Conclusion Of Searching For The Lost

To make doubly strong the point that the restoration of lost sinners is a cause for great rejoicing, Jesus relates another illustration. He says: "What woman with ten drachma coins, if she loses one drachma coin, does not light a lamp and sweep her house and search carefully until she finds it? And when she has found it she calls the women who are her friends and neighbors together, saying, 'Rejoice with me, because I have found the drachma coin that I lost.'"

Jesus then gives a similar application. He goes on to say: "Thus, I tell you, joy arises among the angels of God over one sinner that repents."

How remarkable this loving concern of God's angels for the restoration of lost sinners! Especially is this so since these once lowly, despised 'am ha-' a' rets eventually come into line for membership in God's heavenly Kingdom. As a result, they attain a position in heaven higher than that of the angels themselves! But rather than feel jealous or slighted, the angels humbly appreciate that these sinful humans have faced and overcome situations in life that will equip them to serve as sympathetic and merciful heavenly kings and priests. Luke 15:1-10; Matthew 9:13; 1 Corinthians 6:2, 3; Revelation 20:6.

Next time: The Story Of A Lost Son

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991