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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
This short but well-known parable is similar to the one that precedes it, the parable of the hidden treasure, and is a continuation of the same teaching.
No doubt, we are supposed to understand the gospel in its revelation of life eternal, but it wouldn't be a wide departure from the scope of this parable to consider Christ himself as the pearl, with which the gospel enriches all believers. Whatever preciousness there is in the gospel, it is entirely derived from Christ, for it is the gospel of Christ. He is the author, the subject, and the glory.
The similitude, Christ likened to a pearl
- Pearls are mysterious
- Pearls are noted for their variety
- Resemblance and dissimilarity
- Numerous pearls but only one Savior
- God has sent many priests, prophets, and evangelists, but only one Redeemer
- Pearls are precious and valuable
How this pearl is obtained
- Diligently searched for
- Christian likened to a merchant seeking precious pearls
- Spiritual pursuit of the soul after Christ
- Everything sacrificed for it possession
- Sold all that he had
- No one can merit the possession of Christ
- Soul itself must be given up to Christ
- Renouncing everything else, we gain the precious pearl
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