The parable of the hidden treasure and the pearl
Continuing our study into the parables in Matthew 13, this week we explored Matthew 13:44-46, the parables of the hidden treasure and pearls.
““The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. When a man found it, he hid it again, and then in his joy went and sold all he had and bought that field. Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it. ”
Focusing on the parable of the pearl, Jesus’ use of a pearl is extremely interesting! Pearls are a gemstone that is developed and created by a living organism and thus is considered precious, valuable, and expensive. However, during Jesus’ time, pearls were quite rare for Jewish peoples who didn’t have direct access to them. However, pearls were recognized as valuable among Gentile people and even today! With this in mind, one interpretation of this parable is to imagine the pearl as representing Jesus and the merchant representing believers. But, this interpretation seems to bring up a problem and that is that it implies we/believers searched for Jesus when we know that God is the one who seeks us.
“no one understands; no one seeks for God.”
Taking this into consideration, an alternative interpretation is offered, that as believers, the pearls represent us. Let’s analyse this interpretation further:
How the pearl was formed
The pearl’s formation process closely parallels how believers are saved. First, within the tightly shut shell of the oyster, a grain of rough sand enters the creature and physically afflicts it. This is similar to how believers have hurt God with their sin. Then, the grain of sand is wrapped by a nacre material excreted by the creature. Layer after layer, the grain, being continually wrapped in nacre, then develops into a shining pearl. Similarly, in the face of our sin, God responds by wrapping us in his grace, and by this grace we are transformed into something beautiful, precious and valuable in God’s eyes.
How the pearl was sought
The second component of this parable is the merchant who seeks the pearl. The greek etymology for this word ‘merchant’ is translated from the Greek word ‘emporo’ which means ‘someone who is on the go’, ‘traveller’ or ‘wayfarer’. This implies the active nature of this ‘seeking’, and thus it is important to note that the value of the believers is derived from God’s love for them, not their love for God.
Knowing this, God seeks His people through…
Scripture - Through His word being passed on by word of mouth, text or by any other means, this Word is a means to which God uses to seek out His chosen.
the Spirit - Whether it be through friends or through situations, the Spirit also works to seek out the lost.
His saints - God’s people whom he has chosen are used by Him to communicate His gospel whether by conversation or by testimonies.
How the pearl was bought
The final component of the parable talks about how the pearl was bought; the cost of attaining it. We find that the merchant had to sell everything he had so he could attain this pearl and this clearly mirrors the sacrifice God made, giving up his Son, something of infinite value, to attain His people. Apart from suffering physical and emotional torture, Christ gave His own life as payment to save us from sin and death.
“Surely he took up our pain
and bore our suffering,
yet we considered him punished by God,
stricken by him, and afflicted.
But he was pierced for our transgressions,
he was crushed for our iniquities;
the punishment that brought us peace was on him,
and by his wounds we are healed.
We all, like sheep, have gone astray,
each of us has turned to our own way;
and the Lord has laid on him
the iniquity of us all.”
God’s grace calls for a response of our own. Some of us may need to realise that whilst God actively seeks us, we also play an active part: we must respond. From this, others may realise just how much was paid to establish our salvation and as such, may incite a little more thankfulness.
Dear heavenly Father,
We cannot thank You enough for what You have done to allow us into a relationship with You. We ask that You continue to guide us to be Your saints, so that we can be Your vehicles in seeking the lost. We also ask that You would teach us to not take this salvation for granted, and to remind us each day the price of the cross.
We pray this in Your holy Name, Lord Jesus,
Amen.