The Pearl of Great Price

In Matthew 13:45-46 Jesus is trying to emphasize to us how precious the kingdom of heaven is. He says "the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it." That is how precious heaven should be to every one of God's creation! We need to realize that Jesus came and died for us and in so doing left us that great pearl. When we find it (His word and love for Him), then we should want to have our minds set on selling everything we have to be able to possess this great pearl - the opportunity to live with Him forever! We should have the attitude that we want to "seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you" (Matthew 6:33). 

What Makes This Pearl of Great Price So Valuable?

This pearl is so valuable because when we can possess it we realize that it gives us wealth. The apostle Paul said "For ye know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that, though he was rich, yet for your sakes he became poor, that ye through his poverty might be rich" (2 Corinthians 8:9). Jesus gave all He had for you and me so that we can become rich with all "spiritual blessings" (Ephesians 1:3) which includes HEAVEN! This pearl also gives us great happiness. Jesus said: "Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven. Blessed are they which are persecuted for righteousness' sake: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven" (Matthew 5:3, 10). When we possess this pearl we should be happy. As a result we certainly would not mind being "persecuted for righteousness' sake" because we realize the great treasure that we hold. A Christian with this understanding would never give up this kind of happiness and wealth! This pearl also gives us honor (John 12:26). In addition, it gives us freedom. Because when we know the truth of God's holy word, it is through that truth that we gain our freedom - freedom to live for Christ and die believing on His name (John 8:32). When we find this pearl of great price it makes us now feel useful when at one time we may not have. In 2 Timothy 3:17, Paul says: "That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." When we possess the treasure of God's words to us we now can feel good about ourselves because we have the guidance that we need that will now lead us into eternal LIFE with Jesus! The pearl of great price also gives us light (Colossians 1:13; 1 Peter 2:9), peace (Romans 5:1), immortality (2 Timothy 1:10), hope (Hebrews 6:9), and rest with our Lord (Matthew 11:28). We can certainly understand the importance of possessing this pearl of great price - the kingdom of heaven!

How Can I Obtain Such A Valuable Pearl For Myself?

To obtain this valuable pearl you must first have faith in Jesus Christ. Paul said in Romans 10:10 "For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness; and with the mouth confession is made unto salvation." You must truly believe that Jesus is the son of God, fully understanding that you are now set on serving Him the rest of your days here on earth. When you make this commitment then you will be ready to repent of your old ways and be determined to follow Christ (Matthew 3:2). Then in front of witnesses you will proudly say as the Eunuch did "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God" (Acts 8:37). And then to fulfill all righteousness and the commandments of our Lord and Savior you will want to be buried with Him in baptism in the likeness of His death, burial, and resurrection as we read in Romans 6:3-4. Jesus Himself was baptized to fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:15). Therefore, you must also be prepared and willing to do what Jesus commanded and left an example for you to do. Peter said on Pentecost "Repent, and be baptized every one of you in the name of Jesus Christ for the remission of sins" (Acts 2:38). Once you have done this you then need to live a faithful life for Jesus until death (Revelation 2:10). Are you willing to give all for "The Pearl of Great Price?"