The Treasure and the Pearl

IN THREE verses we have the record of two important parables of the kingdom related by Jesus. The first pertains to a man who found ‘”treasure hid in a field,” and who sells all his possessions in order to raise funds to purchase the field, and thus obtain the treasure. The second tells of a merchant seeking “goodly pearls,” and upon finding one of great value sold all that he had and purchased the pearl. Jesus offered no explanation of these parables, but the general lesson taught by them is, we think, quite obvious.

Both of these parables relate, not to the earthly blessings which will be made available to the people through the agencies of the kingdom when it is established throughout the earth in power and great glory, but to the priceless opportunity that is offered to some during the present Gospel Age of securing a position with Jesus in the rulership of his kingdom. It is somewhat akin to what Paul refers to as “the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”—Phil. 3:14

The “pearl of great price” and the hidden treasure are, according to the parables, of such great value that those finding them do not hesitate selling everything they have in order to obtain them. The nature of the “treasure” is not mentioned, but its great value is stressed. The man who finds the treasure “hideth” it, “and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.” The thought seems to be that the “man” “accidentally” comes across the hidden treasure, and then hides it away more safely until he can raise the necessary funds to purchase the field.

In the second parable, the “pearl” is described as one of “great price.” Apparently the great value of the hidden treasure and of the pearl is one of the main points for consideration in both of these parables. The fact that a pearl is used rather than a ruby or a diamond would seem to be of no special significance.

The “man” in the parable of the “treasure” sells all that he has in order to purchase the field, and thus secures the treasure for himself. The pearl merchant in the second parable likewise sells all that he has to obtain the pearl. In this respect both parables are the same. In seeking the lessons of these parables this similarity could be an important clue to their meaning.

Jesus said to the rich young ruler, “Go and sell that thou hast, and give to the poor, and thou shalt have treasure in heaven: and come and follow me.” (Matt. 19:21) When the disciples asked further concerning this, Jesus explained, “Ye which have followed me, in the regeneration when the Son of Man shall sit in the throne of his glory, ye also shall sit upon twelve thrones, judging the twelve tribes of Israel.”—vs. 28

This is one of the Bible’s descriptions of the precious kingdom treasure to be obtained by the faithful followers of Jesus, those who are willing that it shall cost them all that they have and are. But it should be remembered that Jesus was the first and chief One to gain this treasure, and that it is his example of giving all that his dedicated followers must emulate if they are to share the treasure with him.

Jesus did indeed give all in order to obtain this treasure. He gave the glory which he had with the Heavenly Father before the world was; and he gave his humanity, his flesh, for the life of the world. As a matter of fact, Jesus was the One who actually purchased the “field,” and obtained the right to the “treasure” which it contained. In addition to glory, honor, and immorality; and in addition also to attaining the high office of “King of kings, and Lord of lords,” Jesus will also have as a “treasure” his joint-heirs, who will be his “bride” in the kingdom.

And the true followers of Jesus are to share his honor and glory with him on condition that they also give up all that they have. Paul wrote, “What things were gain to me, those I counted loss for Christ. Yea, doubtless, and I count all things but loss for the excellency of the knowledge of Christ Jesus my Lord: for whom I have suffered the loss of all things, and do count them but dung, that I may win Christ, and be found in him, not having mine own righteousness, which is of the Law, but that which is through the faith of Christ, the righteousness which is of God by faith: that I may know him, and the power of his resurrection, and the fellowship of his sufferings, being made conformable unto his death; if by any means I might attain unto the resurrection of the dead.”—Phil. 3:7-11

The Difference

THERE is one important difference between these two parables, which is that in the first one the “man” seemingly finds the “treasure” in the field without specially searching for it, but in the second one the pearl merchant was seeking “goodly pearls.” Both of these situations could well illustrate that which is true of all whom the Lord calls to joint-heirship with Jesus.

It is the testimony of many who receive a knowledge of the divine plan, and of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus, that they “just happened” to come across it. They “happened” to find a tract under their door, or on the sidewalk. They “happened” to tune in their radio, or their television set, to a truth program. Actually, however, we know that it is by the Lord’s overruling providence that anyone is drawn to the truth and to a knowledge of the heavenly treasures.

On the other hand, there must be an earnest longing to know the Lord and to know his plans and purposes. This could be illustrated by the merchant seeking goodly pearls. “Seek, and ye shall find,” Jesus said. (Matt. 7:7) This is true if the seeking is in sincerity, and the Lord sees in the heart the true spirit of humility and dedication which leads to consecration. The Lord does not call the indifferent, but only the humble searchers after truth and righteousness.

The Psalmist David wrote, “I waited patiently for the Lord; and he inclined unto me, and heard my cry.” (Ps. 40:1) This is the attitude of the seekers after the Lord and his ways. But when the Lord “inclines” unto them, it often seems to have “just happened.” However, this is not really the case, for his providences overrule and direct in the lives of all those whom he calls, and this includes the manner in which the truth is first brought to their attention. And it is the truth that reveals the heavenly treasures, the “pearl of great price.” Our part in these illustrations is our willingness to sell all we have in order to participate in the joys of the kingdom, as joint-heirs with Jesus Christ.

It is not possible in any parable to find an application for every detail. Parables are not designed for that purpose. It would be difficult, for example, to make a spiritual application of the fact that the “man” who found the treasure in the field hid that treasure until he could buy the field. In keeping with the customs of the time, this apparently was a necessary procedure in order ultimately to become the legal possessor of the treasure.

The important thing is the man’s willingness that the treasure cost him all that he had. And that is the chief lesson for us in both of these parables. If we have found the treasure, and if we have found the “pearl of great price,” are we giving up everything in order to make these our own? Are we, like Paul, counting all things else as loss and dross that we may win Christ, and attain “the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus”?

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