The Pearl of Great Price

By Michael Youssef, Ph D.  06/07/21

In Matthew 13:45-46, Jesus said, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”

In this parable, Jesus shares that the Kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. There are two things you must know about pearls to understand this illustration. First of all, back then, pearls were the most precious commodity; not one of, but the most precious commodity, more highly valued than diamonds are today.

Pearls were greatly valued because diving for the oysters that contained the pearls was an extremely hazardous exercise. There were many people who lost their lives diving for these oysters. Both the beauty and the scarcity of the pearl made it extremely valuable, and people often gave all of their money and belongings to possess just one priceless pearl.

Pearls are also the only gems that are produced within living organisms. A pearl is precious because of the suffering and injury that take place inside the oyster. First, a grain of sand gets inside the oyster, and then that grain of sand grinds within the oyster until the pearl is formed.

In this illustration, the pearl of great worth represents none other than the Lord Jesus Christ.

It was on the cruel Roman cross that the only perfect God-man suffered, bled, and died. It is only through His suffering and death on the cross and then His ultimate resurrection from the dead that the priceless pearl of salvation is available.

Nothing can be compared with this pearl. Only through the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ can we be assured of heaven. Only through Him can we find forgiveness of sins. He is the only one who provides true peace of mind, security, identity, and rest for our souls.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Jesus Christ, the pearl of great price. May my life be a reflection of Christ to this world. I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

“How priceless is your unfailing love, O God! People take refuge in the shadow of your wings” (Psalm 36:7).