This chapter contains several parables and the account of Jesus being mocked in His hometown.
” ‘Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.’ ” (v47-50)
Most of the parables in this chapter have the theme that not all people will accept Jesus and His Kingdom. Though that truth is disheartening, we can find great hope and expectation when looking at the glass as half full – some people will hear, accept Jesus as Lord, be saved, and join us in eternity.
Jesus, knowing that many who heard His words would not understand (see v10-17), still kept speaking to the people. Why did He keep teaching knowing that many would not listen? Because He also knew that some would listen, learn, and be the fertile soil in which the Word would take root.
We don’t have the luxury of knowing which people will accept Jesus. That being said, this is the whole reason we are called to spread the gospel message to the entire world (the means everybody) – even though many won’t accept Jesus, some will accept Him, and they still need to hear the good news.
I encourage us to speak boldly and openly of our faith. We don’t all have the gift of teaching from the Word, however, we can all testify about our personal relationship with Jesus. People can argue the authenticity of scripture, though one thing people can’t easily argue is our experience. For example, you could tell someone “I used to feel unloved until I met Jesus” or “my church community makes me feel included and valued”. Our testimony is paramount in spreading the good news. Unless God calls us to do so, we don’t have to speak to crowds of thousands – let’s start with one or two people who already trust us (friends, family, coworkers, etc) and take it from there.
Father God, our Sovereign and Compassionate Lord, You are magnificent and mighty beyond understanding. We thank You for the gift of experiences – some may be ‘bad’ ones, but even those testify to Your grace, mercy, and steadfastness in our lives. May we speak freely to those around us, sharing our testimony to any who would listen with the expectation that You will soften their heart. We thank You for the opportunities You provide, and for the words given by Your Spirit when we need them. We praise, glorify and honor Your holy name, forever and ever, amen.
~ Conqueror in Training