What Is the Parable of the Lost Coin — Meaning Explained

In Luke 15:8-10, Jesus pairs the Lost Sheep with the Lost Coin. A woman has ten silver coins and loses one. She lights a lamp, sweeps the house, and searches carefully until she finds it. Then she calls her friends and neighbours to rejoice. Jesus applies it: 'Likewise, I say unto you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner that repenteth.' The coin had value simply because it belonged to the woman — it did not earn its own rescue. In the same way, every sinner has value because he or she belongs to God. The parable emphasizes the diligent, active search of the Spirit and the heavenly celebration that greets every conversion.