When we apply the rules of right division when studying God's Word, even the most difficult scriptures become very simple to understand by comparing scripture with scripture. The synoptic gospels have many similarities in the timeline and miracles, etc., but there are some parables that are unique to Matthew that are kingdom specific like this last parable of the dragnet.
As we wrapped up this chapter of seven kingdom of heaven (literal, physical millennial kingdom of Messiah King Jesus) parables, Matthew 13 sheds light on the importance of rightly dividing the word of truth. This chapter is a lynch pin chapter of understanding the gospel of the kingdom.
We must understand that the dispensation of grace, the mystery period that occurs post resurrection to the rapture is not mentioned in any doctrinal sense in Matthew. Of course there are always devotional principles that can be applied into the church age, but the doctrine is purely focused on the time and events surrounding the 2nd Advent.
This chapter in particular has an event that involves a harvest cycle called the tares and the wheat. It goes from sowing all through the growing cycle till the harvest (Matthew 13:24-30, 36-43). The harvest is clearly at the end of the tribulation when the angels remove the tares from the wheat. The tares are the children of the wicked one / Satan, and the wheat represents the children of the kingdom.
The last parable of Matthew 13 is the parable of the dragnet (Matthew 13:47-52). This parable represents the same two groups of people as the tares and wheat. The fishermen separate the bad fish from the good fish. The fate of the bad fish is the same as the tares. These people are cast into everlasting punishment. The good fish and the wheat represent those who endure to the end and are saved. They receive the kingdom and enter into it. We, who are part of the dispensation of grace are snatched out of this world which starts the divine clock ticking again moving the world to the reckoning awaiting them at the glorious return of Messiah King Jesus.
Isaiah 6:3:1-4: Who is this that cometh from Edom, with dyed garments from Bozrah? this that is glorious in his apparel, travelling in the greatness of his strength? I that speak in righteousness, mighty to save. Wherefore art thou red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat? I have trodden the winepress alone; and of the people there was none with me: for I will tread them in mine anger, and trample them in my fury; and their blood shall be sprinkled upon my garments, and I will stain all my raiment. For the day of vengeance is in mine heart, and the year of my redeemed is come.
Revelation 19:11-16: 11. And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war. 12. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself. 13. And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God. 14. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 15. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God. 16. And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
Being able to apply the simple rules of Bible study, rightly dividing truth from truth absolutely liberates the honest Bible student to come to the knowledge of the truth.
2 Timothy 2:15: Study to shew thyself approved unto God, a workman that needeth not to be ashamed, rightly dividing the word of truth.
