Understanding the 40 Parables of Jesus Christ: Learn from the greatest teacher Jesus Christ. The gospel taught in stories.

Parable of the Lost Coin


Jesus Christ Messiah-of-God.com

Parable of the Lost Coin: Luke 15:8-10


Jesus tells this parable of the lost coin in order to describe redemption. Beginning in Luke 15, tax collectors and sinners have been coming to listen to Jesus and the Pharisees do not like it.

The Pharisees were grumbling, saying, "This fellow welcomes sinners and eats with them." (Luke 15:2)

In response to this grumbling of the Pharisees and scribes, Jesus tells them the Parable of the Lost Sheep as well as this parable of the lost coin, in order to explain to them why he eats with sinners and tax collectors.

Summary of the Parable of the Lost Coin


In context, Jesus has just asked a rhetorical question about a shepherd losing his sheep. This question is rhetorical because his listeners would all understand the obvious answer. Likewise, when Jesus tells this parable of the lost coin, he asks it as a rhetorical question because the answer is obvious to his audience.

Jesus says, "Or what woman having ten silver coins, if she loses one of them, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? 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.'" (Luke 15:8-9)

Jesus then makes his point for both the lost sheep parable and the lost coin parable: "Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." (Luke 15:10)


Background Information for the Parable


In the parable of the lost coin, Jesus says the woman lost the coin and had to sweep and search carefully. He also says that she was so happy, that she had found the coin, she tells her friends and neighbors.


During this time period, most homes only had one room with a lower floor and a slightly raised upper level. Many families would keep one or two livestock (which would be all they owned) in the home with them, in order to prevent theft.

The upper level was used for meals, cooking, and sleeping, while the lower level is where the animals were kept; thus, houses were very dirty having all kinds of debris on the floor.

If someone really did lose a coin on the floor, it would be difficult to find, and it would be a serious issue due to poverty (this woman only had ten silver coins, which would be a crisis for her to lose one). It really would be necessary to sweep the house and look carefully through the debris.


Jesus' audience understood the the significance of this event, which is why he states it as a rhetorical question.


Meaning of the Parable of the Lost Coin


The meaning of this parable of the lost coin is clear. Just like we would be joyful if we lost something that we considered to be of great value, likewise everyone in heaven is also immensely joyful whenever even just one sinner stops sinning and returns to obeying God (repents).

For this reason, Jesus is welcoming sinners and tax collectors, so that they can hear what he has to say and repent.


God's Truth Taught in Stories


Study the parables of Jesus in this easy-to-read 40 day devotional.

This devotional takes the unique approach of understanding Jesus' parables by examining the genre, scriptural context, and historical culture. Your life will be transformed by studying the parables of Jesus Christ.

Understanding the 40 Parables of Jesus Christ: Learn from the greatest teacher Jesus Christ. The gospel taught in stories.

Paperback | Kindle

Kobo | Nook





Go to previous parable: Cost of Discipleship

Go to next parable: Prodigal Son



← Back to The Parables of Jesus Christ from Parable of the Lost Coin

Go to Messiah of God Home

Understanding the 40 Parables of Jesus Christ: Learn from the greatest teacher Jesus Christ. The gospel taught in stories.

Like and Share this Page


YOU MAY ALSO LIKE

  1. Biology of Cell confirms Intelligent Design: Irreducible Complexity

    The complex biology of the ‘basic cell’ exhibits what has been termed ‘irreducible complexity’ by biochemist Michael Behe, due to the fact that removing even...

    Read More

  2. What is love? It's a call to action.

    Ben-Byrum_1-04-2022.jpg
    What is love? It's a call to action. Guest post by Ben Byrum.

    Read More

  3. Miraculous Physical Healing Explains Salvation: The Truth of Jesus’ Salvation

    If you have stage 4 pancreatic cancer, then with current medical technology you have likely not been given any hope for getting better. Your cancer is terminal. In fact, with many diseases...

    Read More

  4. Does Science Argue For or Against God?

    swiss-watch
    Probability of the Universe Existing in Coin Flips: Flipping a coin has a 50/50 chance of heads vs tails. How many times do you think you could flip heads in a row with a 50/50 chance?

    Read More

  5. Man Finds Single Ominous Bible Page in Wildfire Aftermath

    Dollywood-TN-Tennessee-Wildfires-Bible-Page-Burnt-Joel
    Wildfires in Tennessee have temporarily displaced thousands of people fleeing from the destruction. Over 100 homes have been destroyed, as well as hotels and businesses. Thus far, seven people...

    Read More

  6. How to Obey God's Will

    Obeying God's will is actually more simple than it seems. The truth is that some actions are good (holy), some actions are bad (sinful), and the majority of actions are completely neutral...

    Read More

  7. Doubting After God Answers Your Prayers

    Having God answer your prayers can result in overwhelming feelings of joy, relief, and thankfulness. However, sometimes doubt of God's intervention can appear and begin to steal your confidence...

    Read More

  8. How to Prove God Exists

    For unbelievers, there are only a few ways to prove that God exists, depending on how willing they are to accept God's existence. For unbelievers who are...

    Read More

  9. The Lie of Sanctification

    Sanctification is a widely accepted belief that bridges the gap between the biblical mandate for obedience to God and the practical application of living a Christian life as...

    Read More

  10. God's Definition of Perfect

    "Therefore you shall be perfect, just as your Father in heaven is perfect." One of the problems with modern Christianity is the mainstream concept that "It is impossible to be perfect."

    Read More