In the parable the pearl is not represented as a gift. The merchantman bought it at the price of all that he had. Many question the meaning of this, since Christ is represented in the Scriptures as a gift. He is a gift, but only to those who give themselves, soul, body, and spirit, to Him without reserve. We are to give ourselves to Christ, to live a life of willing obedience to all His requirements. All that we are, all the talents and capabilities we possess, are the Lord's, to be consecrated to His service. When we thus give ourselves wholly to Him, Christ, with all the treasures of heaven, gives Himself to us. We obtain the pearl of great price.

I lignelsen bliver perlen ikke fremstillet som en gave. Købmanden købte den for en pris, der krævede alt, hvad han havde. Mange undres over hvad betydningen kan være af dette, da Kristus fremstilles som en gave i den hellige skrift. Han er en gave, men kun til dem, der giver sig selv ånd, sjæl og legeme, til ham uden forbehold. Vi må give os selv til Kristus for at leve livet i villig lydighed mod alle hans befalinger Alt, hvad vi er alle de evner og kræfter vi ejer er Herrens og må bruges i hans tjeneste. Når vi således giver os selv til ham, vil Kristus med alle Himmelens skatte give sig selv til os. Vi modtager da den kostbare perle.