Parables in Pentecost: Lost Coin

 This parable follows the Parable of the Lost Sheep in Luke’s Gospel. We looked at that familiar story on August 11. The Lost Coin is not as common because it seems almost like a repeat of the Lost Sheep, except that a woman is the star of the story.

But is that all there is to it? Just as the woman is so delighted to find the lost coin that she calls her neighbors to tell them, Jesus says God rejoices over our repentance. We are a priceless treasure to God, and he rejoices over us every day.   

Scripture

‘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? ⁹When 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.” ¹⁰Just so, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.’ (Luke 15:8-10)

The woman in this story is likely looking for one of her ten dowry coins. This represents all the wealth she had in case something happens to her husband. She would have the ten coins to live on for the rest of her life. The Greek word for coin here is drachmas. That is about a day’s wages at the time. She is looking for something worth quite a bit.

A commentator points out that there is no mention of a husband in this story, so we might wonder if, in fact, she is a widow and really needs to find the coin. Looking past the woman and her found coin, we are reminded that there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents. Like in the parable of the Lost Sheep, we are worth so much that God will not stop seeking us out.

Conversation starters

Have you ever lost something valuable, or simply something important to you like car keys?

Imagine that what you lost was really the only thing between you and destitution. How much more would you want to find it?

Think about God’s great love that searches for you and me no matter what. How does that make you feel?

Action Item

Use the maze to find the drachma coin.