Read Luke 15:8-10
Jesus told three parables in response to the Pharisees and scribes grumbling at how He mingles with sinners. This second parable is called “The Parable of the Lost Coin.” It is about a woman with ten coins who turned her house upside down in search of the one that was lost. She rejoiced over it when she found it. Jesus concludes the parable with another declaration about the value of repentance: “there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
The main lesson of the parable is like that of the Lost Sheep. The are special features that I feel have a special meaning. Looking to these points of difference we note (1) the use of the silver coin (the drachma) as a symbol of the human soul. The coin has on it the king’s image and superscription. Man is precious because he too has the image and superscription of the great King, the spiritual attributes of Thought and Will, by which he resembles God, stamped upon him. The coin was important to the identity of the woman. However it was not a coin of great value—one estimate is that it is worth about 16 cents in current value. However, it is one of 10 that she would wear when she is married. Where the sheep was 1/100th this coin in 1/10th of her value (2) There is, perhaps, a special significance in the fact that the coin is lost in the house, while the sheep strays from the fold. The possibility that a soul that is precious in the sight of God may be lost even within the society, Israel or the Church of Christ should be a wake up call for all of us. We need to be alert to those who are close to us to make sure that they do not become “lost.” Just because we are present doesn’t mean that we are attached. (3) It is a woman who seeks, and not a man, reminds us of the woman in the parable of the Leaven. It also should be a reminder that everyone is of value to God. Women, children, the lost, the detached are all important to God.
The summary of this verse includes these points:
- The joy of finding something lost, emphasizing the value of every individual.
- The woman represents God and a reminder to us to actively seek out the lost with diligence and care.
- The lost coin symbolizes those who are spiritually lost or disconnected from God.
- The celebration upon finding the coin reflects the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.
- God loves us and desires for reconciliation with humanity.
- We are encouraged as believers to share in the joy of salvation and seek out those who are lost.
Let us pray. Dear God, I ask for the strength to be a light in the lives of others. Let my life be a testament to the diligent seeking and fierce love You have for each and every one. Help me to show up for those who feel forgotten or lost, bringing Your light into their darkness. May I uphold them as they search for their own value and identity in You. In the name of Jesus, I pray for restoration—in my heart, in the hearts of those around me, and in our communities at large. May nothing be overlooked; may everything lost be found. Thank You, Lord, for hearing my prayer. Thank You for always being the Good Shepherd who leaves the ninety-nine to seek out the one. I trust in Your unfailing love and believe that Your search will yield fruitful results. In your Holy name I pray. AMEN