The Pearl of Great Price

The gospels give us a great insight into Christ’s parables: “All these things Jesus spoke to the multitude in parables; and without a parable he did not speak to them, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying: ‘I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things kept secret from the foundation of the world.’” (Matthew 13:34–35, NKJV).

To many Christians today, the parables sound very simple. Many believers skim over the parables quickly. They think they see an obvious lesson and quickly move on. They dismiss a parable’s meaning as not applying to them.

According to Christ, though, each parable holds an incredible secret. There’s a hidden, kingdom truth in every parable Jesus told. That truth is discovered only by those who diligently seek for it. The Bible states clearly there are secrets of the Lord. “His secret counsel is with the upright” (Proverbs 3:32). These secrets have been unknown from the foundation of the world, but Matthew tells us they’re buried in Jesus’ parables. These hidden truths have power to truly set Christians free. Despite that, few believers are willing to pay the high cost of discovering them. Consider with me one of the Lord’s parables.

“Again, 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” (Matthew 13:45–46).

Jesus is the pearl of great price. He’s of incalculable value because the merchant sells all his other possessions to gain him. Christ is the treasure chest in the field. In him, I’ve found all that I’ll ever need. No more trying to find purpose in ministry. No more looking for fulfillment in family or friends. No more searching for ways to please people.

I give up my filthy rags of self-reliance and good works. I lay aside my worn-out shoes of striving. I leave behind my sleepless nights on the streets of doubt and fear. In return, I get adopted by a King. This is what happens when you seek the pearl, the treasure, till you find him. Jesus offers you everything he is. He brings you joy, peace, purpose and holiness.