Found? Or Not Sought?

TWENTY-SEVENTH IN MY TEACHING SERIES ON THE PARABLES OF JESUS

The Parable Of The Pearl Of Great Price

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”

Matthew 13:45-46

An Object Of Great Value

This parable, as well as the Parable of The Hidden Treasure recorded by Matthew in the preceding verse, make it clear that the kingdom of heaven is of immeasurable value. Both parables involve a man who sold all he had to possess the object of great value. The treasure and the pearl represent Jesus Christ and the salvation He offers us. Jesus’ point is not that we should pay for salvation by selling all of our worldly goods. No, His emphasis is that once we have found the prize, we are willing to give up everything else to possess it. In Philippians 3:7-9, Paul emphatically tells us that this exchange is comparable to trading an ounce of trash for a ton of diamonds.

The Treasure Is Hidden

In both parables, the treasures are hidden, indicating that spiritual truth is missed by many and cannot be found by intelligence or power or worldly wisdom. Scripture make it clear that the mysteries of the kingdom are hidden from some who are unable to hear, see, and comprehend these truths. The unsaved and the disobedient reap the natural consequences of their unbelief.. Those whose eyes are opened by the Holy Spirit are able to discern spiritual truth, and they, like the men in the parable, understand its great value.

It Has Been Found

The merchant stopped seeking pearls when he found the pearl of great price. Eternal life, the incorruptible inheritance, and the love of God through Jesus Christ constitute the pearl which, once found, makes further searching unnecessary. Jesus fulfills our greatest needs, satisfies our longings, makes us whole and clean before God, calms and fills our hearts, and gives us hope for the future. The “great price,” of course, is that which was paid by Christ for our redemption. He emptied Himself of His glory, came to earth in the form of a lowly man and shed His precious blood on the cross to pay the penalty for our sins.

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