In Luke 15:8-10 Jesus uses the scenario of a woman that has lost a valuable silver coin. The message in this parable is exactly the same as that of the preceding one about the lost sheep, but using a different picture, the “or” in verse 8 clearly indicating this. Such coins were “often worn in a garland by married women” (SFLB). Thus it has been likened to the loss of an engagement ring, which would make it exceptionally valuable, perhaps even irreplaceable; so she went on a diligent search to find it, and when she found it she called for a party of joyous celebration! Yes a similar message is also conveyed in the following parable in verses 11-24, that of the prodigal son. So three times in Luke 15 Jesus seeks to impress upon you and I the value God places upon us. We were like the lost sheep, the lost coin, the wayward son, but God sent Jesus “to seek and to save that which was lost” Luke 19:10. The prophet of old said “All we like sheep have gone astray; We have turned, every one to his own way; And the Lord has laid on Him the iniquity of us all” Isaiah 53:6. Jesus did not come “to call the righteous, but sinners to repentance” Luke 5:32. And when anyone responds to His call to repentance and is found, God throws a rejoicing party in heaven, and it seems that even the angels join in the rejoicing! “Today if you will hear His voice, do not harden your hearts” Hebrews 3:8; 4:7. For “Behold now is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation” 2 Corinthians 6:2.
Lost and found
Poem by Rose Hill
If you are the sheep that by the way did fall,
Will you this day listen to Christ’s pleading call?
For there will much rejoicing in heaven be,
When one bound by sin is finally set free.
Scripture quotations are from the New King James Version copyright …1982 by Thomas Nelson Co. used by permission.