The Parables of Jesus

The Parable of the Lost Coin

Luke 15:8-10 ^{Amplified Bible}

“Or what woman, if she has ten silver coins [each one equal to a day’s wages] and loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it, she calls together her [women] friends and neighbors, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, because I found the lost coin!’  In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents [that is, changes his inner self—his old way of thinking, regrets past sins, lives his life in a way that proves repentance; and seeks God’s purpose for his life].”

            This parable comes on the heels of the Parable of the Lost Sheep which appears right before this one.  A silver coin was a “drachma”. Each one was worth approximately a day’s wage. Tradition says that this woman probably received these 10 drachmas as a wedding gift and to lose one would be very distressing to her. It is also implied that it was all she had saved. A lamp was needed to search for the one lost coin because the house would have had just a few small windows or only a low doorway. She would literally sweep the earthen floor until she hears the clinking sound of the coin. Her joy at finding the lost coin is understandable, especially if the 10 coins were the entirety of her savings. 

                  Jesus says that there is the same type of joy in heaven when even one sinner repents, and thus receives God’s gracious gift of salvation...forgiveness of all sins committed. What an incredible blessing to know that you can, by merely confessing your need of forgiveness, receive total forgiveness for any ungodly thing you’ve ever done. Do you realize what an incredible blessing that is? Do you understand that Jesus took the punishment that was earmarked for you willingly, unto death. Are soul has been rescued from the punishment that awaits those who ignore the Holy Spirit’s call to repent.

                  God takes no joy in souls being lost forever because of the enemies lies. Just as the serpent first lied to Eve in the Garden of Eden, so he has been lying to mankind ever since. Scripture says in Ezekiel 18:23 (AMP), “Do I take any pleasure in the death of the wicked,” says the Lord God, “rather than that he should turn [away] from his [malevolent] acts and live?” and again in 2 Peter 3:9 (AMP), “The Lord does not delay [as though He were unable to act] and is not slow about His promise, as some count slowness, but is [extraordinarily] patient toward you, not wishing for any to perish but for all to come to repentance.” If you’ve never confessed your need to have your sins forgiven, now is as good a time as any. Romans 3:22-24 (AMP) says the following: “This righteousness of God comes through faith in Jesus Christ for all those [Jew or Gentile] who believe [and trust in Him and acknowledge Him as God’s Son]. There is no distinction, since all have sinned and continually fall short of the glory of God and are being justified [declared free of the guilt of sin, made acceptable to God, and granted eternal life] as a gift by His [precious, undeserved] [a]grace, through the redemption [the payment for our sin] which is [provided] in Christ Jesus...”.  Until next time, walk with the King and be a blessing.

In his name & for his glory,

Richard Keller

Bread of Life Ministries

Resources: Expositor's Bible Commentary (Abridged Edition): New Testament, Copyright 2004.