Matthew 13: 47 - 52

Pastor Brian McGuffin

February 9, 2025

Introduction

How was your walk with Jesus this week? Have you experienced any highs or lows?

Were you able to be comforted by God throughout the week? Give some examples.

Scripture

Matthew 13: 47 - 52  ESV

The Parable of the Net

47 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was thrown into the sea and gathered fish of every kind. 48 When it was full, men drew it ashore and sat down and sorted the good into containers but threw away the bad. 49 So it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come out and separate the evil from the righteous 50 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

New and Old Treasures

51 “Have you understood all these things?” They said to him, “Yes.” 52 And he said to them, “Therefore every scribe who has been trained for the kingdom of heaven is like a master of a house, who brings out of his treasure what is new and what is old.”

Discussion Questions

The word "binary" was used by Pastor Brian in his sermon. In case you don't completely understand what it means, here are some synonyms (other similar words) from WordReference.com English Thesaurus.

~binary synonyms: double, twofold, paired, dualistic, duplicate, twin, twice, two times

 Some examples are hot/cold; wet/dry; male/female; good/evil

1. a) The parable talks about "good and bad" fish - fish that the fishermen separated when they got them all to shore. What do these verses compare the good and bad fish to?

    b) What is a "righteous" person? (We might call them a Christian.) Explain as completely as you can. Maybe you could find verses that define what a Christian is.

2. a) What are some of the differences in Christian life/behaviour versus socially accepted behaviour?

    b) In what ways has your Christian life/behaviour versus socially accepted behaviour been challenge for you when you were an:

                        -adult

                        -got married

                        -raised a family

                        -became a Christian

3. a) What are some of the ways that Christians should behave if we follow Jesus' example?

    b) How do we become more aware that we are moving away from Jesus to cultural norms?

4. Verse 50 describes a horrific end to those who have rejected Jesus. The Bible often uses fire to describe life without God. That may be a literary example of life without God; it     might  not actually be a fire. However, life without God can never be good in any way.   Just think of all the evil behaviour we see in this world. How could you ever want to live in a way where that is the only behaviour?

     a) How often do you talk about your faith in Jesus to people?

     b) What keeps you from sharing your faith?

     c) What are some ways you could share your faith without antagonizing people? Think  about  as many ways as possible. Think about sharing your faith with family, friends,  your community.