Parable of the Pearl of Great Value
Parable of the Pearl of Great Value: Matthew 13:45-46
The parable of the pearl of great value (valuable pearl) is the second parable of a series of three short stories told by Jesus to describe the kingdom of heaven.
The other two parables are:
This parable is somewhat similar to the
Parable of the Hidden Treasure, and many people have interpreted it the same. However, the focus of what the kingdom of God represents appears to shift from the object of value to the person searching, giving this parable a different meaning than the hidden treasure parable.
Summary of the Parable of the Valuable Pearl
Jesus says, "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it." (Matthew 13:45-46)
In this parable of the valuable pearl, the kingdom of heaven is compared to a merchant. This merchant is looking for fine pearls. When he finds one of great value, he gives up everything he has to obtain this pearl.
Background Information for the Parable
In the mindset of Jesus' audience, as well as in the Old Testament, the king represents the kingdom and the kingdom represents its king. When speaking about a kingdom, the king may be the actual subject; and conversely the kingdom may be the subject when speaking of the king.
For example, in the Old Testament when it talks about what a king of Israel has done it often says 'Israel' instead of the king's name.
This is also the reason why the phrases of kingdom of God and kingdom of heaven are used interchangeably to mean the same thing. As Jesus says, "Truly I tell you, it will be hard for a rich person to enter the kingdom of heaven. Again I tell you, it is easier for a
camel to go through the eye of a needle than for someone who is rich to
enter the kingdom of God." (Matthew 19:23-24)
Even now, someone might say 'heaven' in a sentence when they are referring to God. ("For heaven's sake!")
Meaning of the Parable of the Valuable Pearl
When Jesus says that the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search for fine pearls, he is speaking of God. Specifically, since Jesus Christ is God, he is speaking of himself.
Furthermore, Jesus has just called the kingdom of God his kingdom in Matthew 13:41.
The fine pearl then is the Church, which is those who will repent and return to obeying God.
Jesus says that upon finding this valuable pearl, he gives up everything to obtain it...which is seen to be true by the sacrifice Jesus made. "For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that everyone who believes in him may not perish but may have eternal life." (John 3:16) "...and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him..." (Hebrews 5:9)
Jesus Christ is still seeking out his Church, searching for those who will be saved, and he gave up everything (his life) to allow them to be reconciled to God. This is essentially the message of the gospel found within this short parable.
By telling this parable of the pearl of great value, Jesus is both foretelling his death, as well as explaining his reason for coming to earth in the form of a man so he can be the sacrifice necessary for our salvation.
As Jesus tells his disciples who have asked, "'Then who can be saved?' But Jesus looked at them and said, 'For mortals it is impossible, but for God all things are possible.'" (Matthew 19:25-26)
God's Truth Taught in Stories
Study the parables of Jesus in this easy-to-read 40 day devotional.
This devotional takes the unique approach of
understanding Jesus' parables by examining the genre, scriptural
context, and historical culture. Your life will be transformed by studying the parables of Jesus Christ.
Go to previous parable: Hidden Treasure
Go to next parable: The Fishing Net
← Back to The Parables of Jesus Christ from Parable of the Pearl of Great Value
Go to Messiah of God Home
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
-
Biology of Cell confirms Intelligent Design: Irreducible Complexity
The complex biology of the ‘basic cell’ exhibits what has been termed ‘irreducible complexity’ by biochemist Michael Behe, due to the fact that removing even... -
What is love? It's a call to action.
What is love? It's a call to action. Guest post by Ben Byrum. -
Miraculous Physical Healing Explains Salvation: The Truth of Jesus’ Salvation
If you have stage 4 pancreatic cancer, then with current medical technology you have likely not been given any hope for getting better. Your cancer is terminal. In fact, with many diseases... -
Does Science Argue For or Against God?
Probability of the Universe Existing in Coin Flips: Flipping a coin has a 50/50 chance of heads vs tails. How many times do you think you could flip heads in a row with a 50/50 chance? -
Man Finds Single Ominous Bible Page in Wildfire Aftermath
Wildfires in Tennessee have temporarily displaced thousands of people fleeing from the destruction. Over 100 homes have been destroyed, as well as hotels and businesses. Thus far, seven people... -
How to Obey God's Will
Obeying God's will is actually more simple than it seems. The truth is that some actions are good (holy), some actions are bad (sinful), and the majority of actions are completely neutral... -
Doubting After God Answers Your Prayers
Having God answer your prayers can result in overwhelming feelings of joy, relief, and thankfulness. However, sometimes doubt of God's intervention can appear and begin to steal your confidence... -
How to Prove God Exists
For unbelievers, there are only a few ways to prove that God exists, depending on how willing they are to accept God's existence. For unbelievers who are... -
The Lie of Sanctification
Sanctification is a widely accepted belief that bridges the gap between the biblical mandate for obedience to God and the practical application of living a Christian life as... -
God's Definition of Perfect
"Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect." One of the problems with modern Christianity is the mainstream concept that "It is impossible to be perfect."
Copyright © 2011- – Messiah-of-God.com™ KE Cornerstone
All Rights Reserved
Privacy Policy and Affiliate Disclosure
Unless otherwise noted, scripture quotations are from the New Revised Standard Version Bible, Copyright © 1989 National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
