Matthew 13:45 “Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for fine pearls. 46 On finding one very valuable pearl he went away, sold everything he owned and bought it.”
This parable sounds an awful lot like the parable of the Hidden Treasure in verse 44, doesn’t it?
But is it?
Notice the subtle difference: there the treasure was hidden in a field and here the treasure is known. It’s not buried, it’s out in the open.
We have a situation where someone is in possession of this incredibly valuable item and yet they have no idea what it’s actually worth. They may have attached a monetary value to it but this pearl is priceless. It’s worth is eternal. It’s infinite.
But the seller must be convinced that the money they will receive eclipses the value of the pearl. Or the seller is in dire straits and must sell it to stay alive. Or the seller genuinely has no idea what they have.
Whatever the reason, the treasure changes hands.
Think of all the other people that maybe knew about this pearl and didn’t buy it. Is it because they also had no idea what it was worth? Or did they know but squandered all of the resources that have passed through their hands so there was nothing left to make the purchase? Or did they have the resources but couldn’t bring themselves to sell what they had?
Who are you in this parable?
This person is in full possession of a pearl with infinite value yet they have decided to let it go. Maybe they initially sold everything they had to buy it or it was an inheritance or it was gifted or they accidentally found it. Or it could be that they knew its value many years ago but they have lost their zeal in owning it and have figured they would just go ahead and sell it. Or maybe they are just a trader. They never really bought it for its value but bought it as an investment. And maybe worse of all, they need more stuff on this side of the Jordan so it is time to sell.
This is likely where most people camp. It is so easy to just roll into a cultural church role where you know the right things to say and do, but have no idea what it is you are to say and do. The fullness of the kingdom is sitting at your feet and you have no clue what that even means. You may not be fully swayed by the ways of the world but you are heavily influenced by the ways of the church.
Someone here understands the value of the pearl but has nothing to sell in order to make the purchase. They have likely squandered everything that has passed through their fingers and consider themselves “broke”. The poverty mentality is so strong within them they can’t even take ownership of their horrible lifestyle. They are always playing the victim card and wallowing in the pity of their circumstances. So something of eternal value passes before their very eyes and they can do absolutely nothing about it. Except make excuses.
Are you a good steward? If so, have you always been? If not, why not?
Not sure if this is you? Quick test:
I personally believe this is the saddest position of all. This poor, poor person sees and understands, yet cannot bring themselves to really turn loose of this world. The clutches are so tight and so deeply ingrained, they have no idea they are trapped. This was exactly the issue with the Rich Young Ruler. He saw it -- and yet…
Does your stuff own you?
Like the Rich Young Ruler, do you stand on your strict observance to Abba’s rules while never really knowing what He wants from you?
Just know that you can be a firm believer and still live heavily in this space.
We have finally reached the one we all think we are. But are any of us willing to give up everything we own in order to own this pearl?
Your House
Cars
Furniture
Games
Porn
Phone
Computer
Your Children
Shall I keep going?
Stop justifying why you won’t do this. Seriously, just stop it. I think we’ve all heard enough about your righteousness. So I beg you to turn this argument away from us and tell Abba this same thing.
And when you do, please let me know how that goes.
Matthew 19:22 But when the young man heard this, he went away sad, because he was wealthy.