Parable of the Lost Coin

8 “Or what woman, having ten silver coins,[a] 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

The word lost may be the worst word that can fall from human lips. It is worse than death, as bad as that is. It is worse than pain, and no one likes to be hurt. Because of the emphasis Jesus placed on saving the lost, every person must give serious consideration to the lost condition.

I. That which is lost.

In our Scripture passage, a coin is lost. But the coin is only symbolic.

A. Think of the value of the coin and relate it to the human soul.

1. The coin was considered a day’s wage. It was essential for the necessities of life. Jesus said the soul is even more valuable. “For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul?” (Matt. 16:26).

2. The coin, on some occasions, was somewhat like a wedding band. Ten coins were fastened together and worn around the neck. This necklace had sentimental value. Each human soul is of such value that Christ died so our soul may be saved.

B. Think of the tragedy of being lost and relate it to the human soul.

1. A lost coin is useless. It is of no value to anyone or anything. Its purpose is not fulfilled. The same is true of the soul.

2. A lost coin is separated from other coins and from its possessor. It is of no value to the owner. The lost soul is separated from God and Christian fellowship.

3. A lost coin becomes tarnished and dull. A lost soul suffers in hell.

4. A lost coin, as seen in this passage, causes anxiety, suffering, and a loss of time. A lost soul does the same.

C. Think of the reason for being lost and relate it to the human soul.

1. It could have become lost because of carelessness.

2. It could have become lost because of negligence. It is true that sin is what causes a soul to be lost, but failure to accept Christ makes it stay that way.

II. The seeking.

A. The act of searching made use of everything available for such a search. The woman used a candle for light and a broom for sweeping. This is a description of God’s search for a human soul.

B. The act of searching was one of determination and diligence. The woman exerted much effort. She kept at it. She did not quit. This is an apt description of the Lord’s effort to find the lost.

III. The joy over finding the lost coin.

A. There was joy among the woman’s friends and neighbors. Anytime anyone comes to Jesus, other Christians are made happy.

B. There was joy in heaven. God and his heavenly host rejoice when each lost person is saved.

C. There was joy on the inside. Although the coin itself could not rejoice, the inner being of the woman was thrilled. A lost person can have inner joy when trusting Christ for salvation.

Conclusion

The reason Jesus told this story was to lead the lost person to accept him as Savior. The reason it has been used in this message is exactly the same reason. We extend an invitation to each person who is lost to accept Christ as Savior and Lord.