Parable of the Dragnet

December 2, 2012

Matthew 13:47-50

The parables in Matthew 13 concerning the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven deal with that period of time between Israel’s rejection of Christ, their King and His second coming as King of Kings. It is a time period that has “been keep secret from the foundation of the world” (Mt. 13:35). That is why the parables are called “mysteries.”

1) Two parables concern the “growth and development” of the kingdom.

The parable of the mustard seed (vs. 31-32). Depicts abnormal •expansion of the Kingdom
The parable of leaven (v. 33). Depicts increasing corruption within the Kingdom.

2) Two parables concern value and cost of the kingdom.

The parable of the hidden treasure (v. 44).
The parable of the pearl of great price (vs. 45-46).

3) Two parables depict the coexistence of good and bad in the kingdom and the final separation of good and bad in judgment.

The parable of the wheat and the tares (vs. 24-30). This parable dealt with “farming.
The parable of the dragnet (vs. 47-50). This parable dealt with “fishing.” At least four of Jesus’ disciples were professional fishermen. They understood exactly what this parable was teaching.

In the late ‘50‘s there was a police drama on TV called Dragnet. It starred Jack Webb as Sergeant Joe Friday and his partner, Bill Gannon, played by Harry Morgan. Dragnet had an ominous music theme— Dum- de-dum-dum. Dum-de-dum-dum-dum. The show always opened with this introduction: “Ladies and gentlemen, the story you’re about to hear is true. Only the names have been changed to protect the innocent.”

Today, we’re going to study a parable about “God’s Dragnet.” Ladies and gentlemen, the story you’re about to hear is true. The names have not been changed. We’re going to examine the facts as they were spoken by Jesus. Here’s His story. [Read text— Matthew 13:47-53]

I. The FISHING with the net.

The PROCESS:
1. The Net—A “dragnet” was a large fishing net with wooden floats on the top edge and weights on the bottom edge for “dragging” a lake bottom. The net would enclose whatever happened be within it’s path.