There are two pictures in this parable that Jesus tells.

First, the picture within the picture.

The Hebrews were not interested in pearls and placed no value on them. While the Old Testament mentions many precious stones, it doesn’t mention the pearl. Ever. Knowing that, it gives us a clue that this parable was upside down to the current cultural thinking.

So, some interesting facts:

• The pearl is the only precious jewel that is made organically.
• The Sanscrit meaning for the word “pearl” is pure.

You probably know how the pearl is made. A grain of sand, or something similar, finds its way in the shell, and causes injury. The sand wounds the life. In return, the oyster covers the sand.

Then the oyster covers the sand again. And again. Over and over.

Until the sand that wounded is now something different.

It’s pure. It’s precious.

Wasn’t Christ wounded because of us? Isn’t it Christ who perfects us?

It’s a beautiful picture. The wounding sand is transformed into something pure.

That’s the picture inside the picture.

Second, the greater picture.

It’s this: Christ is seeking His church for the glory of God.

The picture is of a merchant searching for the fine pearl. The fact that it’s a merchant, and not a regular guy, gives us the hint that the merchant is on a mission for the business of someone else. Perhaps, the pearl’s destination is the bosom of a King. Hmm…

It’s Christ that began the search. It’s Christ that paid the great price. It’s Christ on the mission.

This is the kingdom of heaven. That Christ is seeking His church (not churches, The Church). That she may be purified and glorify the King.

Matthew 13:45-46 (English Standard Version)

Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant in search of fine pearls, who, on finding one pearl of great value, went and sold all that he had and bought it.