Sought, Found, and Celebrated

Series: What He Said: The Parables of Jesus

Luke 15:8–10 ESV

8 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? 9 And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’ 10 Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Introduction

Last time, we walked through the parable of the lost sheep, where Jesus showed us the heart of the Good Shepherd—one who leaves the ninety-nine to rescue the one. But Jesus wasn’t done. He wanted His audience to go even deeper into understanding the relentless love of God for the lost. Today, we turn to the next parable, the parable of the lost coin, a story that shifts the focus from the field to the home, from the shepherd’s search to the woman’s careful diligence.

Have you ever had to look for something in the dark? Maybe the power went out, and you were scrambling to find a flashlight or a candle. It’s not easy, is it? Every movement feels deliberate, every corner worth exploring. You’re cautious and focused because finding what you’re looking for is important.

Now imagine the darkness isn’t just in the room—it’s in the heart. And what you’re searching for isn’t an object—it’s a soul. That’s the picture Jesus paints in this parable, deepening His point about God’s love. While the lost sheep demonstrated the shepherd’s external search, the lost coin calls us to consider the thorough, determined pursuit within. Through this parable, Jesus shows us again the love of God—a love that values every soul, searches tirelessly, and celebrates joyfully when the lost are found.

Transition: The parable challenges us to first . . .

See People as God Sees Them (v.8a)

Luke 15:8a – "Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp..."

Jesus begins the parable with a simple but profound illustration. A woman has ten silver coins, likely part of her dowry or a significant savings. In ancient culture, these coins were often more than just money—they represented a woman’s marital security and financial stability. Women often wore these coins as part of a headpiece or necklace, signifying their marital status and personal value. Losing one wasn’t just a financial setback; it could feel like losing a piece of their identity and dignity.

Also, people might have responded with criticism or judgment, questioning her carefulness and worthiness. The social implications of losing such a coin could have been humiliating, making her search all the more urgent and personal.

This imagery reminds us that every person, no matter how overlooked or undervalued by society, is precious to God. Unfortunately, too often, people judge others based on superficial appearances—their height, weight, complexion, or even their clothes. If someone doesn’t fit a certain image, they are dismissed or undervalued. But aren’t you glad that God doesn’t look at the outside? God sees past all of that and values the soul. (David was overlooked by everyone but God)

While the Pharisees judged sinners by their outward failures, Jesus valued them for who they were in the eyes of God. To the Pharisees listening, tax collectors and sinners were worthless. But Jesus challenges their perspective, showing them that God treasures what others dismiss.

Theologically, the coin’s lostness points to humanity’s state in a fallen world. The coin did not lose itself, much like humanity’s lostness originates in the consequences of original sin.

Romans 5:12 ESV

Therefore, just as sin came into the world through one man, and death through sin, and so death spread to all men because all sinned—

Yet, just as the coin’s value didn’t diminish, our value remains intact in God’s eyes because we are created in His image (Imago Dei).

Application: How often do we overlook the value of others? Whether it’s someone struggling in addiction, or a neighbor who seems far from God, we must remember that every soul matters to Him. This also means rejecting self-righteousness and judgment because we all have flaws. We are reminded to empathize with others instead of criticizing, knowing that God extended His relentless love and grace to us. Just like the lost coin couldn’t save itself, we too were found by God. Let’s be people who reflect that same grace in how we treat others. This parable assures us that God sees our worth. He values us so much that He sent His Son to seek and save the lost.

Transition: But knowing someone’s value isn’t enough. Secondly, we must. . .

Pursue with Purpose (v.8b)

Luke 15:8b – "...does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it?"

The woman’s response to losing the coin is intentional and methodical. She lights a lamp to illuminate the dark corners of her house. She sweeps the floor, removing any dirt or debris that might hide the coin. To the Pharisees, this act of sweeping might have seemed excessive or beneath them. They were more concerned with outward appearances and rigid adherence to the law than with diligently seeking restoration. Jesus uses this detail to challenge their lack of compassion for the lost. Jesus says, she searches diligently until the coin is found.

This is a powerful picture of how God searches for us. His pursuit is not random or casual; it’s deliberate, precise, and unrelenting. The woman’s actions reveal that she won’t stop until the lost coin is restored to her possession. In the same way, God doesn’t give up on us, no matter how hidden or lost we may feel.

Theologically, the coin’s inability to find itself highlights our spiritual helplessness. Ephesians 2:1 reminds us that we are “dead in trespasses and sins,” unable to save ourselves. The woman’s deliberate actions represent God’s initiative in salvation—He seeks us when we cannot seek Him. The woman searches diligently. . .

Word Study: That word “diligently" (ἐπιμελῶς) conveys carefulness and persistence. God’s pursuit of the lost is not rushed or careless. It’s full of love and determination.

Illustration: Imagine losing an engagement ring in a cluttered room. You would move furniture, get on your hands and knees, and shine a flashlight into every nook and cranny. That’s the level of thoroughness God shows in pursuing us.

Application: Who in your life needs to be pursued with this same diligence? Maybe it’s a family member, a coworker, or someone who has drifted away from the faith. This means we don’t give up on people just because the process is hard. Let’s light the lamp of God’s Word, sweep away barriers, and seek them with love and prayer. Joining God in His pursuit of the lost is part of our calling as believers. Just as God is thorough in His pursuit of us, we must be thorough and intentional in reaching others.

Transition: Once the coin is found, the story doesn’t end. Jesus shows us that finding the lost is only the beginning of the celebration. Lastly, we are admonished to. . .

Celebrate God’s Restoring Power (vv.9-10)

Luke 15:9-10 – "And when she has found it, she calls together her friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the coin that I had lost.’”

When the woman finds her coin, she doesn’t keep the joy to herself. She invites her friends and neighbors to celebrate with her. Jesus uses this image to describe the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents. It’s not a quiet joy; it’s a celebration that echoes throughout eternity.

Explanation: This shows us the extravagant grace of God. He doesn’t search for us to shame us or scold us; He searches to restore us and rejoice over us. I said this last week, heaven throws a party every time someone turns back to God.

Illustration: I once read about a father whose child went missing in a crowded mall. When they were reunited, the father didn’t scold the child or lecture them. Instead, he hugged them tightly and cried tears of joy. That’s the kind of celebration God has when we are found.

Application: Do we reflect heaven’s joy in our church? When someone repents and returns to Christ, do we celebrate or stay silent? Let’s be a church that mirrors heaven, rejoicing with every soul that is restored.

Transition: And now, as we close, let’s reflect on the mission of Christ, the ultimate seeker of the lost.

Conclusion

This parable reminds us of God’s heart: He values the lost, He searches thoroughly, and He rejoices when they are found. It’s not just a story; it’s an invitation to live out God’s intentional love.

Black Preacher-Style Close: “Can I tell you about God’s greatest search-and-rescue mission? Over 2,000 years ago, God sent His Son, Jesus, to light the lamp of salvation, sweep away the sin that separated us, and search for our souls. On Calvary’s hill, He paid the price for every one of us—every lost coin, every lost soul. And early one Sunday morning, He rose with all power in His hands, proving that nothing and no one is beyond His reach. And I don’t know about you, but I’m so glad He didn’t stop searching for me! He didn’t leave me in the dark; He brought me into the marvelous light.

Oh, but that’s not all! Because He searched for you and found you, you can now join the search! You can light the lamp, sweep the floor, and seek the lost in His name! Somebody give Him glory for being a God who searches, a God who finds, and a God who saves! Hallelujah!”