea is an element of restlessness and peril. A state of imminent danger to the best interests of the soul. In this state all unconverted men are found. Hence as the sea abounds with fishes of every kind, so the world with sinners of all descriptions. Here are all the various grades of moral evil,’97from the self-righteous moralist to the vilest profligate, or daring blasphemer.

II. Observe the only means of extricating men is by the gospel. This is the net of the parable. Just as the net is adapted to inclose the fish in the sea, so is the gospel to save sinners.

1. It comes down to their circumstances of moral wretchedness. It recognizes them as fallen and perishing, and it contemplates their deliverance. It announces their ruin, and proclaims their help. It asserts their disease, and offers the healing balm.

2. It is adapted to the circumstances of all sinners. Like a large drag-net, it comprehends in its designs the rescue of all men. It embraces the wide world. It is addressed to every creature. It speaks to man as man, and reveals a Saviour to every perishing sinner. Hence the commission given by Christ to the disciples. Mar_16:15.

3. The gospel exclusively is adapted to save sinners. It is God’s expedient, and replete with his unerring wisdom. It is the power of God to salvation to every one that believeth. Faith cometh by hearing it, and salvation through faith. We know of no other means of men obtaining justification, holiness, and eternal life.

III. The gospel must be connected with active instrumentality. Thus the net must be employed. It must be cast into the sea. So the gospel must be preached. How can men hear without a preacher? Observe,

1. God has appointed the Christian ministry for this end. He called, qualified, and sent forth the apostles and evangelists to cast this net into the sea. To preach the gospel. He does so still. He raises up holy, benevolent, and zealous ministers to give themselves earnestly and devotedly to fishing for souls. Jesus says now, as in the days of his flesh, "Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men." Observe,

2. That preaching the gospel is an arduous, laborious work. Few occupations involve more toil and fatigue, and self-denial, than that of the fisherman. Such also is the laborious calling of the Christian minister. He must be wholly given to it in heart, and holy desire for the good of souls. Instant in season and out of season. He must sacrifice the love of ease, and the honors and rewards of the world, and bear the cross of his Divine Master. He must tread in the self-denying steps of his blessed Lord. He must not shun to declare the whole Counsel of God. He must bear the truth to men under all circumstances and at all hazards. The early preachers of the cross, as well as modern missionaries, hazarded their lives for Christ and his cause. Observe,

IV. That the gospel cannot possibly be preached in vain. "The net cast into the sea gathered of every kind," Mat_13:47. Hence the intentions of the fisherman were answered. He did not employ his net in vain. So God has engaged that his word shall not return unto Him void. Isa_55:10, Isa_55:11. The success of the gospel has been varied. Sometimes multitudes of men have been converted, as on the day of Pentecost. During the ministry or Wesley and Whitfield, and others. But in all ages and countries, where the cross has been lifted up, sinners have been drawn out of the world to Christ. It is so now, both in our own and in heathen lands. It shall be very successfully so, introductory to the millennial reign of the Saviour. See Isa_60:7-8, &c. Notice,

V. That all brought into Christ’s visible Church are not converted persons. The net inclosed "of every kind." Not only will the gospel save men of all ranks and ages, and conditions, but it will bring many into the outward kingdom of Christ, who are not regenerated, spiritual persons. Good and bad.

(1.) Many hypocrites, as Judas, Ananias, and Sapphira, &c.

(2.) Many formalists, having only a name to live, &c.

(3.) Many inconsistent. Who run well for a season, but who are hindered, &c. Who make shipwreck, &c.

VI. That in the day of judgment there will be a complete separation of the righteous and the wicked. See Mat_13:48, Mat_13:49.

(1.) The period certified is when the net is full and brought to shore. When the gospel dispensation is consummated. The end of the world.

(2.) The agency is that of angels, the ministers of the divine judgments. See parable of the wheat and tares, Mat_13:39.

(3.) The scrutiny will be exact. All the good will be gathered out. Every sincere believer will be recognized and exalted. Every hypocrite and unconverted person will be detected. Escape will be impossible.

(4.) The decision to the ungodly will be awful and final. "Cast away." "Cast into the furnace of fire," &c. Mat_13:30. Without hope,’97the subjects of weeping and wailing, and gnashing of teeth.

(5.) The salvation of the righteous will be certain. "Happy the people in such a case." &c.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS