Matthew records in13:45-46 another parable of Jesus in which He says, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. {46} When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.” In this parable of Jesus there is no question about the process of finding the treasure. It must be sought out. What we need to note however is Jesus does not say the kingdom of heaven is like a pearl of great value, rather He says, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. The merchant had a goal, a definite purpose, a dream of what would be. He had as Napoleon Hill suggests we must do, defined his dream and had a burning desire for its achievement.
This merchant was looking forward towards success in his endeavour and he was taking action towards that purpose which involved diligence, persistence, excitement, enthusiasm and a feel good anticipation as part of the journey. These are all qualities identified by Napoleon Hill as necessary to the achievement of your dreams in his book, “The Law of Success.”
For those who would desire to be part of the kingdom of heaven these would be qualities worth implementing in your search for the greatest of all treasures. Remember the phrase, ” kingdom of heaven” means, the “realm where God abides.”
In this parable the merchant was seeking “fine” pearls. The word translated “fine” literally means good quality or beautiful.”The merchant had set his sights for what was valuable, but what he found was a pearl of “great value,” literally “extreme value.” When the merchant found the pearl of extreme value Jesus said, “he sold everything he had and bought it.”
At the moment in time the merchant discovered the pearl of extreme value, he had a decision to make. Would he commit to the process of attaining it? Would he sacrifice everything in order to achieve his goal? Would he be successful at all costs? Jesus presents the case to you in this parable in relation to the kingdom of heaven. Do you perceive the kingdom of heaven worth the sacrifice necessary to achieve it? Are you willing to commit and sacrifice everything to successfully achieve it? The word translated “bought” in the original language carries the idea of redeemed.
Jesus looked at you and declared, “your entry into the kingdom of heaven is worth My willingness to sacrifice everything so you can be redeemed.” The Apostle Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, “Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; {20} you were bought at a price. Therefore honour God with your body.” Hebrews 12:1-3, “Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles, and let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us. {2} Let us fix our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy set before him endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. {3} Consider him who endured such opposition from sinful men, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” The Apostle Peter wrote in1 Peter 1:18-21, “For you know that it was not with perishable things such as silver or gold that you were redeemed from the empty way of life handed down to you from your forefathers, {19} but with the precious blood of Christ, a lamb without blemish or defect. {20} He was chosen before the creation of the world, but was revealed in these last times for your sake. {21} Through him you believe in God, who raised him from the dead and glorified him, and so your faith and hope are in God.”
What does that mean for us? It means the Eternal Son of God, the Word who was made flesh and dwelt among us, sought us out and then gave His all, His very life, so we can become children of God and have access to the place where He abides on an on-going basis. Don’t you think that is an amazing secret that has been revealed to us? Isn’t that worth getting excited about? So what are we going to do about it? Are you willing to take your treasure and share it with those who are not part of the kingdom of heaven, but could be if you would share the good news about it?