Matthew 13:47-50
Find a place and time free of distractions for the next 7-10 minutes. Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a few seconds before you begin. As you breathe in, say the name of Jesus and become aware of his presence with you. As you breathe out, open your mind and heart to receive whatever Jesus has for you today.
Read the Parable of the Fishing Net in Matthew 13:47-50 stopping after each sentence to let the meaning sink in.
If we focus on the last part of this parable we can come away with the idea that the Kingdom of God is exclusive, but if we shift our focus to the opening images we get a whole new perspective. Notice that the net is cast indiscriminately and every kind of creature is swept into its expanse.
“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a fishing net that was thrown into the water and caught fish of every kind. When the net was full…”
Take a moment to contemplate these images. What might this say about God’s desire for all people?
How closely do your thoughts and desires for all kinds of people mirror God’s?
Read Matthew 13:47-50 again remembering that “gnashing of teeth” can indicate rage.
If we were to peek ahead, we’d see that the characters in the next parable are the teachers of religious law. It’s important to remember that the ones who most willingly and eagerly turned to Jesus and accepted his teaching were people on the fringes of society. People with overtly immoral behavior found in Jesus the hope and forgiveness they so desperately needed, and their lives were transformed. But many of the most religious people of Jesus’ day vehemently rejected him and his teaching and continued in their unbelief even after Jesus’ death and resurrection.
We all have an open invitation to the Kingdom of God, but we all have the choice to either welcome Jesus’ restorative work in us or continually reject his mercy and grace while holding tight to our own ideas about God.
For the last minutes of this meditation, think about what you have come to understand about Jesus through the Gospels. Share your thoughts with him as they come to mind.
Now compare these characteristics of Jesus with your ideas about God.
Finally, get still and quiet and let these thoughts settle. Just listen in silence for a moment.
What might Jesus be inviting you to reconsider or do as a result of this parable?
How do you plan to follow through on that?
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