Lesson Focus: Lost and Found

1.Read Luke 15:8-10

Or what woman. Having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp and sweep the house and seek diligently until she finds it? 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.” Just so, I tell you, there is joy before the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

2.Study Luke 15:8-10

What lengths would you or have you gone to find something you lost that was of great value, precious and important to you; something that could not be easily replaced? We might all have a list of things that come to mind, from personal possessions, family heirlooms, things that belonged to other people and were our responsibility to keep safe. There’s no worse feeling than to lose or misplace something that is valuable or important and no greater feeling than when we find it.

The woman in Jesus’ passable had lost her coin. It was no ordinary coin, but more than likely one of a set of coins that was given to her as a wedding gift and not easily replaceable. It had both sentimental and monetary value. As she swept her house, turned over every piece of furniture, went through every basket, cupboard, drawer, and possession she must have experienced the full range of emotions: frustration, sadness, panic, even anger at herself for being so careless. It’s not hard to imagine why she would have been so happy and relieved once she found it. She did what so many of us might do when we find something that was once lost but now has been found: she invited her friends to rejoice with her and because her loss must have become a prayer concern for everyone, they were relived and happy for her. Jesus said that feeling of joy and elation is the same emotion the angels of God have every time someone who has been hardened by sin or separated from God returns to him in true repentance.             

3.Meditating on Luke 15:8-10

Is there something in this story that you identify with or speaks to your heart or emotions? What part of Luke 15:8-10 will you meditate on today?

4.Praying Luke 15:8-10

Jesus we can identify with this woman as she looks for her lost coin because we have lost things we valued in our lifetime also. Thank you also for the deeper meaning highlighted in Luke which is even the angels rejoice when we or anyone who has been captivated by sin returns to the Father. Because of your sacrifice on the cross we are always welcomed home no matter how long we have been away. Amen