The dragnet.
The import of this parable is similar to that of the tares, though perhaps of wider application. The theatre of the earlier parable is the land, which in prophecy designates the Hebrew people, while the sea, in the latter, points to the Gentile nations (cf. Isaiah 5:30; Daniel 7:2, Daniel 7:3; Revelation 13:1; Revelation 17:1, Revelation 17:15). The kingdom of heaven was first offered to the Jews, and when they rejected it, it was then carried to the Gentiles (cf. Matthew 21:43; Acts 13:46, Acts 13:47). Note—
I. THE DISCIPLES OF JESUS ARE FISHERS OF MEN.
1. To this service they are called.
2. For this service they were equipped.
II. THE MEN THEY GATHER ARE "OF EVERY KIND."
1. The good are enclosed in the Church.
2. The bad also are included.
3. The visible Church is therefore imperfect.
III. THE GOOD AND THE WICKED ARE DESTINED TO A FINAL SEPARATION.
1. The wicked will be separated to destruction.
2. The good will be separated to salvation.
The Householder.
This is the last of a connected series of parables. It was intended to emphasize and fix upon the minds of the disciples the lessons of those already spoken. It has also precious lessons of its own.
I. CHRIST IS THE HOUSEHOLDER.
1. He is the Head of a spiritual family.
2. He has an ample treasure for their maintenance.
II. HE BRINGETH FORTH OUT OF HIS TREASURE THINGS NEW AND OLD.
1. He discovers a monarchy, in humility.
2. He proclaims a spiritual kingdom.
3. In his gospel he fulfils the Law.
(3) It was new that henceforth the ablutions of Leviticus should be seen in the gift of the Holy Ghost.
III. HE ENCOURAGES THE SONS OF HIS HOUSEHOLD.
1. He instructs them in his wisdom.
(a) The doctrines of his gospel.
(b) The evidences of his religion.
(c) The practical ends for which it is instituted.
Without Divine illumination no man can attain to this knowledge.
(a) That it is the will of Christ that those who read and hear his Word should understand it. This is an encouragement to study.
(b) That Divine truths must not be lightly passed over.
(c) That he is ready to explain to his disciples what may be obscure. This is an encouragement to prayer.
2. He commends their proficiency.
(a) He must have a "treasure."
(b) From it he must" bring forth."
He must not bury his talents. A good pastor must not, like a miser, hoard his knowledge. He must not, like a merchant, make gain of it.