1. The Pearl of Great Price Matthew 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 Price Matthew 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 Price Matthew 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 Price Matthew 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 Price Matthew 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.