The Value of a Soul (The Parable of the Lost Coin)
Introduction
Jesus was not like the pharisees
Explanation
He loved sinners – the setting of the three parables (v1-2)
The sinners “drew near” to Jesus
The “Pharisees and scribes complained”
Have you come to God because of His everlasting love for you?
Jesus came to preach good news to the poor
Looking at the second parable – The Parable of the Lost Coin
Each parable emphasises the joy in heaven over one sinner who repents
What a contrast to the pharisees and scribes
How will this week’s message be different from last week – the lost coin and the lost sheep
Recap
To bring out something special – the value of a soul
Consider some Christian teaching behind the parable
Overview:
The value of all souls
The value of elect souls
The tragedy of self-deception
The value of all souls
Do you like singing the hymn – ‘teach me the value of a soul’
Have you considered your soul?
Made in the image of God
Made for fellowship with God
There is tremendous value in being human
The silver coin
Scholars say it was part of a head-dress worn as part of a dowry
Others say it was necessary for bartering for goods
However – it was of great value to the woman in the parable
What does the Bible teach about the soul?
“What does it profit a man if he gains the whole world but loses his soul?”
What do we set our heart upon?
Jesus said there is great danger in riches
Are you going to live for the things of the world or live for God?
How important is your soul?
Matt 10:28-31
Luke 12:20
Luke 12:24
Jesus wept over Jerusalem as they rejected Him
God desires that all should be saved
Do you see how precious your life is?
Think of what it cost the Lord Jesus
Explanation
It cost Him everything
How will you respond this morning?
Will you ask for forgiveness?
The value of elect souls
Not all souls are saved – many perish
The wonderful electing grace of God
God has chosen us in grace
No-one can come to Jesus unless the Father draws you
Jesus calls all to Himself
Many are called but few are chosen – an outward and an inward call
Example of Levi, Peter, James, John, Nicodemus
Rom 8:30
John 6:40
The Apostle Paul – no greater example of the electing grace of God
Explanation
Heaven rejoices when we repent of our sin
You are God’s forever
The tragedy of self-deception
The pharisees presumed they were righteous
v4 – “what man of you”
A shepherd was one of the lowliest jobs in Palestine
v8 – “what woman”
The pharisees and scribes – looked down on women
They were not allowed to be taught the law
They were complaining about Jesus sitting with sinners but God rejoices when sinners are saved
v7 – the 99 “just persons”
Jesus maybe speaking about the pharisees – as He was when describing the elder son in the third parable
A ‘barbed’ remark
What about you?
Is God’s word narrowing down on you?
Will you confess Jesus’ name?
If God is concerned about the one sinner – are we?
Example of Christian worker
People do a lot for material things – what burden do we have for the lost?