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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJabez Burns Sermons: 528. Mat 13:45, Mat 13:46. The Pearl of Great Price
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Mat_13:45, Mat_13:46. The Pearl of Great Price
"Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it."—Mat_13:45, Mat_13:46.
This short and beautiful parable is kindred in spirit and meaning to the one which precedes it—on the treasure hid in a field. No doubt, by the pearl, we are to understand the gospel, in its revelation of life eternal. But it will not be a wide departure from the scope of the parable to consider Christ himself as the pearl, with which the gospel enriches all believers. Whatever grandeur, excellency, or preciousness there is in the gospel, it is entirely derived from Christ. The sweetest designation of the gospel is, that it is the gospel of Christ. He is its author, subject, and glory. So that he who receives the gospel, becomes the happy and rich possessor of this precious pearl. Let us then dwell a lithe,
I. On the similitude. Wherefore may Christ be likened to a pearl.
1. Pearls are of mysterious formation. They are peculiar gems, found in the shells of a certain kind of oyster, chiefly in the eastern parts of the world. How applicable to the mysterious production of the humanity of Jesus, and to the mystery of his divine and human natures. The child of the virgin, and the son of God. Creator in our flesh, and the Lord of worlds in the fashion of a man. Mystery of mysteries. "Great is the mystery of godliness," &c.
2. Pearls are noted for their variety. In this we have both resemblance and dissimilarity. For there are in the world numerous pearls, but only one Saviour. God has sent many priests, and prophets, and righteous men. He has commissioned apostles and evangelists, &c.; but there is only one divine, eternal, and infinitely glorious Redeemer. His name—his office—his work—his glory is one—the one mediator between God and man.
3. Pearls are precious and valuable. Hence the pearl in the text is described as of Great Price! Who shall declare the worth of Jesus? All titles—all similes—all calculations—all conceptions—
"All are too mean to show his worth,
Too mean to set his glories forth."
Think of his inherent dignity, and majesty, and glory. Think of the Father's estimate of him, as his own elect, beloved and only son! Think of the esteem and love of angels, and their intense admiration of Christ; and still the real preciousness of Christ surpasseth knowledge. Observe,
II. How this pearl is obtained.
1. It is diligently sought for. Hence the Christian is likened to a "merchantman seeking goodly pearls," Mat_13:45. Here is the spiritual pursuit of the soul after Christ. By the power of truth, the anxiety for salvation has been produced—desire for the Saviour enkindled; and directed by the unerring testimony—the soul inquires for Christ—mourns for Christ—longs intensely for the manifestation of Christ. This seeking is the result of the proclamation of the gospel, and the direct effect of God's truth on the soul.
2. All is sacrificed for its possession. "He sold all that he had." Now, no one can merit the possession of Christ, or the enjoyment of saving grace. Christ is God's gift, and only as such can we receive him. We can only have the wine and milk of the gospel without money, and without price. Yet, in another and equally consistent sense, all must be parted with to enjoy him. All that may be denominated self. Self-righteousness and esteem—self-love—self-seeking; honors, and all worldly vain distinctions. All sinful pleasures and gratifications. All things incompatible with the Saviour's love and favor. The soul itself must be yielded up to Christ. There must be a complete self-consecration. Rom_12:1. And thus only can we possess Christ. In losing all, we find Jesus. In renouncing every thing else, we possess the peerless pearl. We would refer,
III. To the happiness and advantages of those who have found it. In finding this pearl, they have found a portion for both worlds—riches for time and eternity.
1. In Christ is all our need. Think of the soul's wants—and they are all met in the Saviour. Ignorant, in Christ we have knowledge and wisdom. Naked, in Christ we have the robe of salvation. Hungry, he is the bread of life. Guilty, he is our pardon. Unholy, he is our righteousness. Wretched, he is our peace. Perishing, he is our deliverer and portion. To the soul who has found Christ, it may be said, "All are yours."
2. In Christ is all the Christian's desire. Every holy and spiritual desire terminates in Christ. Desires after holiness—after peace—after joy—after heaven, are all met in Christ. He sanctifies—he preserves—he delivers—he glorifies.
3. In Christ is the believer's eternal salvation. He is the Christian's portion forever—his likeness will be borne forever—his dwelling is an endless home—his glories our ceaseless bliss—his love our endless song. To see him as he is, and be with him, and enjoy him, is eternal life. How great the treasure of having Christ! Rich indeed are all such: "Heirs of God, and joint heirs with Christ." Heirs of God's eternal kingdom and glory!
Then learn,
1. The wisdom of true religion. All else is folly—excuseless folly.
2. The happiness of true believers. How rich—how exalted—how blessed! By men they may be considered as the refuse of the world, but with these is true dignity and the reality of blessedness.
3. Urge sinners to seek and to obtain this pearl. To do so at any rate, at any loss.
4. How infatuated those who neglect this precious Saviour. Of those who prefer the world, and the pleasures of sin. Ah! meager portion—wretched choice! A present bauble, and eternal poverty, misery, and despair.