The Parable of the Pearl

of Great Price

Matthew 13:45-46Matthew 13:45-46

Introduction

• Similar to “The Hidden Treasure”Similar to “The Hidden Treasure”– Both speak of the value and Both speak of the value and

preciousness of the Kingdompreciousness of the Kingdom

• But there is a differenceBut there is a difference– The difference will be our focus in this The difference will be our focus in this

lessonlesson

The details of the parable

• A merchant is seeking beautiful pearlsA merchant is seeking beautiful pearls– He finds one pearl of great priceHe finds one pearl of great price– Undeterred by the price, he sells all he Undeterred by the price, he sells all he

has to buy ithas to buy it

The meaning of the parable

• ““Again” shows the connection with the Again” shows the connection with the previous parable (“The Hidden Treasure”)previous parable (“The Hidden Treasure”)– Where one accidentally comes upon a hidden Where one accidentally comes upon a hidden

treasuretreasure– Still sees the value and acquires itStill sees the value and acquires it

• This time, the merchant is seeking the object This time, the merchant is seeking the object of valueof value– He knows there is something of value out thereHe knows there is something of value out there– Willing to give up everything if he can find itWilling to give up everything if he can find it

The meaning of the parable

• Neither parable is suggesting the Neither parable is suggesting the Kingdom is “for sale”Kingdom is “for sale”– Salvation is the gift of GodSalvation is the gift of God– Parable only expressing the idea we Parable only expressing the idea we

would be willing to give up all we have would be willing to give up all we have to be part of the kingdomto be part of the kingdom

Biblical Examples

• The Ethiopian EunuchThe Ethiopian Eunuch– Acts 8:26-38Acts 8:26-38• He was searchingHe was searching–Went to Jerusalem to worshipWent to Jerusalem to worship–Was reading scriptureWas reading scripture–Was trying to understand the prophecyWas trying to understand the prophecy

• Considered it to be valuableConsidered it to be valuable– His immediate willingness to be baptizedHis immediate willingness to be baptized– His joy on being baptizedHis joy on being baptized

Biblical Examples

• CorneliusCornelius– Acts 10:1-8, 30-33Acts 10:1-8, 30-33• He was searchingHe was searching– A devout manA devout man– His prayers and almsHis prayers and alms

• Considered salvation valuableConsidered salvation valuable– Immediately sent for PeterImmediately sent for Peter– Gathered others to hearGathered others to hear– Immediately was baptizedImmediately was baptized

Biblical Examples

• LydiaLydia– Acts 16:11-15Acts 16:11-15• She was searchingShe was searching– Gathered on the riverbankGathered on the riverbank

• She considered salvation valuableShe considered salvation valuable– Immediately she was baptizedImmediately she was baptized

Searching for the Pearl

• Are you still searching for the truth?Are you still searching for the truth?– Be like the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:27-28)Be like the Ethiopian eunuch (Acts 8:27-28)• Study the word of GodStudy the word of God

• Be willing to ask for help in understandingBe willing to ask for help in understanding

– Be like the Bereans (Acts 17:10-11)Be like the Bereans (Acts 17:10-11)• Search the scriptures to make sure what you are Search the scriptures to make sure what you are

taught is really God’s wordtaught is really God’s word

– Be like those on Pentecost (Acts 2:40-42)Be like those on Pentecost (Acts 2:40-42)• Once you’ve found it, act upon the wordOnce you’ve found it, act upon the word

Conclusion

• Some may “stumble upon” the Some may “stumble upon” the kingdomkingdom– As in “The Hidden Treasure”As in “The Hidden Treasure”

• Others are out there looking for the Others are out there looking for the truthtruth– All they need is to have the pearl offered All they need is to have the pearl offered

to themto them• Let’s make sure the kingdom is out Let’s make sure the kingdom is out

there where it can be found by all, there where it can be found by all, whether they are seeking it or notwhether they are seeking it or not