What Jesus Did! 'Joy in Finding!' — Luke 15:8-10

Monday, September 11, 2023

[Jesus continued,] "Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Won't she light a lamp and sweep the entire house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she will call in her friends and neighbors and say, 'Rejoice with me because I have found my lost coin.' In the same way, there is joy in the presence of God's angels when even one sinner repents."

Note: This passage is the second of three stories that Jesus told about the joy of recovering something or someone that is lost. The other two stories are Luke 15:3-7 and Luke 15:11-32.
— Luke 15:8-10 NLT

Key Thought

To lose such a coin was terrible. The monetary value could have been immense. The possible sentimental value could have made the loss an even more enormous one. The value of what was lost is what called for such a desperate, thorough, and passionate search. Some have suggested that the coin was part of the woman's bridal crown or dowry, which would have made the lost coin even more significant to her. The value of the lost coin, coupled with the careful search, made finding the coin a cause for great celebration - and not just for this woman or her household, but for all of the woman's friends! How much more valuable are the people around us than one silver coin! So how can Christians not celebrate when salvation's light reaches the dark corners of a lost soul? We must celebrate.

Today's Prayer

Father, please let me share in the joy of your harvest. Please use me as a person of reconciliation who helps your lost children find their way home to you. Help me to be a person of great joy and encouragement to new Christians. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

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7 Related Resources by Heartlight

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 15:8-10 NLT — "Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one."

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About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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