Re: Another interpretation of this parable...

There is controversy about this parable for sure.

I agree with Vernon McGee though.

Here’s what he writes about it although he gives a longer explanation somewhere, but here's a short one:

“The popular interpretation of this parable says that the sinner is the merchantman and the pearl of great price is Christ. The sinner sells all that he has that he might buy Christ.”

“I cannot accept this interpretation, and I have dismissed it as unworthy of thoughtful consideration. To begin with, who is looking for goodly pearls? Are sinners looking for salvation? My Bible does not read that way, nor has that been my experience as a minister. Sinners are not looking for salvation. The merchantman cannot be the sinner because he has nothing with which to pay. To begin with, he is not seeking Christ, and if he were, how could he buy Him? The merchantman sells all that he has — how can a sinner sell all that he has when he is dead in trespasses and sins? Further, the Scriptures are very clear that Christ and salvation are not for sale. Salvation is a gift — Read John 3:16 — God so loved that He gave.”

“The correct interpretation of this parable reveals Christ as the merchantman. He left His heavenly home and came to this earth to find a pearl of great price. He found lost sinners and died for them by shedding His precious blood. He sold all that He had to buy us and redeem us to God. “