CMP Review 2025-08-03

Jesus concludes His parable of the lost sheep by sharing about the “joy in heaven over one sinner who repents.” Then He tells a second parable, this time about a lost coin. He concludes again by stressing the joy in heaven “over one sinner who repents.”

“Is there any significant difference between the two parables?” asks D. L. Bock. “At their most basic level they make the same point. The second parable, however, stresses the search a little more than the first. Recovering a lost sinner can take diligent effort. But the effort is worth it when the lost is found. Sinners should know that God is diligently looking for them. Disciples should diligently engage in the search for sinners on behalf of the Master they serve. Jesus provides a clear example for us to follow. Finding lost ‘sheep’ and missing ‘coins’ is a disciple’s priority. Jesus involved himself with sinners; so should disciples.”

Charlotte Mason also saw a difference between the two parables. Read or hear her unique perspective here.

@artmiddlekauff

🖼️: The Lost Drachma by James Tissot