The Field. It has been defined in several ways: The place of harvest; a wilderness; the proving ground; the world. I cannot describe it completely, only to say that it is both literal and figurative. In the field is where Jesus said a great treasure was found. He called it “the pearl of great price.” The parable depicts a man of knowledge selling all that he had to buy it. By nature of the description, we can assume that the field and the pearl came together as a single purchase. One was not separate from the other. In order to possess the pearl, the field with all of its attributes had to be purchased.
The parable implies that the field comes with unpleasantries, trouble, and strife. Who knows what lays in the crevices unseen; briars and thorns and the lot. To walk in that field speaks of a cautionary journey. However, the knowing man sold all that he possessed to buy the field because something of great value resided there.
The parable is reminiscent of the words of Jesus to the rich ruler, “Go, sell all you have. Give to the poor and pick up your cross and follow Me.”
Maybe the pearl of great price is Jesus and Heaven! Perhaps it is Jesus for Eternity. If so, the field is our time on this earth; burdened, filled with sorrows and struggle. We all face obstacles and disappointments beyond the telling. Following Jesus comes at a cost. I know this right well. Yet, if I fail to sell all that I have and follow Him, I will make a trade of unseemly proportions. Jesus said: Mat 16:26 For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? or what shall a man give in exchange for his soul?
I urge you today, sell all and follow Jesus! Whatever we have in our hand will fade away. We will keep nothing but the decision of the heart. Gold and precious stones pale in the light of the never-dying soul. Sell all! Jump into the deep end of commitment and consecration. Buy the field and keep your mind on the ultimate treasure.
Start a prayer meeting. Give sacrificially. Teach a home Bible study. Build your schedule around the church. Be a witness in conduct and conversation. Rejoice in sufferings and know that the trial of your faith is God’s divine path to eternal life… and in that final day we will know it was worth it all. The purchased pearl will one day invite us to walk through Heaven’s gates of pearl!
Pastor Jeffrey Harpole