Key Verses: Matthew 13:45-46 “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking beautiful pearls, who, when he had found one pearl of a great price, went and sold all that he had and bought it.” What is the most valuable possession you have? Maybe it is your house, your vehicle, your land, or maybe it is a piece of fine jewelry passed down for generations. We all have possessions that we value dearly. In this parable that Jesus told his disciples seems a little over top at first. We meet a merchant who is looking for beautiful expensive pearls. Perhaps this man is some sort of treasure hunter. We really don’t know for sure. However, we do know that after a long time of looking he finally finds the most beautiful pearl he has ever seen. What does he do? He goes and sells everything he has just do he can buy this pearl. This means he sells his home, camel, his possessions, and everything else. He becomes homeless just so he can buy this pearl. In his eyes the pearl is more valuable then anything else he has. Why does Jesus share this parable? Jesus wants us to understand the true value of the kingdom. This is why he begins the parable with, ‘the kingdom of heaven is like.” He is making a comparison. Just as the merchant understood the value of the pearl he had found, we must understand the value of a relationship with God through Christ. It is living life God’s way, and becoming part of His kingdom and one of His ambassadors. The problem with so many of us is that we value earthly things more then the kingdom. We value our hobbies, our wealth, and our friends more then the relationship we have with God. Knowing God and living under his leadership with far more valuable then anything this earth could give me. Take a few moments today and dwell on the value of knowing God and being a part of His kingdom. It’s more valuable then anything else this life has to offer!
