The "One Pearl Of Great Price"

In Matthew 13:45-46, we see the kingdom of heaven being compared to a man seeking "goodly pearls." When he had found "one pearl of great price" (Matthew 13:46), he "went and sold all that he had and bought it."

According to Peloubet's Bible Dictionary, (Copyright 1925, The John C. Winston Co., pg. 495), "In Matthew 7:6, pearls are used metaphorically for anything of value, or perhaps more especially for 'wise sayings'"

Regarding value, and in reference to "the kingdom of heaven" mentioned in Matthew 13, the "one pearl of great price" in that kingdom, is ultimately representative of Jesus Christ ..... that "living stone" ..... that "chief corner stone" ..... the One who was deemed "precious" because of His sacrifice on the cross (1 Peter 1:18-19; 1 Peter 2:3-4,6-7), but sadly "despised and rejected by men" (Isaiah 53:3).

The "precious" One who paid the ultimate price (John 3:16-17; Romans 5:6-20) in order to establish His kingdom, the church (Matthew 16:18-19; Acts 20:28; Revelation 1:5-6; cf. Ephesians 1; Colossians 1) ..... the "precious" One who "became for us wisdom from God—and righteousness and sanctification and redemption" (1 Corinthians 1:30; cf. John 1:1-3; Psalm 2:6-7; Proverbs 8:1-23 - note specifically vs. 22-23 - see article).

Beloved, the question now becomes, are we willing to count the cost, selling all we have (denying ourselves of all worldly ambitions and associations -- Matthew 16:24-26; 2 Corinthians 6:14-18; Philippians 3:1-15) in order to purchase the "one pearl of great price" ..... the "precious" One in whom we are to humbly "serve" and "trust" (Psalm 2:10-12) in His kingdom (2 Peter 1:2-11).

---Mike Riley, Gospel Snippets

Related Article: here