Parables, The Lost Sheep & the Lost Coin Pg.1
Scripture: Luke 15:3-10 (see also Matthew 18:12-14)
Luk 15:4 "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?
Luk 15:5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders
Luk 15:6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.'
Luk 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.
Luk 15:8 "Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn't she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?
Luk 15:9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.'
Luk 15:10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Why study this parable? The self righteous scribes and Pharisees were questioning Jesus’ sincerity since he was associating with sinners and tax collectors. Jesus is recounting two vivid parables that any man or woman of his day would be very familiar with. These parables explain the Joy God has over the recovery of one who is lost. We need this learning to soak into our souls, God has sent Jesus to tell us how to become doers of the word, not hearers only. And how the reclamation of one lost soul may actually be the reason we are here.
"Meditation: These two parables can be linked with the parable of the Prodigal Son. One of these parables gives us a glimpse of the heart of a true shepherd, and the joy of a community reunited with its lost members. At the end of the day count, he finds he has one missing sheep. He goes immediately in search of this lost sheep. The shepherd's grief and anxiety is turned to joy when he finds the lost sheep and restores it to the fold. What was new in Jesus' teaching was the insistence that sinners must be sought out time and time again. That is why the whole community of heaven rejoices when one sinner is found and restored to fellowship with God. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, watches over every step we take. Do you listen to his voice and heed his wise counsel?
The housewife who lost a coin faced something of an economic disaster, since the value of the coin would be equivalent to her husband's daily wage. What would she say to her husband when he returned home from work? Her grief and anxiety turn to joy when she finds the coin. Both the shepherd and the housewife "search until what they have lost is found". Their persistence pays off. They both instinctively share their joy with the whole community. What was new in Jesus' teaching was the insistence that sinners must be sought out and not merely mourned for. God does not rejoice in the loss of anyone, but desires that all be saved and restored to fellowship with him. That is why the whole community of heaven rejoices when one sinner is found and restored to fellowship with God.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ VERSE BY VERSE STUDY++++++++++++++++ Pg.2
Luke 15:4 "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them
Many in the group to whom he was speaking were very familiar with the concept of a lost sheep. The hundred number represents the majority of those who were of the flock, safely accounted for. Our Lord spoke this and the following parable to justify his conduct in receiving and conversing with sinners or heathens.
1. Who is the “one of you” of whom Jesus speaks that has lost a sheep? ______________________
2. And do we concern ourselves if the Lost sheep is not of our flock?__________________________
3. Who is the lost sheep_____________________________________________________________
4. Who is the Shepherd______________________________________________________________
5. How is it that the sheep became lost?_________________________________________________
Luke 15:4 -b Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? It was customary for such acts in that day, as each sheep represented an individual investment.
The whole flock of mankind, belongs unto this Divine Shepherd; and it is but reasonable to expect, that the gracious proprietor will look after those who have gone astray, and bring them back to the flock
1. Do we have that type of commitment today in looking after lost souls? _________________________
2. Or do we just discount it as lost, we should not worry about just the one?______________________
3. Who would Jesus be speaking with today? And about what? _______________________________
4. Where would one go in looking for lost sheep?____________________________________________
5. The Shepherd knows what he is doing, where the sheep is, and what will happen to it. Do we?_____
Luk 15:5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders. The Shepherd knows the likely places to look, as he knows all his sheep. Just as he knew he would, he finds his sheep. The sheep is lost, confused, disoriented, unable to come back voluntarily of it’s own accord. It needs help.
1. Do the lost need help in getting back to the flock? Why?___________________________________
2. Do they have strength or purpose to come back on their own?______________________________
3. What is the purpose of the shepherd putting it on his shoulders?____________________________
4. Does our knowledge of them help us to know where to look for them?_________________________
5. So who is to help them?_____________________________________________________________
Pg. 3
Pg.4
Luke 15:6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' The shepherd will naturally be happy and wants to tell others. The home, to which he goes and brings his lost sheep on his shoulders when found, is The same church of which Jesus spoke when he said, Mat 16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Mat 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
1. Goes home, where is that? ________________________________________________________
2. Where does he bring his people when he has called them by his grace?_____________________
3. Who rejoices the Shepherd or the sheep?______________________________________________
4. Or is it both but with differing emotions ? ______________________________________________
5. And who are the friends and neighbors in today's world?__________________________________
6. In what ways do we rejoice over the return of a lost soul___________________________________
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.
The rejoicing over a lost soul that is now found causes God and his hosts of heaven great joy. There are those who need no searching of their soul or repenting acts, as already they believe and are saved. There are the lost though and some of them are in our midst.
