City Life Starter

Written by Scott Fiddler

The Word

⁴⁵ “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant seeking fine pearls, ⁴⁶ and upon finding one pearl of great value, he went and sold everything that he had and bought it.

Matthew 13:45-46 (NASB)

Commentary

Jesus says the Kingdom is like a merchant. So, the merchant is central to understanding the meaning of the parable. To focus only on the value of the pearl misses the point. Merchants buy and sell. The point is the merchant was going all in; where he might have diversified his business in the past by purchasing various pearls of lesser price to resell, or even different types of merchandise, now he was making the decision to go all in on buying this one pearl hoping he could resell it for a bigger profit.

Diversifying one’s investment is usually a good idea because it diminishes risk. It’s called hedging your bet. Jesus’ point in this parable is the Kingdom is not something on which you can hedge your bet; you are either all in or all out. It’s what Dietrich Bonhoeffer taught when he called the alternative “cheap grace.” Jesus made this same point with the rich young ruler when He told him, “You lack one thing. Go and sell all that you have . . .  and follow me” (Matthew 10:17-22).

There are many roads to the door of the Kingdom, but only one door. Some are drawn to the door through the community of other believers. Others may like the worship service at the church or how they feel after attending church on Sunday. Others may have been drawn to the door by the awareness of their sin and need for God, but they know they are still standing at the door. 

Maybe that is where you are; you understand the price of admission is everything you have, and you haven’t been willing to pay the price. The price is real. It means trading your autonomy to became a slave to Christ, trading your sin for His holiness, exchanging your plans for His calling. And so you haven’t sold everything to buy the pearl of great price.

Application

If you are at the door, that is okay. Those who have entered were all there once. If you haven’t entered yet because you realize the cost, that is okay as well. Jesus said to count the cost (Luke 14:25-32). But now it’s time to come in. It’s time to go all in, to surrender all and be willing to sell all because on the other side of that decision—on the other side of the door—awaits the King of kings to welcome you into His kingdom.

Prayer

Lord, I pray that you draw those at the door to surrender all and come in. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.