The Parable of the Pearl Seekers

I don't know how well this will work, but here goes my first try at writing a parable. There is a message intended. Whether this works, or not, we may never know. After all, parables are not meant to be a clear form of communication. They are meant to trigger thoughts as the reader considers what application the parable may point toward.  So, here goes ...

The Parable

Two servants were sent by their lord to find pearls.

The first servant went about his work caring for the lands and animals of his lord. He hoped that he would find pearls. On occasion he heard talk of people who had pearls and he once even met a man who had a pearl. He did not, however, obtain any pearls to bring back to his lord.

The second servant, as he traveled to the market on his lord's business, inquired as to where pearls might be found. He learned that pearls were to be found in a distant city. He studied maps to find the location of that city. After a long journey and through diligent effort this servant obtained several pearls to bring back to his lord.

When the time came to report to their lord, the first servant knocked at the door to seek entry. He was asked if he had obtained the pearls he was sent to find. He replied that he had not found any pearls and so was refused entry into the house of his lord.

The second servant then knocked at the door and was asked if he had found the pearls he was sent to find. He was able to present those pearls to his lord. The lord welcomed the second servant into his house where they supped together and the servant was given the pearls to keep.

What does it mean?

This is not like the problems at the end of a chapter in a textbook. The answer is not provided here, or at the back of the text, so to speak. But, there is a scripture that I think is relevant. The Lord taught his disciples in Matthew 7 (JST) to teach:

  12 ¶ Say unto them, Ask of God; ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you. 

  13 For every one that asketh, receiveth; and he that seeketh, findeth; and unto him that knocketh, it shall be opened.

Feel free to email or to post a comment if you have thoughts you would like to discuss based upon this parable.