1. Repentant sinner, does that phrase need and explanation? ________________________________
2. What is the other kind of sinner?______________________________________________________
3. What is represented by the ninety nine who need not repent? _______________________________
4. How did they get righteous, Those who do not need repentance?____________________________
5. What is meant by “rejoicing in Heaven”?________________________________________________
Luke 15:8 "Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn't she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? The "ten pieces or silver" or the hundred sheep represent all the Jews, or the whole body of that people. They having been God's peculiar treasure, though they were now in general become reprobate silver: and by the "woman" the proprietor of them, is meant Christ; and in what sense he was the owner of them, The nine silver coins represent the children of God who are not lost He who wishes to find the image of God, which he has lost by sin, must attend to that word which will be a lantern to his steps, and receive that Spirit which is a light to the soul, to convince of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He must sweep the house - put away the evil of his doings; and seek diligently - use every means of grace, and cry incessantly to God, until he is restored.
1. What value did the coin represent in that day? ____________________________________________
2. What is represented by the lost coin today? ______________________________________________
3. What is the light Jesus is speaking of? __________________________________________________
4. She sweeps the house, What does that imply?____________________________________________
5. How do we relate that search to our lives today?___________________________________________
6. The sheep got lost on it’s own, but the woman lost the coin, what is the difference?_______________
Luke 15:9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin. The effort God makes just for one sinner is such that when found it makes him exuberant, and why not, as all of us are children of God.
1. How is it that one loses their way in their faith ? __________________________________________
2. Why would She go to this extent to find one lost coin? ____________________________________
3. Does it surprise you that God would go to such extremes to find just one lost soul?_______________
4. Does it appear that she knows that she is responsible? Do we also know that?_________________
5. What is it that Jesus is telling us through this parable?_____________________________________
Luk 15:10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." And as the prodigal son, Jesus is welcoming us home even before we arrive, and calls for Heaven to rejoice over just one lost soul that has been found. He is vigilant, and never relents. Just as the Shepherd, or the Woman in our parables. There is no let up.
1. What Great Christian Hymn is brought to mind by this story? ________________________________
2. The Analogy of the lost sheep should serve to remind us of what?____________________________
3. Are Christians of today encouraged to go and seek lost sinners?______________________________
4. 1Pe 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. What does this verse mean?__________________________________________
5. How does one guard against Satan in such an instance_____________________________________
Closing Prayer
"Lord Jesus, make us ever aware of your teachings through these parables. We know nothing escapes your watchful gaze and care. Help us to stay ever watchful that we not fall prey to Satan’s wiles. May we always walk in the light of your truth and never stray from your loving presence, and keep us ever watchful over those whom you have placed in our care. AMEN
Scripture: Luke 15:3-10 (see also Matthew 18:12-14)
Luk 15:4 "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it?
Luk 15:5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders
Luk 15:6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.'
Luk 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.
Luk 15:8 "Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn't she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it?
Luk 15:9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.'
Luk 15:10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents."
Why study this parable? The self righteous scribes and Pharisees were questioning Jesus’ sincerity since he was associating with sinners and tax collectors. Jesus is recounting two vivid parables that any man or woman of his day would be very familiar with. These parables explain the Joy God has over the recovery of one who is lost. We need this learning to soak into our souls, God has sent Jesus to tell us how to become doers of the word, not hearers only. And how the reclamation of one lost soul may actually be the reason we are here.
"Meditation: These two parables can be linked with the parable of the Prodigal Son. One of these parables gives us a glimpse of the heart of a true shepherd, and the joy of a community reunited with its lost members. At the end of the day count, he finds he has one missing sheep. He goes immediately in search of this lost sheep. The shepherd's grief and anxiety is turned to joy when he finds the lost sheep and restores it to the fold. What was new in Jesus' teaching was the insistence that sinners must be sought out time and time again. That is why the whole community of heaven rejoices when one sinner is found and restored to fellowship with God. Jesus, the Good Shepherd, watches over every step we take. Do you listen to his voice and heed his wise counsel?
The housewife who lost a coin faced something of an economic disaster, since the value of the coin would be equivalent to her husband's daily wage. What would she say to her husband when he returned home from work? Her grief and anxiety turn to joy when she finds the coin. Both the shepherd and the housewife "search until what they have lost is found". Their persistence pays off. They both instinctively share their joy with the whole community. What was new in Jesus' teaching was the insistence that sinners must be sought out and not merely mourned for. God does not rejoice in the loss of anyone, but desires that all be saved and restored to fellowship with him. That is why the whole community of heaven rejoices when one sinner is found and restored to fellowship with God.
+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++ VERSE BY VERSE STUDY++++++++++++++++ Pg.2
Luke 15:4 "Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them
Many in the group to whom he was speaking were very familiar with the concept of a lost sheep. The hundred number represents the majority of those who were of the flock, safely accounted for. Our Lord spoke this and the following parable to justify his conduct in receiving and conversing with sinners or heathens.
1. Who is the “one of you” of whom Jesus speaks that has lost a sheep? ______________________
2. And do we concern ourselves if the Lost sheep is not of our flock?__________________________
3. Who is the lost sheep_____________________________________________________________
4. Who is the Shepherd______________________________________________________________
5. How is it that the sheep became lost?_________________________________________________
Luke 15:4 -b Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? It was customary for such acts in that day, as each sheep represented an individual investment.
