The Sheep and the Lost Coin

THE SHEEP

 

So He spoke this parable to them, saying: “What man of you, having a hundred sheep, if he loses one of them, does not leave the ninety-nine in the wilderness, and go after the one which is lost until he finds it?  And when he has found it, he lays it on his shoulders, rejoicing.  And when he comes home, he calls together his friends and neighbors, saying to them, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found my sheep which was lost!’ I say to you that likewise there will be more joy in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine just persons who need no repentance.”

 
Luke 15:3-7
 
THE LOST COIN

“Or what woman, having ten silver coins, if she loses one coin, does not light a lamp, sweep the house, and search carefully until she finds it?  And when she has found it, she calls her friends and neighbors together, saying, ‘Rejoice with me, for I have found the piece which I lost!’  Likewise, I say to you, there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.”

Luke 15:8-10

 

Possible discussion questions:

  1. What is the context of these parables?
  2. What might the sheep represent? The shepherd? The 99?
  3. Who might the woman represent? The coin?
  4. What is alike about the 2 parables? Different?
  5. In what way might we be like sheep? Coins?
  6. Who’s doing the hunting, sweeping, finding and why?