Jesus parable of a dragnet being cast into the sea by fishermen in Matthew 13:47-50 alludes to the church, His followers, now “fishers of men” Mark 1:17, casting the gospel net into the sea of humanity, which is the mandate He bequeathed upon us in Mark 16:15. Like in the parable of the tares, and of the mustard seed, we see that both saints and sinners (represented as good and bad) would live together in society, and some of the bad would even sneak their way in among the congregation of the righteous as if to rest in its branches and hinder the harvest. Yes, there are fakes that try to look genuine, and there are even religious demons as Mark 1:23 hints; Then 2 Corinthians 11:14-15 says, “Satan himself transforms himself into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also transform themselves into ministers of righteousness, whose end will be according to their works”, but they will eventually be exposed in His presence! Meanwhile we keep casting the gospel net and allow the word of God and the Holy Spirit to do their work bringing a “catch” into the kingdom of God; “He who believes and is baptized will be saved; but he who does not believe will be condemned” Mark 16:16. While we scrutinize the fruit according to Matthew 7:16, 20, it is not our lot to separate them in judgment; the angels will do that at the end of the age. It is our responsibility as good fishermen to keep casting the gospel net over and over again knowing that those who believe and confirm their belief by baptism will be saved, but those who reject Him and refuse to believe will come into condemnation! Then in verses 51-52 in response to their affirmation of understanding Jesus makes a comparison to one instructed in the Old Testament now able to present it in light of the New bringing forth “things new and old.”
Fishing for men
By Rose Hill
Jesus wants all the world to know,
That He really does love them so.
So cast your net into the sea,
Teach the good news that sets men free.
The devil will surely give a fight,
But spread the news with all your might.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright…1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.