And when it was filled, they pulled it up onto the shore and sat down, gathered the good into containers, but threw the worthless out.
In this parable Jesus presents the kingdom of God as a dragnet, an image that shows how He works in the world. The net, cast into the sea, gathers fish of every kind; in the same way, the message of the gospel spreads to all people, regardless of their past, character, or inner motives. But when the net is full, it is pulled up onto the shore and a separation takes place; this symbolizes the end of the world, when on the day of God’s judgment there will be a final reckoning. At that time, those who truly belong to God (the good fish) will be received and kept for His kingdom. But those who were believers only outwardly, yet were far away in heart, or those who, though hearing, did not believe (the worthless fish), will be thrown out. The parable reminds us that up to now God’s invitation is open before everyone, but in the end there will be a separation. It will not be outward affiliation that proves decisive, but the true substance within a person.