The Parable of the Dragnet

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).