1. The Pearl of Great PriceMatthew 13:45 - 46 • Each of the seven parables in this chapter refer to the Kingdom of Heaven: the church. • The attention in this parable is more on the MERCHANT than on the pearl!

2. The Pearl of Great PriceMatthew 13:45 - 46 • He has a DEFINITE PURPOSE • It is the primary need in reaching TRUE HAPPINESS – Phil. 4:4 • DETERMINED goals are commendable • “He sought GOODLY (valuable) pearls.”

3. The Pearl of Great PriceMatthew 13:45 - 46 • He set the HIGHEST POSSIBLE GOAL • “Set your goals high enough to challenge you; low enough to achieve success.” • “Goodly” means “best; of highest value.” • Requires extensive knowledge. He was a “connoisseur” of pearls.

4. The Pearl of Great PriceMatthew 13:45 - 46 • He Recognized the BEST when he found it! • He could determine the DISTINCTIVE differences; even the subtle differences. • A façade did not fool him: he KNEW the genuine! • Finding THIS pearl, he looked no further.

5. The Pearl of Great PriceMatthew 13:45 - 46 • He Bought the Pearl • “Good enough” was NOT good enough! • His LIFE was to acquire the BEST – not merely “wish” for it. • The cost was not “too high.” • Wisdom told him the price was non-negotiable.