Text: 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 out and sold all that he had and brought it.”
Jesus’ parables covered many areas of our lives. Here in this parable, it looks at first that Jesus is speaking about a wise investment in pearls. But remember a parable is “an earthly story with a heavenly meaning.” Today I want to speak about “What price are you willing to pay for peace of mind in your heart and soul, a hope for the present and the future, and the assurance of eternal life?”
God has placed within our hearts dreams, visions and plans; these are the things we want to achieve in our life time. But the “Pearl of our Salvation” is the greatest treasure or investment of all. The Bible says: “For what profit is it to a man if he gains the whole world, and loses his own soul? Or what will a man give in exchange for his soul?” Matthew 16:26.
Let us learn today what Jesus is saying in this parable.
1. HOW BIG IS YOUR PEARL?
What is the real valve of your dream or vision? Do you have a dream? Or, are you just wandering on, hoping that one day something may just happen? You have to have a plan for your life, to live for a purpose. Have you found that plan yet for your life? Let us turn to the Bible again. “He who has the Son has life; he who does not have the Son of God does not have life” 1 John 5:12.
Here it tells us that “life” comes from knowing Jesus Christ as your personal Saviour. The work and purpose of a Church may encircle many things, but its chief task is the preaching of the Gospel of grace! To tell the Gospel as successfully as possible to as many people as possible. So that every man, woman and child, HEARS and UNDERSTANDS the Gospel of Christ with the understanding to ACCEPT or REJECT salvation for themselves.
“For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life. For God did not send His Son into the world to condemn the world, but that the world through Him might be saved” John 3:16-17.
Here in a nutshell is your purpose in life. Salvation through Jesus Christ!
2. HOW HIGH WILL YOU PAY FOR THIS PEARL?
This businessman “sold all that he had.” That was the price he was willing to pay! Can you for a moment imagine the high price of this man's decision?
a. He probably began by withdrawing all his funds and savings, but he never had enough.
b. Then he began to sell the things that he built around him, his hobby interests, his fishing rods, his golf clubs, his books, but still he did not have enough.
c. Now he begins to sell his clothes, furniture, his jewels, his home, his donkey.
d. Until, “He sold his all,” there was nothing left: except enough money to buy this pearl of great price!
Listen carefully! When God offers a great pearl, He is looking for people who will pay the price! It may cost our all! Yet no price we could pay could possibly be too high for our salvation.
3. HOW GREAT IS THE WORTH OF YOUR INVESTMENT IN CHRIST JESUS AS SAVIOUR?
Remember the story of the “Rich young ruler?” (Mark 10:17-27). About the young man who came to Jesus asking about eternal life. There was only ONE thing that he lacked; he was not willing to pay the price! Because the price was everything that he had and give it to the poor! When Jesus had told him to sell everything. He found the risk far too great.
We are told to “walk by faith, and not by sight” 2 Corinthians 5:7.
4. HOW INTERESTING IS THE RETURN?
This man was a businessman! He did not just like pearls; he saw it as a good investment. The profit from that pearl would reward him for years to come.
CONCLUSION:
So the pearl of your salvation is without price, so priceless that you cannot afford it, that is why “it is the FREE gift from God.” The man “went out and sold all that he had and brought it.” Are you willing to pay the price for your salvation by accepting Jesus Christ as your Saviour?
