Nov. 6, Parable of the Pearl of Great Price, Matthew 13:45-46
Again, two parables, Hidden Treasure and Pearl of Great Price, have similar messages. I really expected to find a detail that would differentiate the two, but I actually found two new insights that made them more similar. First insight, both parables involved a search. Second, there is a delay between finding and acquiring the prize.
A pearl is the only gem made by a living process. An unblemished pearl is among the most precious gems and is one of the most ancient symbols of perfection. This may be the reason why the pearl is used metaphorically for something of great value.
A search was going on. The treasure was hidden therefore could not be found without a search. The merchant was looking for fine pearls. The search concludes when one of great value is found. I assume the search is over because he sold everything he had to buy it. Jeremiah 29, one of my favorite chapters in Scripture, says, “You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart” (vs. 13). Notice the search and the cost of all your heart.
The delay intrigues me. Jesus said becoming a disciple is like a king preparing for war or a man building a tower. They must first count the cost (Luke 14:28-32). Notice both the discoverer of hidden treasure and the merchant finding the pearl of great value leave only to return after selling everything they own.
In order to become an authentic sold-out, Spirit-filled follower of Jesus Christ, He says, “In the same way, those of you who do not give up everything you have cannot be my disciples” (Luke 14:33). The great prize of the Kingdom of God is free but costs us all our heart.
45Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.—Matthew 13:45-46
I had another thought on the Treasure and Pearl parables but didn't want to overload the devotional thought.
ReplyDeleteThink of the search that is going on by God for us. When God finds us, or rather when we respond to God's search, God took all that He had, His own life, the life of His only begotten Son, and gave it for us. We are the Pearl of Great Price to God.
I don't think this is the meaning of the parable, but WOW! What an application.
That is awesome.
ReplyDeleteI thought about these parables this morning during the sermon when Pastor Randy talked about the rich young ruler... when Jesus told him to sell everything he had and give the money away to the poor and follow Him, and he couldn't/wouldn't do it and walked away from Jesus. This young man obviously didn't recognized Jesus as the Treasure or Pearl of Great Price worth giving everything up for. That's a choice each of us have to make for ourselves... is Jesus worth it to me?
ReplyDeleteFunny you said that Kim because I was thinking on Sunday, when Pastor referred to him, what became of him and his life. What regrets did he have - he would have had to have great regrets that he chose materialism over the Son of God and eternal life. Again, that's just one example because everytime we sin we are choosing the world over Jesus and eternal life.
ReplyDeleteI was talking to Sara about my comment this morning and she had a really cool insight. If the rich young ruler had chosen to follow Jesus, we might actually know his name and he might be mentioned in the Bible for doing great things in Jesus' name rather than for turning his back from following Him.
ReplyDeleteWhen we choose NOT to give up all and follow Jesus it will cost us a whole lot more in the end.