THE PEARL OF GREAT VALUE

Passage: Matthew 13:44-46

Key verse: 46

NIV

The Parables of the Hidden Treasure and the Pearl

44 “The kingdom of heaven is like(A) 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.(B)

45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like(C) a merchant looking for fine pearls. 46 When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.

Read full chapter
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Source: BibleGateway

ESV

The Parable of the Hidden Treasure

44 “The kingdom of heaven (A)is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy (B)he goes and sells all that he has and (C)buys that field.

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Value

45 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, 46 who, on finding (D)one pearl of great value, (E)went and sold all that he had and (F)bought it.

Read full chapter
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. ESV® Text Edition: 2016. Copyright © 2001 by Crossway Bibles, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers.
Source: BibleGateway

1. Hidden treasure (44)

The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field. A man unexpectedly stumbles on it. He conceals it, then goes and sells all he has to buy the field. An easy-going, directionless man almost 'accidentally' stumbles on the deepest truth of life. It galvanizes him. He now has a clear goal; he knows that he must make any sacrifice to possess what is really valuable. Eternal life is such a treasure.

2. The pearl of great value (45-46)

This parable also concerns one's value system and priorities in life. The pearl merchant does not find the one priceless pearl by accident. He is looking for it. When he finds it, possessing it becomes his highest priority; he sells everything to get it. A person who searches for truth sincerely must be prepared to commit his whole life to following that truth. Jesus is the way and the truth and the life.

Prayer: Lord, I'd rather have Jesus than anything. Help me to keep my priorities clear.

One Word: One pearl of greatest value