The Costly Pearl

Matthew 13:45-46

Joseph Van Winkle

 

 

Setting       

The Gospel of Matthew depicts Jesus as likening the Kingdom of Heaven to a merchant giving up all he has to acquire the prize pearl, which he sought.  It is very probable that the parable of exceptionally valuable pearl was composed and taught by Jesus at some point in His ministry.  It cannot be known for certain at what precise point it in history that was, but it fits well into the rest of Jesus’ teachings.[1]  This parable is surrounded by similar teachings of Christ.  For instance, just previously in chapter 10, He warns that anyone who tries to protect his life will lose it, and anyone who loses his life for Christ’s sake will gain it.[2]  Similarly, shortly after telling the parable, Jesus makes His point again by instructing a follower that he must first sell off all he has before becoming a disciple.[3]  The parable is clearly consistent with the teachings of Christ throughout the Gospels.

          Matthew also locates the parable between two similar parables.  This placement provides us with helpful hints into interpreting the meaning of the Costly Pearl parable, from Matthew's perspective, at least.  Directly preceding it, the parable of the Treasure in the Field is nearly identical in form, and is often considered the parable’s twin.[4]  Because of the two parables' structures and meanings are so similar, the first parable supplies us with a setting in which to interpret the second.  Since the hidden treasure is compared to the Kingdom of Heaven, we can probably conclude that the pearl of great worth also represents the Kingdom.  The parable that immediately follows leads readers to consider the eschatology of the Kingdom -- its future implications.  This sharp contrast between the present and future hints that the pearl parable should not be interpreted as eschatological -- risking the present for the prospects of eternal rewards. Instead, it calls for earthly sacrifice.  The parable’s position in the Gospel provides the setting in which I propose to understand it.

Exegetical Analysis         

To understand best this parable of the pearl, we need to take a close look at a few important points.  First, the phrase, “The Kingdom of Heaven is like,” does not imply that the Kingdom of Heaven is a searching merchant. It is best understood as, “it is the case with the Kingdom of Heaven as with,” a searching merchant.[5]  The phrase is used to signify a comparison in the form of a simile.  This particular form of literature enables the storyteller to explain extremely complex ideas in very tangible ways.

          It is also important to point out that stories of men searching for pearls of great value were common in Palestinian folklore.  In Palestine, among many other areas, pearls were considered the most valuable of processions one could obtain.[6]  Subsequently, there were many stories of people risking life and limb to get their hands on such sought after wealth.  The difference in this parable from these stories is that in the stories the pearl’s discovery would be a reward for special piety.[7]  The fact that Jesus left this expected point out implies that this treasure is not obtained in that way.  This is an important fact because His audience consisted of many Pharisees who expected such rewards because they were the most holy, having every temporal and spiritual advantage.[8]  Jesus’ deviation from the standard story line changes the entire implication of the parable.

          Finally, the Gospel of Matthew is not the only place we find this parable.  A parallel parable is found in the Gospel of Thomas.  Thomas’ account differs from Matthew’s in what the merchant gives up to purchase the extraordinary pearl.  Thomas has the merchant only giving up the rest of his merchandise, or pearls of lesser value, while Matthew’s merchant gives up absolutely everything he owns.  Because Thomas’ version better fits the scenario of the merchant, some scholars consider Thomas' source to be the original that Matthew adapted.[9]  If this is true, Matthew’s deviation signifies an interpretive flag.  This change increases the risk of obtaining the prize.  The merchant is no longer simply risking his business, but his entire life.  The significance of what he deems worth the sacrifice is exceedingly enhanced.

Message         

Bloomberg captures the spirit of the parable of the Costly Pearl in his insightful statement, “The Kingdom of God is so valuable that it is worth sacrificing anything to gain it.”[10]  Seeking a sought-after prize is not sufficient to merit salvation.  Salvation is a gift from God. But it still requires the recipient to let go of his or her security and complacency to grasp the prize.  This parable calls for true disciples to relinquish the security of their earthly existence to obtain the gift of salvation.[11]

Application         

If we trust if trust Jesus Christ to save us from eternal death, it is hypocritical not to trust Him to take care of all our temporal needs.  The worst thing that can happen to us on this Earth is physical death, and is not that exactly what we are trusting in Christ to deliver us through?  Our lack of faith in Christ to provide for us, if we relinquish our control over our own lives, exposes our lack of faith in Christ to save us from eternal death.  Who is better able to supply all our needs, if not the Lord God Almighty, Creator of Heaven and Earth?  Jesus challenges all believers to seek His face first, not when all else fail.  To throw out everything that separates us from Him, and rely on Him for not only our spiritual needs and desires, but also our physical.  Not until we get rid of all the safety nets can we actually begin to put our trust in our Lord Jesus Christ completely.