NOTES for Mat 13:45-46
Comparing the Kingdom of Heaven to something precious, to a treasure for which one would gladly give everything, is very characteristic of the Gospel. Jesus uses this image many times, and we have just read it in the preceding verse (Matt. 13:44). But here we see a somewhat different development of this theme. The Kingdom of Heaven is like—not the pearl, but—the merchant seeking fine pearls. It is compared not to an object possessing "objective" value, but to a human being, a person, to that person's inner purpose and search for true values. Indeed, for all the "objectivity" of the Kingdom of Heaven, it is realized through a person's personal relationship with God, through that person's acknowledgment of God's sovereignty over them and assent to His will. "Seek first the Kingdom of God..." "Seek and you will find..."