Once again we see how fully the Lord was meeting the disciples' need, by showing

them the way in which God's purpose concerning Israel was to run its course, and how

the very trials and hindrances would be made to contribute to the glorious end in view.

In the preceding parable we had the remnant of Israel likened to that which is the most

valuable treasure of the sea ­ the pearl. We are now to consider two kinds of fish which

are gathered from the sea, and to note their meaning. We have pointed out the fact that

structurally and in subject the two parables of the Tares and the Net are very similar. The

tares indicate the hypocrites, the counterfeit, that which was sown by the Devil in

imitation of the true wheat. We observed that this parable had a particular and primary

application to Israel and the state of the kingdom.

The net draws to shore fish both "good" and "bad." So far we see the parallel: the

wheat and the tares being two kinds of grain, one good and one bad; the fish being of two

kinds, the one good and the other bad. But here comes a noteworthy difference, for

whereas it is evident that the tares were intended to counterfeit the wheat, there is not the

slightest warrant for supposing that the "bad" fish counterfeited the "good." Further, the

wheat and the tares deal with two kinds of seed, whereas the net "gathered of every kind."

Another point to be remembered is the different order given with regard to the separation

of the two kinds. Let us carefully consider the interpretation given by our Lord of these

two related parables, noticing their points of contact and divergence.