The Pearl of Great Price
- NLC
- Apr 23, 2024
- 3 min read
Updated: Feb 24
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The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price
Today, I want to discuss the Pearl of Great Price from Matthew 13:45-46. Many people struggle to understand the Christian way of life, questioning why anyone would devote their existence to something intangible—something you can't touch, store in a bank, or park in a garage. To some, following a god they cannot see, hear, or talk to seems like a chase after myths. What they fail to realize is that it's not about what you can accumulate in this life, as stated in Matthew 6:19-20, but about the treasures being stored up in Heaven for eternity.
True Riches in Christ
Most Christians may not be materially wealthy, but they are far from poor. Consider Jesus’ words in Mark 10:21, "Go, sell everything you have and give to the poor, and you will have treasure in heaven; then come, follow me." God may not ask everyone to sell all their possessions, but for some, it might be necessary if these possessions hinder their salvation. The essence here is our willingness to relinquish earthly ties to follow Christ and enrich our heavenly reserves. This is about prioritizing God above all and being prepared to forsake anything that comes between us and Him.
The Endless Pursuit of the World
Reflecting further on the Pearl of Great Price, we encounter a merchant who has spent his life trading pearls. Despite owning many, he continues searching the world for the ultimate pearl—the one that could truly satisfy him. This mirrors the endless pursuit of those who feel their possessions aren't enough. They seek bigger houses, better cars, the next promotion, new thrills, or even the elusive fountain of youth, trying to stall the inevitable decay caused by sin. They invest billions annually, yet remain unfulfilled, a condition crafted by our Creator. The void in man's heart, a temple unfilled by the Spirit of Jehovah, persists until the ultimate treasure is found.
Finding the Ultimate Treasure
Like the merchant who finally discovers the perfect pearl, costing him everything, we are invited to consider what truly fills the deep desires of our hearts. Just as he sold all lesser pearls for the one that fulfilled his longing, we are called to abandon all for the one true fulfillment—Jesus Christ. The merchant’s story illustrates that only one thing, one way, one God can fill our existential void.
The Pearl and the Gates of New Jerusalem
As we ponder our own lives and the things we've pursued to fill our voids, let's also reflect on the pearl’s symbolic nature in scripture. Pearls, formed through irritation and suffering within mollusks, are rare and precious. Similarly, many must suffer for the valuable pearl of the Gospel to be revealed. Christ died for us to gain this Pearl of Great Price, uniquely represented as one pearl—just as He is the one door into the sheepfold, the only way to salvation.
In Revelation 21:9-12, 21-24, the New Jerusalem's gates, each made from a single pearl, signify that entering the heavenly city is through one unified way—through Christ, as John 14:6 confirms. Each gate, a pearl, represents the unified message of the Apostles, tasked with spreading the Gospel so that all might be saved.
Conclusion: The Singular Way to Fulfillment
Thus, to those continually seeking the next fleeting treasure, consider the singular, invaluable Pearl of Great Price. God is not a hub with many spokes; there is only one path to Heaven, one way to the Father, and one true fulfillment for the void in your life—Jesus Christ. You don't need to scour the world or sift through life's fleeting treasures to find meaning. Eternal life and fulfillment are through Jesus Christ alone. May the Lord bless you and keep you!
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