47 “Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. 48 When it was full, the fishermen pulled it up on the shore. Then they sat down and collected the good fish in baskets, but threw the bad away. 49 This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous 50 and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.51 “Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked. “Yes,” they replied. 52 He said to them, “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old.”REFLECTIONSWritten by Brian MacgeorgeThis passage opens with the parable of the fishing net. It is remarkably like the parable of the weeds and each includes an almost identical powerful explanation of their meaning.  Here is the explanation of the parable of the net: “This is how it will be at the end of the age. The angels will come and separate the wicked from the righteous and throw them into the blazing furnace, where there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth” (v49 & 50).  Look back at verses 41 & 42 to revisit the matching explanation of the parable of the weeds.  Both highlight the judgement that will be faced at the end of the age by the wicked, everything that causes sin and all who do evil.Before continuing, Jesus asks his disciples “Have you understood all these things?” (v51).  They reply “Yes” and Jesus responds with a final uplifting parable teaching that “Therefore every teacher of the law who has become a disciple in the kingdom of heaven is like the owner of a house who brings out of his storeroom new treasures as well as old” (v 52). I am encouraged by the image of a disciple in the kingdom of heaven as being like a man who has in his storeroom sumptuous foods, wines, and spices that he eagerly brings out to share with guests.  I take it that the foods etc. are the gospel of Jesus that gives access to the kingdom of heaven.  That good news is what will save us when with Jesus as our advocate we face the judgement that was emphasised in the parables of the weeds and the net. Pray with me that we will be that disciple of the kingdom of heaven, eagerly sharing the gospel from our storeroom of new and old treasures that is God’s written word.ABOUT THE AUTHORBrian is a member of our Fairfield morning congregations.