The Pearl of Great Price

The morning sun grew into its full summer heat, as booths and tents came alive with merchants selling their goods. Fresh spices were mounded in handmade trays boasting a wide array of ambers and golds.  Deep scarlet, indigo, and purple fabrics waved in the salty breeze. Amos had been up and down the coast searching for just the right pearls. Scouring marketplaces for the best to sell to the wealthy. Amos wandered from stall to stall, thumbing merchandise to determine its value.

His eyes wandered, skimming the tops of the tables. A shine from a booth two rows back caught his attention. His stomach turned at the possibilities of what he had just found. Brushing past other shoppers and pushing through the crowd, Amos quickened his steps to lay imaginary claim to his newfound treasure.

This pearl was exactly what he had been searching for. The largest, roundest, most lustrous pearl Amos had ever seen sat snuggly in a puddle of sand for display.

A beautifully round pearl came into focus as he stepped up to the stall. “How much?” Amos blurted out, unable to contain his excitement. “Oh, for this one? Much more than you have, I’m sure.”  The Audacity. Amos reached for his satchel as the seller whispered the price. Amos knew he didn’t have that much in cash but checked his money bag to save face. Amos attempted to barter, but the seller refused to budge.

Amos shuffled through all the purchases he had made over the past weeks in his head, this pearl was worth more than all that combined. Amos asked the merchant for time to gather the money. He knew this pearl would be snatched up if he didn’t come up with the funds soon. Amos calculated how much he could get if he sold all of his belongings.

Amos felt a tinge of urgency in his stomach. He turned to go and looked back at the pearl one more time. I’ll be back, he thought; I have to be back! Amos pushed his way through the crowd again and broke out into a brisk jog to reach his room in the inn. Gathering all of his belongings, he shoved them back into his satchel and rushed back out the door.

Throwing the straps over his shoulders backward, Amos reopened the flap as he walked. Reaching in his hand in, he brought out his tunic. He stopped at the first booth he saw and sold it for as much as he could. Booth after booth he emptied his bag. With each sale his excitement for the pearl grew.

Making his way back to the pearl, Amos was practically running towards it. A bit out of breath, he dumped all his money out of his bag in front of the merchant. The seller’s eyes widened at the uncontained excitement. “I’ll take the pearl!” Amos insisted. Seeing the opportunity, the merchant examined the money, “The satchel as well!”  “Deal!” Amos almost yelled. The Merchant opened a delicate cloth bag, placed the most valuable pearl in the bag, and drew the string to tie it in a knot.

The merchant placed the small bag in Amos’ hands. He didn’t even miss all of his belongings. Amos knew the worth of his new treasure. A wide smile spread across his face as Amos turned on his heels, pearl in hand.

The Good Portion Journaling Questions

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Matthew 13:44-46

“The kingdom of heaven is like treasure hidden in a field, which a man found and covered up. Then in his joy he goes and sells all that he has and buys that field. 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.”

Luke 12:32-34

“Fear not, little flock, for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom. Sell your possessions and give to the needy. Provide yourselves with moneybags that do not grow old, with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.”

What is the “Treasure in the field” and “the pearl of great price” in Jesus’ parable?

What are some things you needed to give up or lay aside when you acquired the treasure of Christ’s salvation.

What does Luke 12:32 say about how God feels about giving you the kingdom? What can we learn about God's character from this observation?

Name some things that are earthly treasures. Explain what these verses mean by “treasures in heaven”.

Where is your treasure? Is Jesus worth this much to you?

Thank the Lord for giving you a treasure that will never be destroyed. Spend some time in prayer. Ask God to show you what you should give up, ask him to reveal where your treasure and heart are right now and where they should be.

Spend some time meditating on the verses above, memorize Luke 12:34.