[Jesus speaking]
Once again, the kingdom of heaven is like a net that was let down into the lake and caught all kinds of fish. 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. 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.
“Have you understood all these things?” Jesus asked. “Yes,” they replied.
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.”

--Parallel verses:
‭‭II Corinthians‬ ‭2‬:‭15‬-‭17‬
For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God.

Some would like us to believe that truth is relative, actions do not have lasting consequences, and a belief system is really whatever you want it to be.

The truth, however, is modeled in a person, Jesus Christ. God is the source of truth, and it is as absolute and stable as God is.

Actions do have consequences. People actually do commit all kinds of evil acts, some in hiding, like with those caught up in the Epstein files, and some in the open. While it may seem like people get away with evil actions, in the end, there is a judgment day. God will judge between those who repented of their sins and followed him and those who did not.

Our actions, our self-made good works, are as filthy rags to God. He is perfect. Even when we try to do his will, our selfish motives are mixed in.

Unconditional love, love for our enemies, and sacrifice without any desire for a return payment or acknowledgement — these are all things that can only be achieved by sinful man through grace. That grace is given through Jesus Christ and his sacrifice and the love he showed by dying for us.

So here we see that Jesus is pointing out that God will judge those who, in their pride, refuse his free gift of salvation and continue living as lords of their lives.

We also see an interesting application presented about the teachers of the law. It says that those who become disciples will be bringing forth treasures both old and new.

The teachers of the law and the Pharisees persecuted Jesus and his disciples during his ministry. Here, Jesus recognizes that, individually, they can be saved even though they persecute the church. This would end up being a foreshadowing in reference to the conversion of Saul and possibly others who decided to follow Jesus.

There is no one whose sin is so great that they are outside the reach of God’s Grace! His grace is that great!

Lord, thank you for this passage that calls out the truth that there will be a day of judgement and that even our perceived enemies can be forgiven and washed by your blood, if they choose to follow you. I am your humble servant, a sinner, saved by grace.