Here are the verses from 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."
2007-07-09 06:07:17 · 7 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
i think here the merchant is christ and he gave all that He had He shed His blood and gave Himself for us and i think the pearl is the church or the members of church
church here refers to the "called out people" not the building not just in what i wrote but in the scripture or anywherechurch refers to the people called out but never a building
2007-07-09 06:21:15 · answer #1 · answered by suzana r 3 · 2⤊ 1⤋
The context of the surrounding parables proves that JESUS is the merchant, who gave everything up to redeem the "pearl" -- which is the Church.
It's interesting to note that pearls come from an "unclean" category of food under the Mosaic Law: mollusks. So the full meaning here is that Jesus redeemed sinners (who are "unclean") by sacrificing His life. In the process, the "clean" came out from the midst of that which was "unclean." A perfect description of the Church.
It's a rather unequal trade, but it does prove how much He loves us.
2007-07-10 11:50:19 · answer #2 · answered by Suzanne: YPA 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
It is a parable. The merchant is us. The pearl is HEAVEN.
People understand shopping, when we are seeking something which will bring us pleasure and joy. To a merchant what could be more joy than finding something of great value that he can buy and make a profit on . ..
If you went to a sale and found a pearl worth millions selling for a hundred thousand dollars would you sell your house to aquire it?
HEAVEN is worth all the world . ..
HEAVEN is to die for . ..
HEAVEN is worth our lives . ..
-LOVE your neighbor as yourself.
Amen.
:edit: it is worth noting that JESUS compares the Saints to Spiritual Stones . .. this metaphore is seen throughout the Bible . .. and also in JESUS' promise to "the rock" Saint Peter . .. and even as our LORD as the "rock" in the Psalms . .. These Spiritual Stones build up the KINGDOM OF GOD in the TEMPLE which JESUS built . .. to which JESUS is the CHIEF CORNERSTONE . .. Therefore what is meant here is Sainthood . .. to be a Saint in HEAVEN is worth all things of the Earth . ..
2007-07-09 13:21:52 · answer #3 · answered by jesusfreakstreet 4 · 1⤊ 2⤋
You are the merchant and the pearl is Gods love and salvation.
2007-07-09 13:11:12 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋
The merchant is everyone. The pearl is the truth that leads to salvation; or salvation itself.
2007-07-09 13:17:37 · answer #5 · answered by PaulCyp 7 · 3⤊ 2⤋
It is about giving up everything (that stands in the way) to follow God.
2007-07-09 13:12:13 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
is this a homework question ??
Wow im becoming a nerd..Ouch...
Oh well good luck i have no idea!
*laughs giddly for no apparent reason*
2007-07-09 13:11:33 · answer #7 · answered by Nixxi 2 · 0⤊ 2⤋