Matthew 13:45

Kingdom of heaven. [The Pearl of Great Price, Matt. 13:45, 46. On parables see pp. 203-207.] See on chs. 3:2; 4:17; 5:3.

A merchant. Gr. emporos, “a wholesale dealer,” one who travels around and buys, in contrast with a kapelos, “a retailer,” or “a petty tradesman.” Whereas the parable of the Hidden Treasure illustrates the experience of those who find truth without having been intent on searching for it, the parable of the Priceless Pearl represents those who have earnestly desired truth (COL 116). The “merchant man” was a dealer in pearls; this was his business. As he went about his business he aspired to trade in only the best. Thinking men and women often go for years doing their best with the light they have, dimly aware that there is some grand purpose in life which they have not yet discovered. With ardent longing in their hearts they go in quest of the answer to existence — and eventually they find it.

Seeking goodly pearls. The “merchant man” represents primarily men in search of a Saviour, though, in addition, he properly represents Christ in search of men. Nothing is of greater value, or should be sought more diligently, than Christ Himself. On the other hand, nothing is of greater value in the sight of Heaven than the affection and devotion of created beings throughout the universe. Even when man had fallen into sin he was of so great value in the sight of Heaven that God gave His own Son to seek for him and to restore him to divine favor, and along with this gift made available the boundless resources of Omnipotence.