PARABLE OF THE PEARL
A Study, by Yac'ob
Matthew 13 is full of parables likening the Kingdom of Heaven (YHWH) to a number of earthly things. We are going to focus on two:
Matthew 13:44 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field.
In this parable, Yeshua compares the Kingdom to hidden treasure. As we come to better understand the scriptures, this becomes evermore obvious. The Truth of the scriptures has been hidden. The traditional teachings of the apostate churches have hidden the the truth deep. If we want to possess this hidden treasure (truth), we must dispossess; get rid of, all that we have, (or rather, all the false teachings we hold on to) and then purchase the filed were this treasure lies. (Or in our cases, embrace the Word of YHWH; and let His Spirit reveal the treasure to us.
Matthew 13:45-46 Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a merchant man, seeking goodly pearls: Who, when he had found one pearl of great price, went and sold all that he had, and bought it.
This parable is quite similar in that it depicts The Kingdom as something of great vale, and a merchant desiring that "Pearl of Great Value," sells all that he has in order to purchase that valuable pearl. The lesson in both of these parables was that in order to gain the treasure, or great pearl, an extreme effort was made, sacrifices were made, and things were given up.
We need to recognize the things in or lives that prevent us from embracing that "Treasure." We also need to recognize what this "treasure" is. If you were going out to search for gold, you would want to know what it looks like.
So to this "Treasure" that is hidden in YHWH Word.
Proverbs: 8:10-11 Receive my instruction, and not silver; and knowledge rather than choice gold. For wisdom is better than rubies; and all the things that may be desired are not to be compared to it.
Here we see that true treasure and wealth lie in the knowledge, instruction, and wisdom, not in worldly treasures.
Proverbs 16:16; repeats the same fact. "How much better is it to get wisdom than gold! and to get understanding rather to be chosen than silver!"
Therefore, if we are searching for "The Treasure" in YHWH's Word, we must recognize that what YHWH considers "Treasure" is wisdom and instruction. The only way to receive or find this treasure is to dig. Dig into the Word! Just as digging for gold, or any other treasure is work, so digging into the Word is work. Because to gain understanding, we must be able to put the pieces of the puzzle together (Isaiah 28:10 & 13). -For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: ...... But the word of YHWH was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
If we are going to dig for "treasure," then we must have the right tools. Even so; as we "dig" into scripture. And the first tool we need is found in Proverbs 9:10. - The fear of YHWH is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. (this world "fear" is greatly understood in our society. In its ancient condition it means to "respectfully recognize.") "To respectfully recognize YHWH..." We sill discuss other "tools" as our studies progress, but for now we will need to grasp this basic requirement.
To show proper "fear" for YHWH, we must first recognize His position. He is the supreme, all mighty, Elohim! He is the King! He is the boss! His word is final, and nothing we human beings can say or do will change His Word. So we must be willing to accept His Word as all truth, and we must be able to recognize things that have been "added to" or "subtracted from" His Word by man for what they are.
the only way to do this is to STUDY. 2nd Timothy 2:15 - Give diligence to present yourself approved by Elohim, a workman who doesn’t need to be ashamed, properly handling the Word of Truth; This is the act of actually digging into the Word for that treasure and this act proves to YHWH, our sincerity in our desire for the truth.