The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price

Our parable today is a "twin" to the parable of the Treasure Hidden in a Field. Be sure to read about that one first.

Previous:

Matthew 13:45-46 (KJV)
⁴⁵ Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
⁴⁶ Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.

Just like the Hidden Treasure parable, most commentators have thought that the point of the parable of the Pearl of Great Price is that we should be willing to give up everything in order to gain the Kingdom of Heaven, Yeshua, or salvation. While this is a true statement and may be the application of the parable, there is so much more to it!

Again, let's let the symbols of the parable be consistent with the other parables. Therefore we know that the "merchant man" must be none other than Yeshua/God. Rather than seeking a hidden treasure, He is this time searching for goodly pearls. What do the pearls represent?

Malachi 3:16-17 (KJV)
¹⁶ Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.
¹⁷ And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.

Pearls are a type of "jewel" aren't they? And they are a type of "treasure." These verses in Malachi say that God's jewels are those that fear the Lord. As we found in the previous parable, the treasure refers to both Jews and Gentiles that have believed on Him. Similarly, the pearls also represent believers. Malachi also says that God is "making up His jewels." In other words, God is making a crown that will be made up of His people, the jewels (the pearls). But rather than buying a field in order to buy a collective treasure, Yeshua this time is searching for individual pearls. When He found one, He went and sold all that He had, and bought the one pearl.

Just like in the previous parable, Yeshua sold everything He had by coming down to earth to be born as a baby, leaving much of the splendor and benefits of Heaven behind. He then bought the pearl by dying on the cross and taking the punishment for our sin. He was willing to make this sacrifice, not just for the whole group of mankind that would come to Him, but for each individual who would come to Him. Isn't it hard to believe that each one of us could be considered SO valuable?!

Again, this parable gives us a picture of the gospel message, but it is different from its "twin" in that God wanted to assure His people that He wanted each one of us!! That is an amazing and incredible thought! We are priceless pearls! Wow!