The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price – Part 2
by W. Chaz Glass
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, 46 who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went, and sold all that he had and bought it. (Matthew 13:45-46)
We are all seeking knowledge; the origins of the universe, the creation of man, the meaning of life, why are we here, what is consciousness, what happens when we die? The answers to these and other age-old questions will be contemplated for generations. Searching for answers to these mysteries is like discovering a “pearl of wisdom.” However, there is a pearl that surpasses all other pearls. When we search and find it, all other pearls fall to the ground. There are natural pearls and imitation pearls. To find the pearls of great price is to discover that all others are imitations.
The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price is one of the seven parables that Jesus told in Matthew 13, referred to as the “Parables of the Kingdom.” The pearl is the answer to the universal quest for purpose and fulfillment in life. The pearl is interpreted as the Kingdom of Heaven or the knowledge of God’s truth and salvation through Jesus Christ. Jesus Himself is the pearl the disciples left everything for, and His wisdom drew Nicodemus by night. A relationship with Jesus and the wisdom it brings is a pearl of immeasurable worth and significance. It surpasses all earthly treasures. In the pursuit of spiritual truth, all other pursuits should pale in comparison to seeking God’s Kingdom. All other forms of “enlightenment” are imitation pearls, incapable of answering life’s questions and reconciling hearts to the Creator. The merchant found the great pearl among many pearls, but the Kingdom of God has a lesser shine than other pearls, which is why so many scoff at those who treasure it.
The merchant’s actions of selling all he had to purchase the pearl highlight the radical commitment required to obtain the Kingdom of Heaven. This resonates with Jesus’ call to discipleship, where believers are called to deny themselves, take up their crosses, and follow Him (Matthew 16:24). The parable challenges believers to count the cost of following Christ. Just as the merchant sold everything to obtain the pearl, discipleship demands violent commitment and self-sacrifice. The kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force (Matthew 11:12). The enemy whispers the pearl is worthless and will showcase his pearls, which appear more lustrous. Daily we must reject these pearls in all their forms and hold on to the true pearl until the end.
Jesus emphasizes that knowing God and experiencing His redemptive plan is of utmost importance and worth more than anything this world can offer. Earthly treasures and accomplishments pale in comparison to the eternal significance of the Kingdom. Jesus challenges individuals to reassess their priorities, recognizing the temporal nature of worldly pursuits in contrast to the life-giving knowledge of God’s Kingdom. Presently, the kingdom is not something we possess naturally. The parable emphasizes the priceless nature of spiritual awakening, an awareness believers come to that redefines our experiences. The merchant’s willingness to sell all he had to obtain the pearl signifies the level of dedication required for a spiritual transformation through the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. This process involves relinquishing attachments to worldly desires, beliefs, and the flesh to fully walk by faith. We are a lost coin, but He is a great pearl. Only true believers recognize its value, just as God recognizes ours. When the gospel reaches our hearts, we must make room for it, making it the most valuable thing we possess in this world.