Biblical Reference:
The Parable of the Lost Coin is found in the Gospel of Luke, specifically in Luke 15:8-10. This parable is part of a trilogy of parables that Jesus uses to illustrate the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents, alongside the Parable of the Lost Sheep and the Parable of the Prodigal Son.

Text (Berean Standard Bible):
“Or what woman who has ten silver coins and loses one of them does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it? And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my lost coin.’ In the same way, I tell you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” (Luke 15:8-10)

Context and Setting:
The Parable of the Lost Coin is set within a series of teachings by Jesus that emphasize God's deep concern for the lost and His joy in their restoration. Jesus tells this parable to a mixed audience of tax collectors, sinners, Pharisees, and scribes. The religious leaders of the time often criticized Jesus for associating with those they deemed unworthy, and this parable serves as a direct response to their grumbling.

Symbolism and Interpretation:
· The Woman: The woman in the parable represents God or Christ, who diligently seeks out the lost. Her actions reflect the divine initiative in the salvation process, emphasizing God's active role in seeking sinners.

· The Ten Silver Coins: The ten silver coins, or drachmas, were of significant value, representing something precious. The loss of even one coin is significant, symbolizing the value of each individual soul to God.

· The Lost Coin: The lost coin signifies a sinner who has strayed from the path of righteousness. The coin's inanimate nature highlights the inability of the sinner to return to God without divine intervention.

· The Lamp and Sweeping: The woman's use of a lamp and her sweeping of the house symbolize the thorough and persistent nature of God's search for the lost. The lamp may also represent the light of the Gospel, illuminating the way for sinners to be found.

· Rejoicing with Friends and Neighbors: The communal celebration upon finding the lost coin illustrates the collective joy in heaven over a sinner's repentance. It underscores the theme of restoration and the communal aspect of salvation.

Theological Themes:
The parable underscores several key theological themes:

1. The Value of the Individual: Each person is precious in the sight of God, and He desires that none should perish but that all should come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).

2. Divine Initiative in Salvation: The parable highlights God's proactive role in seeking and saving the lost, demonstrating His love and mercy.

3. Joy in Repentance: The joy expressed by the woman and her neighbors mirrors the heavenly joy over one sinner who repents, emphasizing the importance of repentance and reconciliation with God.

4. Inclusivity of the Gospel: By addressing both sinners and religious leaders, Jesus illustrates that the message of salvation is available to all, regardless of social or moral standing.

Application for Believers:
Believers are encouraged to reflect God's heart for the lost by actively participating in evangelism and rejoicing in the repentance of others. The parable serves as a reminder of the importance of valuing each individual and recognizing the transformative power of God's grace.