“ONE PEARL OF HIGH VALUE”

6. In what way did Jesus illustrate the depth of appreciation that a true Christian must have for God’s kingdom?

⁶ In helping his disciples to cultivate appreciation for the things of greatest value, the things of God, Jesus frequently used illustrations. On one occasion when he was in Galilee he said to them: “The kingdom of the heavens is like a traveling merchant seeking fine pearls. Upon finding one pearl of high value, away he went and promptly sold all the things he had and bought it.” (Matt. 13:45, 46) Here was a merchant who knew the value of pearls. When he found a particular “pearl of high value” he prized it above all his possessions. He promptly sold all the things he had, everything in his possession that was of value, in order to buy that one superlative “pearl of high value.” Those who would gain entry into the kingdom of God must appreciate it that much; they must prize it that highly.​—Compare Luke 13:24.

Those who would gain the heavenly kingdom with Christ must eventually be willing to leave behind all their earthly possessions; they must go as far as laying down their lives in order to attain the heavenly kingdom. But not only must they be willing to die for it; they must also live for that kingdom. (Luke 12:31) In imitation of Christ they must be preachers of the good news of that kingdom.