The whole flock of mankind, belongs unto this Divine Shepherd; and it is but reasonable to expect, that the gracious proprietor will look after those who have gone astray, and bring them back to the flock
1. Do we have that type of commitment today in looking after lost souls? _________________________
2. Or do we just discount it as lost, we should not worry about just the one?______________________
3. Who would Jesus be speaking with today? And about what? _______________________________
4. Where would one go in looking for lost sheep?____________________________________________
5. The Shepherd knows what he is doing, where the sheep is, and what will happen to it. Do we?_____
Luk 15:5 And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders. The Shepherd knows the likely places to look, as he knows all his sheep. Just as he knew he would, he finds his sheep. The sheep is lost, confused, disoriented, unable to come back voluntarily of it’s own accord. It needs help.
1. Do the lost need help in getting back to the flock? Why?___________________________________
2. Do they have strength or purpose to come back on their own?______________________________
3. What is the purpose of the shepherd putting it on his shoulders?____________________________
4. Does our knowledge of them help us to know where to look for them?_________________________
5. So who is to help them?_____________________________________________________________
Pg. 3
Pg.4
Luke 15:6 and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' The shepherd will naturally be happy and wants to tell others. The home, to which he goes and brings his lost sheep on his shoulders when found, is The same church of which Jesus spoke when he said, Mat 16:18 And I tell you that you are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church, and the gates of Hades will not overcome it. Mat 16:19 I will give you the keys of the kingdom of heaven; whatever you bind on earth will be bound in heaven, and whatever you loose on earth will be loosed in heaven."
1. Goes home, where is that? ________________________________________________________
2. Where does he bring his people when he has called them by his grace?_____________________
3. Who rejoices the Shepherd or the sheep?______________________________________________
4. Or is it both but with differing emotions ? ______________________________________________
5. And who are the friends and neighbors in today's world?__________________________________
6. In what ways do we rejoice over the return of a lost soul___________________________________
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.
The rejoicing over a lost soul that is now found causes God and his hosts of heaven great joy. There are those who need no searching of their soul or repenting acts, as already they believe and are saved. There are the lost though and some of them are in our midst.
1. Repentant sinner, does that phrase need and explanation? ________________________________
2. What is the other kind of sinner?______________________________________________________
3. What is represented by the ninety nine who need not repent? _______________________________
4. How did they get righteous, Those who do not need repentance?____________________________
5. What is meant by “rejoicing in Heaven”?________________________________________________
Luke 15:8 "Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn't she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? The "ten pieces or silver" or the hundred sheep represent all the Jews, or the whole body of that people. They having been God's peculiar treasure, though they were now in general become reprobate silver: and by the "woman" the proprietor of them, is meant Christ; and in what sense he was the owner of them, The nine silver coins represent the children of God who are not lost He who wishes to find the image of God, which he has lost by sin, must attend to that word which will be a lantern to his steps, and receive that Spirit which is a light to the soul, to convince of sin, righteousness, and judgment. He must sweep the house - put away the evil of his doings; and seek diligently - use every means of grace, and cry incessantly to God, until he is restored.
1. What value did the coin represent in that day? ____________________________________________
2. What is represented by the lost coin today? ______________________________________________
3. What is the light Jesus is speaking of? __________________________________________________
4. She sweeps the house, What does that imply?____________________________________________
5. How do we relate that search to our lives today?___________________________________________
6. The sheep got lost on it’s own, but the woman lost the coin, what is the difference?_______________
Luke 15:9 And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin. The effort God makes just for one sinner is such that when found it makes him exuberant, and why not, as all of us are children of God.
1. How is it that one loses their way in their faith ? __________________________________________
2. Why would She go to this extent to find one lost coin? ____________________________________
3. Does it surprise you that God would go to such extremes to find just one lost soul?_______________
4. Does it appear that she knows that she is responsible? Do we also know that?_________________
5. What is it that Jesus is telling us through this parable?_____________________________________
Luk 15:10 In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." And as the prodigal son, Jesus is welcoming us home even before we arrive, and calls for Heaven to rejoice over just one lost soul that has been found. He is vigilant, and never relents. Just as the Shepherd, or the Woman in our parables. There is no let up.
1. What Great Christian Hymn is brought to mind by this story? ________________________________
2. The Analogy of the lost sheep should serve to remind us of what?____________________________
3. Are Christians of today encouraged to go and seek lost sinners?______________________________
4. 1Pe 5:8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. What does this verse mean?__________________________________________
5. How does one guard against Satan in such an instance_____________________________________
Closing Prayer
"Lord Jesus, make us ever aware of your teachings through these parables. We know nothing escapes your watchful gaze and care. Help us to stay ever watchful that we not fall prey to Satan’s wiles. May we always walk in the light of your truth and never stray from your loving presence, and keep us ever watchful over those whom you have placed in our care. AMEN
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