The Parable of the Dragnet (Mt 13:47-50)
Exposition:
Dragnet is two-part fishing: catch all now, sort individually later. This is what kingdom of heaven is like.
Comparison w/parable of tares
- In both, present mixture & future separation are taught; explains how & when their expectations are to be fulfilled (e.g. Mt 3:11-12, Mal 4:1-3).
- Both have almost identical interpretation (cf. Mt 13:41-42, 13:49-50). But different emphases.
- This parable emphasizes (1) fate of wicked, (2) coming judgment (rather than present mixture).
Doctrine / Interpretation
1. Present Mixture, v.47
We long for day when kingdom will be purified; until then we groan inwardly (Ps 120:5-6, Mt 10:36, Mic 7:6). But separation must be in future, not present; by angels, not men.
2. Dreadful Misery to Wicked in Future Separation, v.48-50
Jesus: supreme preacher of miseries of hell.
Wailing needs no explanation. 'Gnashing of teeth' is an expression of anger, contempt, & hatred (e.g. Job 16:9, Lam 2:16, Acts 7:54).
Wicked haters of God will hate God supremely forever in hell: eternal punishment for their eternal sin (Mt 25:41, Rev 14:10, Lk 19:27).
Application
(a) To disciples: you must speak of dreadful judgment to come (v. 51)
Not told primarily to warn you, but for you to warn others (2Cor 5:11).
(b) To wicked: you must avoid dreadful judgment to come
'Oh, if one soul from Anwoth meet me at God's right hand, my heaven will be two heavens' (S. Rutherford). |
