The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price (Mt 13:45-46) Intro: The preciousness of pearls The pearl was the most valuable gem of the ancient world, esp. a perfect pearl.
Exposition: Reveals the 'mysteries of the kingdom of heaven' (v.11,35,52). Very similar to parable of hidden treasure; has the same point. Remember 'law of end stress.'
Doctrine: Though the surpassingly valuable treasure of the kingdom is now hidden, those who find it will joyfully give all they have to gain its riches for themselves. 1. To possess the kingdom costs us everything. Does God require payment for his kingdom? Is 55:1-3; Rev 22:17; Acts 8:20-21. God forbid! It's true that _God_ requires nothing. But that's a long way from saying that it _costs_ you nothing (Lk 14:33; Mt 19:29-30). 2. Buy, what we gain is worth infinitely more. See Mk 10:28-31. Truly, 'the worst things of Christ, His reproaches, His cross, are better than Egypt's treasures' (Samuel Rutherford, see Heb 11:24-26; Phil 3:7-8).
Conclusion: The kingdom brings the assurance of gain through every temporary loss. 'He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose' (Jim Elliot) 'Why do you spend money for what is not bread, and your wages for what does not satisfy?' (see Is 55:1-4)
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“ What does it cost? ” The concept of the "pearl of great price" is pretty deep. You must give up everything to get it yet you give up nothing of any lasting value to you. Of course, it doesn't look that way at the time. The question is whether you have truly given up the temporal things of life to obtain the True Prize.
