LUKE 15:1–10, THE PARABLES OF THE LOST SHEEP AND THE LOST COIN
DIVINE MERCY THAT SEEKS, FINDS, AND REJOICES OVER THE LOST
Introduction
These parables arise from a moment of tension between Jesus and the religious authorities. Tax collectors and sinners are drawing close to Him, eager to listen, while the Pharisees and scribes murmur in disapproval. Jesus does not deny the charge that He welcomes sinners; instead, He reveals the very heart of God. Through two simple yet profound parables, He teaches that God is not scandalized by sinners who seek Him, but is filled with joy when even one lost person is restored. Mercy, not exclusion, defines God’s Kingdom.
Bible Passage (Luke 15:1–10)
The tax collectors and sinners were all drawing near to listen to him, but the Pharisees and scribes began to complain, saying, “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them.”
So to them he addressed this parable.
“What man among you having a hundred sheep and losing one of them would not leave the ninety-nine in the desert and go after the lost one until he finds it?
And when he does find it, he sets it on his shoulders with great joy and, upon his arrival home, he calls together his friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found my lost sheep.’
I tell you, in just the same way there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous people who have no need of repentance.
Or what woman having ten coins and losing one would not light a lamp and sweep the house, searching carefully until she finds it?
And when she does find it, she calls together her friends and neighbors and says to them, ‘Rejoice with me because I have found the coin that I lost.’
In just the same way, I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”
Background
These parables open the fifteenth chapter of the Gospel of Luke, often called the “Gospel of Mercy.” Luke emphasizes God’s initiative in salvation. The immediate context is Jesus’ table fellowship with sinners, which offended religious leaders who equated holiness with separation. Jesus responds by revealing that God’s holiness is expressed through compassionate pursuit and joyful restoration.
Opening Life Connection
Parents search relentlessly for a lost child. A family feels incomplete when one member is missing. Even a small lost object can consume our attention until it is found. These human experiences help us glimpse God’s heart—a love that refuses to be satisfied until the lost is restored.
Verse-by-Verse / Phrase-by-Phrase Reflection
The scene “tax collectors and sinners were drawing near” shows spiritual hunger. Those labeled unworthy recognize hope in Jesus.
The complaint “this man welcomes sinners and eats with them” reveals the scandal of mercy. Table fellowship signifies acceptance and relationship.
Jesus’ question “what man among you” appeals to common sense. Mercy is not irrational; it is deeply human and divine.
The shepherd “leaves the ninety-nine… and goes after the lost one” shows initiative. God does not wait passively for repentance; He seeks.
The phrase “until he finds it” reveals perseverance. God does not abandon the search easily.
When the sheep is found, “he sets it on his shoulders with great joy”. Restoration is not punishment but tender care.
The call “rejoice with me” reveals that salvation is communal joy, not private success.
Jesus’ declaration “more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents” overturns religious pride. Repentance delights God more than self-satisfied righteousness.
The woman who “lights a lamp and sweeps the house” shows careful, diligent search. God’s mercy is attentive and intentional.
The final affirmation “rejoicing among the angels of God” lifts repentance into the heavenly realm. One human return touches eternity.
Jewish Historical and Religious Context
Shepherds were often socially marginalized, yet Scripture frequently portrays God as a shepherd of Israel. Coins may have been part of a woman’s dowry, symbolizing dignity and identity. Both images emphasize value: the lost are precious, not disposable. Jesus challenges a religious culture that measured holiness by separation rather than restoration.
Catholic Tradition and Teaching
The Church sees in these parables the foundation of sacramental reconciliation. God actively seeks sinners, and repentance restores communion. No one is beyond God’s concern. Pastoral care mirrors the shepherd’s search and the woman’s diligence.
Historical or Saintly Illustration
Saint John Vianney spent countless hours in the confessional, patiently seeking the lost souls of his parish. His joy was not in numbers, but in each sinner who returned to God—an earthly reflection of heaven’s rejoicing.
Application to Christian Life Today
These parables call believers to reject judgmental attitudes and to participate in God’s mission of seeking the lost. Families, parishes, and communities are invited to become places of welcome, healing, and joy for those returning to faith.
Eucharistic Connection
In the Eucharist, Christ gathers the scattered and nourishes the weak. Each celebration is a sign that God desires communion with sinners and rejoices in their return to His table.
Messages / Call to Conversion
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Trust that you are never beyond God’s searching love.
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Repent with confidence, knowing heaven rejoices at your return.
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Reject pride that distances you from God’s mercy.
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Become instruments of welcome and restoration for others.
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Share in God’s joy by seeking and celebrating the lost.
Outline for Preachers
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Context of sinners drawing near and Pharisaic complaint
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God’s initiative in seeking the lost
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Shepherd’s joy and communal celebration
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Woman’s diligent search and care
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Heaven’s joy over repentance
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Jewish views on holiness and exclusion
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Sacramental and pastoral implications
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Saintly witness to mercy
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Eucharist as table of reconciliation
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Call to live God’s searching love
