Jesus On The Move | Pastor Nate Keeler
When you think of the parables of Jesus, do you often see yourself as the main character? It’s a common interpretation, especially in parables like the merchant seeking the pearl. Many people believe that we are the merchants, striving to find the pearl of Heaven, and doing all we can—sacrificing, working hard, and checking off religious boxes—to obtain it. But what if this understanding misses the point entirely?
Jesus reveals a truth that sets Christianity apart from every other religion: Jesus is the merchant, and we are the pearl. This might change how you see not only the parables but your entire walk with Christ.
The Parables Point to Jesus, Not Us
In Matthew 13, Jesus tells several parables, including the story of the merchant searching for a pearl of great value. Many believe the lesson is about how we should search for the Kingdom of God. But, if we are the merchants, Christianity would be no different from any other religion—just another system where humans must work hard to attain Heaven or God’s favor.
However, in verse 37 of Matthew, Jesus explains the key to unlocking these parables: He is the sower in the field, the fisherman with the net, and the merchant seeking the pearl. We are not the ones working to find God. Rather, God seeks us because He sees incredible worth in us.
This shift is crucial. In Christianity, we aren’t merchants trying to earn our way to Heaven. Jesus, as the merchant, sees us as the valuable pearl. He goes to incredible lengths—ultimately sacrificing His life on the cross—to claim us as His own.
You Are the Pearl of Great Price
Let that sink in for a moment. Jesus looks at you and says, “You are worth it.” He doesn’t just tolerate you; He treasures you. Just like the merchant in the parable, Jesus was willing to pay the highest price to have you.
This idea is the Gospel in parable form. John 3:16 echoes the same truth: “For God so loved the world that He gave His one and only Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life.”
Your response to this amazing truth matters. So what should our response be when we realize that Jesus sees us as the pearl of great value?
Response #1: Gratitude for the Gospel
Gratitude should be the natural response to Jesus’ sacrifice. Yet, if you’re anything like me, you might find yourself feeling more grateful for small, everyday moments than for the life-altering grace of the Gospel.
Here’s a personal example. A year ago, I returned to my parked car only to find that the front bumper had been dented. My first reaction was frustration. Then I noticed a note on the windshield. It read, “I’m sorry for the damage I caused to your car. Here’s my number to get it fixed. Please forgive me. – Casey.” I was so touched that someone owned up to their mistake. I called Casey, and we worked it out.
But here’s the thing: if I can be so grateful for a stranger’s honesty, how much more should I be thankful for what Jesus has done for me? My life was not just “dented”—it was broken, heading for destruction because of sin. But Jesus saw me as valuable, so valuable that He gave His life to save me.
Let this gratitude fuel your faith. Think back to the moment you first realized the depth of what Jesus did for you. Did it melt your heart? Stir your affections? Bring tears to your eyes? Go back to that moment, and let the joy of the Gospel fill you again.
Response #2: Generosity as a Reflection of Grace
Gratitude naturally leads to generosity. Jesus’ sacrifice for us—the priceless pearl—calls us to live generously. But this isn’t guilt-driven giving. It’s not about religious duty. It’s about giving because we’ve been given so much.
The Apostle Paul encourages believers to give in light of Jesus’ generosity. In 2 Corinthians 8:9, he writes, “For you know the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, that though He was rich, yet for your sake He became poor, so that you through His poverty might become rich.” Jesus gave up everything out of love for us. How can we not respond with joyful generosity?
Generosity motivated by the Gospel is a joy-filled act. It’s not about duty or guilt, but about seeing the worth in others just as Jesus saw worth in us. Whether it’s giving financially, offering your time, or using your talents, you’re reflecting the heart of Jesus when you give.
Living with a Gospel-Driven Perspective
Take a moment and think: how would your life change if you viewed the people in your community the way Jesus does? What if you began to see your neighbors, friends, and even strangers as pearls of great price? Would your actions, your generosity, and your love change?
The parable of the merchant and the pearl reminds us of the lengths Jesus went to secure us. Now, as His people, we are called to carry that same love into the world. We are invited to partner with Him in showing others how much they are worth in God’s eyes.
This week, take time to express gratitude for what Jesus has done for you. Whether through prayer, journaling, or worship, let your heart be stirred by the reality of the Gospel. And consider how you can reflect Jesus’ generosity in your life. Who can you bless? How can you give in a way that mirrors Christ’s sacrifice?
Conclusion: Embrace Your Worth in Christ
In a world that often tries to define us by what we achieve or how hard we work, Jesus offers a different message: you are already valuable. You are the pearl of great price. He sought you out, and He paid the highest price for you.
So, live in that truth today. Respond with gratitude for His sacrifice and let it overflow into generosity toward others. And remember, just as Jesus sought you out, He calls you to see others with the same love and value. You are His precious pearl, and so are they.