The Pearl of Great Price

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls; on finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold all that he had and bought it. -- Matthew 13:45-46

Juan Carlos Ortiz, a brother from Argentina, offers a powerful illustration of the parable of the pearl of great price. 

A man sees this pearl and says to the merchant, “I want this pearl. How much is it?”

The seller says, “It’s very expensive.” 

“How much?” 

“A lot!” 

“Well, do you think I could buy it?” the man asks.

“Oh, yes,” says the merchant, “everyone can buy it.”

“But I thought you said it was very expensive.” 

“I did.” 

“Well, how much?” 

“Everything you have,” says the seller.

“All right, I’ll buy it.” 

“Okay, what do you have?”

“Well, I have $10,000 in the bank.” 

“Good, $10,000. What else?” 

“That’s all I have.” 

“Nothing more?” 

“Well, I have a few dollars more in my pocket.” 

“How much?” 

“Let’s see … $100.” 

“That’s mine, too,” says the seller. “What else do you have?” 

“That’s all, nothing else.” 

“Where do you live?” the seller asks. 

“In my house. Yes, I own a home.” 

The seller writes down, “house.” “It’s mine.”

“Where do you expect me to sleep—in my camper?” 

“Oh, you have a camper, do you? That, too. What else”

“Am I supposed to sleep in my car?” 

“Oh, you have a car?” 

“Yes, I own two of them.” 

“They’re mine now.”

“Look, you’ve taken my money, my house, my camper, and my cars. Where is my family going to live?” 

“So, you have a family?” 

“Yes, I have a wife and three kids.” 

“They’re mine now.”

Suddenly the seller exclaims, “Oh, I almost forgot! You yourself, too! Everything becomes mine—wife, children, house, money, cars, and you, too.” Then he goes on, “Now, listen, I will allow you to use all these things for the time being. But don’t forget that they’re all mine, just as you are. And whenever I need any of them, you must give them up, because I am now the owner.” (Adapted from The Disciple[Creation House], pp. 34-35.)