Luke 15:8-10 Lost Coin

What are these silver coins? Note that they are owned by a woman. Most scholars would say they are dowry money that would be passed on to a woman's daughter.

List all the characteristics of a lost coin that you can think of . Answer all the W's.

How did it get lost? It had to be lost by someone, it didn't lose itself

What can it do to get found? Nothing. Why? Contrast it with a sheep. It's a coin so it isn't alive, doesn't have a mouth, doesn't know it's lost

Where is it lost? At home; in the dirt on the floor

What is a coin for? It carries value–the value someone places upon it.

Whose image is stamped on it? Reigning power

What is it made of? Silver, a precious metal

List everything woman does.

Light a lamp. Why? So she can see.

Sweep house. Why? It's not in plain sight, she has to sweep everything out that might get in the way of seeing it.

Until when? She finds it–finds what? A coin. How many? 1.

How can one of God's children be lost at home?

Who is woman?

God

When did God light a lamp to find us?

Jesus is the light of the world

When did He sweep the house? Clearing temple

What happened when he did? Mt21:14

To whom is he telling these parable? Pharisees.

Why?

Which are they more like, lost sheep or lost coins?

How about you this morning? Which are you identifying with more? Sheep or coin?

Do you have a sense of your condition? Do you feel dirty? Maybe you never intended to walk away, you're lost right here in church. Maybe you walked away on purpose and couldn't get back. Maybe you're already rejoicing in God's party over you.

Anyone want to be found today? Do you believe God would sweep out the whole place for you?