Matthew 13:45-46

“Again, the Kingdom of Heaven is like a merchant on the lookout for choice pearls. When he discovered a pearl of great value, he sold everything he owned and bought it!”

In the ancient world, pearls were prized as highly as gold. Even today the most valuable pearls can be worth millions of pounds. Their beauty has always attracted interest. In Jesus’ time, pearls were mainly found in the Red Sea or Persian Gulf. Pearls were also found in far-off Britain; indeed, that was one of the things that attracted Julius Caesar to these islands.

The point of the story is clear. The merchant was always on the lookout for the very best pearls. They all had a charm and a beauty but, like any expert, he could easily spot the best and, when he found it, he was determined to own it. Nothing would get in the way. He gladly sold up everything he owned in order to buy this one precious pearl. Jesus said that the kingdom of heaven is just the same. It is so precious that anyone who understands how amazing it is will gladly give up everything they possess in order to be part of it.

The kingdom of heaven is the most beautiful pearl of all, but there is no suggestion that all the rest are rubbish. Jesus is affirming that there is much in this world that is fine and good and beautiful. But the kingdom of heaven is on another level. Because it is God’s kingdom it is the best, and we should be ready to give up everything in order to be a member of it.

Many people look at Christian faith like membership of a sports club or a motoring organisation. You can dip into it as and when it suits you. But Jesus invites people to follow him on a completely different basis. He doesn’t say, “Come and follow me as and when it suits you,” but invites us to follow him for the whole of our lives. This is because it is his desire is to bless every aspect of our lives, not just a small part of them.

Question

Do you see following Jesus as the pearl of greatest value?

Prayer

Lord Jesus Christ thank you that your desire is to enrich every part of my life. Amen