The Lost Coin Series

THE LOST COIN---(Luke 15:8-10)

INTRODUCTION

Our previous parable introduced the context in which this parable is found

The tax collectors and sinners had drawn near to hear Jesus -Luke15: 1

The Pharisees and scribes were murmuring because Jesus had Received them and ate with them -Luke 15:2

In response, Jesus told three parables as recorded in Luke 15 "The Lost Sheep" Luke 15:3-7. "The Lost Coin" “Luke 15:8-10. "The Prodigal Son. "Luke 15:11-32. As noted in the previous lesson these three parables have the same central theme: "The Father’s Yearning love for the lost" (Hendriksen). They also reveal what our own attitude should be toward the lost

In this study, we shall consider the parable of "The Lost Coin" (Luke15: 8-10). Let’s begin by reading the parable and then taking a closer look "Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Does she not light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? 9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbours together and says, `Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.’ 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."

THE PARABLE ANALYZED

The silver coin, like the Roman denarius, was equivalent to a day’s wage and represented great value to the poorer classes. There homes were usually small and quite dingy and the floors were made up of compacted dirt. There houses had very few windows so trying to find a lost coin in such a dark and probably dusty place would not be easy.

WHAT DOES THE PARABLE MEAN

William Hendriksen, in his commentary, relates some Interesting "explanations" The Son was symbolized in the parable of "Lost Sheep" That the Father would be featured in the parable of "The Prodigal Son" and having the woman represent the Spirit would complete the trinity also that the lamp represents the gospel and the broom signifies the Law. [Imaginative allegorising I think]

As with most parables, there is only one point, just one central lesson and Jesus own explanation makes it clear what the parable is designed to teach. The parable simply reinforces the main point in the previous parable Luke 15:7 I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent.

But here in this parable, the expression is Luke 15:10 10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." So does this mean to say that angels rejoice when a sinner repents? well they certainly take a deep interest in our salvation. Lets take a look at some interesting scriptures 1 Pet 1:10-12 Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, 11 trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of Christ and the glories that would follow. 12 It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things. He 1:13-14 to which of the angels did God ever say, "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet" 14 Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation? Mt 18:10 "See that you do not look down on one of these little ones. For I tell you that their angels in heaven always see the face of my Father in heaven.

The Angels have been and always will be, involved in carrying out God’s plan of salvation Luke 2:10-14; Mt 25:31; 2 Th1: 7-9

We need to note that Jesus said "in the presence of the angels". So who is in there presence? GOD! And we can read in many of the scriptures “He who dwells in the presence of angles will greatly rejoice! - Cf. Ezek 18:23,32; 33:11; Zeph 3:17; 2 Pet 3:9

Again, this parable’s theme is similar to the others in this chapter: "The Father’s yearning love for the lost". Such love is evident by the joy "in heaven" and "in the presence of angels" when just one sinner repents.

THE PARABLE APPLIED

What should be our attitude towards the lost? I believe there are four different attitudes we could adopt. Hate them (self-righteous individuals may have this attitude), Regard them with indifference (some Christians have this attitude), Welcome them when they come to you (the Pharisees and scribes considered Jesus guilty of this one), and finally Seek them