The Parables of Jesus

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price

Matthew 13:45-46 ^{Amplified Bible}

 

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, and upon finding a single pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it.”

                  This parable is considered a twin to the one right above it in v. 44. The difference is that in this parable we find a wealthy merchant who dealt in the buying and selling of pearls. This is contrasted with the man who happen to find hidden treasure in a field. The former was seeking pearls of great value, the latter just happened to come across his find. The similarity is found in that they both realized the great value of what they had found.

                  So the ultimate connection between the two brief parables is the supreme worth of the kingdom of God. I don’t believe scripture is telling us to sell off all our possessions as well as anything that has great value to acquire God’s kingdom. I feel that it is saying to us that seeking the kingdom of God should be of preeminent importance, for without God and his kingdom we are quite literally nothing. We will live and die, the end, never making any lasting impact on society as a whole.  Without God you may accomplish things that aid your community or the public at large but being outside the kingdom will cause you to weep and moan as those in Noah’s day when the door of the ark was closed, for only then will you realize what you missed that was in plain sight and within your grasp.

                  Those who haven’t found the peace and joy of divine forgiveness and a second chance to alter their lifestyle with a clean slate, are missing the opportunity of a lifetime. We don’t need to purchase the kingdom as the merchant purchased the pearl, we need only accept it as the most excellent alternative to the life we had led without the Lord in our life. Without redemption we are bound by our own sin debt and will be required to pay the price for going our own way. To those who do not know Christ in a personal and intimate way, seek the kingdom while it may be found for there will come a day when the final trump will sound and time shall be no more. Trust in God and live for him. Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In his name & for his glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resources: Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): New Testament; NIV Biblical Theology Study Bible, Copyright © 2019 by Zondervan.