The Net: Caught or Called?

**Text**: Matthew 13:47-50

Matthew 13:47–50 KJV 1900

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: Which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, And shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth.

- **Main Idea**: The Parable of the Net challenges us to consider the reality of God’s final judgment and the invitation to be part of His Kingdom now. The time is now to respond to God’s invitation into His Kingdom by faith in His Son.

imagine casting a huge net. You’d pull in all kinds of fish—Tilapia, Sardines, Catfish, Barbels, Salmon, Trout, Bass, big ones, small ones, some you didn’t expect. Jesus said the Kingdom of Heaven is like a net cast wide, gathering all kinds of people. But here’s the thing: not everyone caught in the net will stay. One day, there will be a separation, and the question is—will you be called into the Kingdom or left out?”*

- **Key Movements**:

Gathering

: The Kingdom is like a net bringing in all kinds of people.

When Jesus casts His net for the Kingdom of Heaven, He transcends earthly boundaries and biases, inviting people from all walks of life to follow Him. His focus is not on nationality, background, or political preference; instead, it’s on the heart and the willingness to embrace His message and transformation. Jesus’s invitation to the Kingdom is radically inclusive. This inclusivity challenges us, as His followers, to view others with His perspective of love and grace rather than through our own societal lenses.

In the New Testament, we see Jesus breaking down the walls that separate people groups. He dines with tax collectors, speaks with Samaritans, and ministers to Romans—people who, by societal standards, were often despised or considered outsiders. The Good Samaritan parable further highlights His point: what matters is not one’s ethnicity or social standing but one’s actions and alignment with the values of God’s Kingdom.

This vision of the Kingdom challenges followers of Jesus to embrace others, regardless of cultural, political, or economic differences, and to become a unified body that reflects God’s inclusive love. In doing so, we become co-laborers in His Kingdom work, demonstrating that His message of salvation and love is for all, without partiality or prejudice.

Romans 2:11 KJV 1900

For there is no respect of persons with God.

2 Peter 3:9 KJV 1900

The Lord is not slack concerning his promise, as some men count slackness; but is longsuffering to us-ward, not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance.

Big Question: “Are you willing to receive the message of the Kingdom by faith, and are you willing to share the message of the Kingdom on a broad spectrum?”

Because there is coming a…..

Separation

There will come a time when God separates the righteous from the wicked.

Evil: An unprofitable individual, someone that will not bear any eternal glory for God.

Matthew 12:35 KJV 1900

A good man out of the good treasure of the heart bringeth forth good things: and an evil man out of the evil treasure bringeth forth evil things.

The path from evil to righteous:

Talk about how people try to become a better person and then reveal how God deems a person righteous.

Romans 5:10 KJV 1900

For if, when we were enemies, we were reconciled to God by the death of his Son, much more, being reconciled, we shall be saved by his life.

The word translated righteous is the word dikaios: righteous; just

Galatians 3:24 KJV 1900

Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith.

There will be a final judgment, where every soul will stand before God. This is not a moment for hesitation, a moment to persuade someone to focus on a temporary election; this is a call to action! Embrace the grace that is being offered to you today, elect the eternal King to preside in you - step out of the darkness and into His marvelous light. This is your chance to be transformed, to experience the fullness of life that God has promised. Your response matters now more than ever!

Big Question: “Have you allowed the reality of our inability to drive us to faith in Jesus?” If we have then there is a greater understanding of the …

Urgency

We have a mission to help others be ready for this day.

The reference to Hell is quite distinct. Just as Jesus refers to the Kingdom of heaven being like a farmer sowing seed, like a treasure hid in a field, like a mustard seed, He states that the result of being a citizen of any kingdom but God’s is Hell.

Hebrews 3:13 KJV 1900

But exhort one another daily, while it is called To day; lest any of you be hardened through the deceitfulness of sin.

- **Application**: Motivate the church to live with eternal urgency, sharing the message of Christ with others.

“Church, let us awaken to the urgency of our mission, for every day is a fleeting opportunity to share the transformative message of Christ with those yearning for hope and redemption. Together, we must boldly reflect His love and live with the knowledge that every soul matters to God, making every moment count in our mission to impact lives for eternity!”

- **Illustration**: Use fishing metaphors to make the concept relatable (e.g., casting a net of influence over those in our community). We can either cast a line, or a net. One person casting one line per day, or the whole church body casting a large net.

door to door, or active involvement in our community.

- **Big Question**: Are you caught in the net of Christ or are you still swimming away?

Closing: As we leave this building, may we walk with our hearts fixed upon Jesus, knowing we’re part of a net cast wide by Him, a net that gathers people from every path and background. Remember that in His Kingdom, we’re invited not just to be caught but to be called—to live as His, fully and urgently. May we live with the truth that one day, God will separate those who are truly His from those who aren’t. Let that truth drive us toward faith, so that our lives reflect the love, grace, and urgency of His call.

This week, let’s cast wide nets of our own, connecting with others and sharing the hope of Christ. Let’s be a people who see beyond labels, reaching out with the same love that welcomed us. Go now, in the peace and purpose of Jesus, who calls us not just to be caught, but to belong fully to His Kingdom. Amen.