Pearl in a Puddle
E.A. Johnston illustrates how Christ is the priceless 'pearl in a puddle' worthy of all sacrifice and calls believers to stand out as shining witnesses in the world.
In 'Pearl in a Puddle,' E.A. Johnston powerfully portrays Jesus Christ as the invaluable pearl of great price, worthy of every sacrifice. Drawing from Matthew 13:45-46, Johnston reflects on Christ’s unique life, ministry, and sacrifice, encouraging believers to stand out as distinct witnesses in a fallen world. This devotional sermon inspires a deeper commitment to Christ and a bold gospel witness.
Full Transcript
In Matthew's Gospel in chapter 13 and in verses 45 through 46, we read 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. Listen friends, when Jesus was born in that manger in Bethlehem as he lay wrapped in those swaddling clothes as he breathed in the rank smell of those farm animals that lay beside him and as he laid there with his loving mama's gaze upon him as she looked down she saw a pearl in a puddle. As the lad grew and as he exercised his muscles working in Joseph's carpenter shop amidst the sawdust and lumber he stood out like a pearl in a puddle.
As Jesus of Nazareth began his earthly ministry giving sight to the blind and healing the leper's spots and even raising the dead to life as that mass of sweaty humanity pressed in upon him he stood out as a pearl in that puddle and as he was questioned and persecuted by the religious leaders of his day he stood head and shoulders above those religious hypocrites like a pearl in a puddle. As he knelt in the darkness in that solitary garden while his sweat fell from his brow like great drops of blood he glistened like a pearl in a puddle. As the Romans with cruel hands whipped him and spit on him and then nailed him to that cross he gleaned like a pearl in a puddle and as he suffered and squirmed on that cross in agony between two criminals with the black sins of the world draped upon him he hung there shining like a pearl in a puddle.
Christ Jesus my Redeemer is that pearl in a pearl of great price who's worth selling off for and losing off for so he may be gained and do you know what friend when you come to Christ through repentance and faith and are born again and are joined in a vital union with a living Lord as you go through this world as a gospel witness to lost sinners for him you too will be like a pearl in a puddle. What a glorious privilege it is to be like him. Let us pray.
Sermon Outline
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I
- The kingdom of heaven likened to a merchant seeking pearls
- Jesus as the pearl of great price
- The value of Christ surpasses all worldly possessions
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II
- Jesus' humble birth and early life as a pearl in a puddle
- His ministry and miracles demonstrating His uniqueness
- His suffering and sacrifice on the cross shining like a pearl
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III
- Christ as the Redeemer worthy of all sacrifice
- The believer’s call to be a pearl in the world
- Living as a gospel witness reflecting Christ’s glory
Key Quotes
“Christ Jesus my Redeemer is that pearl in a pearl of great price who's worth selling off for and losing off for so he may be gained.” — E.A. Johnston
“As Jesus of Nazareth began his earthly ministry... he stood out as a pearl in that puddle.” — E.A. Johnston
“When you come to Christ through repentance and faith and are born again... you too will be like a pearl in a puddle.” — E.A. Johnston
Application Points
- Recognize Christ’s supreme value and be willing to sacrifice all for Him.
- Live distinctively in the world as a shining example of Christ’s love and truth.
- Commit daily to being a faithful gospel witness through words and actions.