The series of parables that deal with the lost (sheep, coin, son) in Luke 15 is introduced by way of a banquet scene, in which tax collectors and sinners are gathering around Jesus to hear him speak. This rabbi is so different; he speaks life-changing words that pierce the heart. Nicodemus, a well-respected Pharisee, acknowledged that Jesus is a teacher sent by God, “For no one could perform the signs you are doing if God were not with him” (John 3:2).
This rabbi Jesus not only debates with the clergy of his time, the teachers of the law, the church leaders and elders, he also engages in conversations with ordinary people, farmers, fishermen, and also with those who were considered sinners, outlaws, those from the margins of society. Whenever there is a chance to spend time with Jesus, to listen to him, or to eat with him, the room quickly fills up to capacity.
Not everyone in the room is happy: among those who are regularly around Jesus are the Pharisees and “teachers of the law,” the church leaders. “This man welcomes sinners and eats with them” (Luke 15:2). This is the stage for the parables of the lost.
In the parable of the lost coin (Luke 15:8-10) a woman who owns 10 silver coins loses one of these coins; she starts to search for this lost coin. Because it is dark in the house she lights a lamp; she cannot find it. She gets a broom and carefully sweeps the floor. Suddenly – a faint jingle; she rejoices with her friends and neighbors for she has found the lost coin.
It is amazing that Jesus compares his heavenly father with this simple woman (here we find one of the few examples in the Bible of a female image of God!); there are worlds between the creator of the universe and a simple woman who is reduced to 10 coins. Yet, there is something that both have in common: the incredible sadness of the lost! The exuberant joy of finding the lost coin and the celebration with family and friends is an indicator as to how desperate and sad the woman/the creator are when the loss is realized. As the woman grieves the loss of her valuable, so God mourns over every single individual who has estranged herself from God.
“In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10). There is great joy in the presence of God – over and over again! For over and over again the miracle happens: God finds the lost. People get in touch with Jesus, sit down with him, listen to his voice, eat with him, receive forgiveness, change their lives!
I am fascinated by the zeal and diligence with which the woman/the creator is searching. The Greek word that defines her searching can be translated as “diligently,” “eagerly,” “mindfully,” or “carefully.” I sense in this patience, love, hope, and grace.
And, I love the invitation to rejoice with the woman and the creator over finding that which was lost. Unhappiness has no place in the dining hall! Sometimes I get the impression that we are adjusting pictures in our churches while outside the world is burning. Let us leave the business of adjusting for a moment, and let us open the doors!
Friedbert Ninow serves as Dean of the HMS Richards Divinity School, La Sierra University. Together with his wife, Bernina, they are grateful for their faith community at La Sierra.