Matthew 13:45–46: “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.”

January 11th, 2022 by Pastor Ed in devotional

In the parable Jesus told of a merchant seeking a pearl, the merchant was looking specifically for the only gem that is produced by a living organism. Only 1 in 1000 oysters contains a pearl, and they are found in 40-feet deep water. First-century pearl hunters had to tie a rock around their leg and then dive 40 feet down. Because these pearls were so rare and such a danger to divers to collect, they were one of the most valued gems of the ancient world. The wealthy invested in costly gems because a large investment could be hidden in a small place. Jesus said the merchant gladly gave up all he had in order to buy this one pearl of priceless value because it was worth more than everything else he owned.

Through this simple parable, Jesus was teaching about the incomparable value of the Lord’s kingdom and how to appropriate it. Salvation in Jesus Christ is the “hidden treasure,” the “pearl of great price.” For a person to truly have this salvation, he or she must be willing to give up everything else in life. It must be personally appropriated. Citizens in God’s kingdom do not become subjects by virtue of physical birth but by choice. The kingdom of heaven involves seeking and sacrifice, but it is priceless and brings great joy. It is more than worth selling all we have to obtain it.

“LORD, be LORD of our lives this day. We surrender once again to You, the King.”