Matthew the apostle wrote how Jesus said, “the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man has found, he hides, and for joy thereof goes and sells all that he has, and buys that field”, and in chapter thirteen and verse forty-five of his book, Matthew wrote how Jesus tells His disciples another parable how, “the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man” where we read:
Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls:
The verse reads, “Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, ...” Matthew began with the word, “again” which means “further and moreover”, “the kingdom” or “the royal dominion and rule” “of heaven” which means “belonging to the region above the sidereal heavens, the seat of order of things eternal and consummately perfect where God dwells and other heavenly beings” “is like unto a merchant man” or “is similar and in likeness to a person who is on a journey whether by sea or land especially for trade”. Matthew shared how Jesus likened the “kingdom of heaven” to a traveling businessman.
The verse continues, “... seeking goodly pearls:” Matthew added the word, “seeking” which means “looking for, striving after and craving” “goodly pearls” or “beautiful, handsome, excellent, eminent, choice, surpassing, precious, useful, suitable, commendable, admirable pearls”. Matthew shared how Jesus said this “merchant man” is searching for “precious pearls”.
When we consider Matthew's words in this verse, we see how Jesus employs yet another illustration for the “kingdom of heaven”. This time He shares concerning a “merchant man” who “craves and desires” to find “precious pearls”. This idea refers to “valuable things”, and the “merchant man” desires to find them. God considers people of “great value”, and He paid the ultimate price by allowing His Son Jesus to die for the sins of people so they might be in a loving relationship with Him. Let all who read these words realize they are the “goodly pearls” for which Jesus is looking.
Next time Matthew shares how Jesus told His disciples how, “the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow…there is more…
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