Every lost soul is invaluable in the sight of God and more precious than all the world’s wealth combined. Jesus asks, “For what good does it do a person if he gains the whole world, but loses or forfeits himself?” (Luke 9:25). A lost soul can only be saved through repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.

In today’s passage, the lost soul is compared to a silver coin, which can be compared to a denarius, the currency of the Roman world. In the parable, a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Money is valuable because people work hard to earn it, but this coin may have been far more than just currency. It could have been part of her dowry—the precious goods given by a husband to his wife at marriage. In Jesus’ day, a woman would often display her dowry on her forehead for all to see, symbolizing her husband’s love and commitment. Losing one coin would not only mean losing monetary value but also part of a deeply personal gift. No wonder she searches with determination until she finds it. In the same way, God considers each lost sinner precious beyond measure and will not cease seeking them.

This high value comes from the fact that humanity alone was created in the image of God. Nothing else in creation bears this likeness. The “image of God” (Latin: imago Dei) refers to the immaterial aspects of humanity that set us apart from animals, equip us for the dominion God intended, and enable us to have fellowship with Him. We reflect God mentally—created as rational, volitional beings; morally—originally made in righteousness and holiness; and socially—designed for relationships, mirroring God’s triune nature and love.

Though sin corrupted this image, God’s plan has always been to restore it. As David Dockery notes, redemption creates a “new self, created to be like God in true righteousness and holiness.” This restoration is only possible through God’s grace in Jesus Christ, who reconciles us to God by removing the sin that separates us. Out of His great love (John 3:16), God gave His Son—spared nothing—to provide salvation (Romans 8:32).

If God loves the lost so deeply, how should we respond? Do we long for sinners to be condemned, or do we share Paul’s heart, who wished he could be cut off from Christ for the sake of his lost kinsmen (Romans 9:3)? Without compassion, we cannot love the lost as Jesus did. Loving Christ means living for Him fully, which includes being devoted to seeking the lost. We must pray earnestly for the ability to love them, for without such love our witness is hollow. As Peter instructs, we are to give an account of the hope within us “with gentleness and respect” (1 Peter 3:15).

Evangelism requires action. In the parable, the woman lights a lamp and sweeps the house, searching until she finds her coin. Her diligence reflects God’s relentless love—a love that pursues even though sinners do not deserve grace. Yet God does not give up on His elect; He seeks until they are found.

For the believer, evangelism flows naturally from a sanctified life. A mature Christian depends completely on God, ready to obey His commands, especially in reaching the lost. Growth in sanctification increases our desire to see others saved, while spiritual stagnation dulls that desire.

Finding the lost brings joy that is both personal and communal. This joy is unlike any earthly pleasure because it is eternal in scope and shared among three parties: the believer who shares the gospel, the one who receives it, and God Himself. Such joy is compelling—should we not desire the salvation of our family, friends, coworkers, and even strangers? Shared passion for the gospel unites believers and reflects the joy of heaven.

Jesus emphasizes that “there is joy in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents” (Luke 15:10). Just as the woman called her friends and neighbors to rejoice with her, God celebrates before His angels when a sinner comes to Him. Every single person matters—heaven rejoices over one.

This truth carries important implications. It is unthinkable for a Christian to live an entire life without leading at least one soul to Christ. Yet leading one does not mean the work is over—we press on, seeking the next. The urgency is real; why delay when we know the joy salvation brings to God?

A lost soul is worth far more than silver or gold. Sharing the gospel—whether the hearer believes or not—enriches the church, inspires others to evangelize, and brings joy to God Himself. Therefore, let us be steadfast in prayer, diligent in action, and faithful in love, seeking the lost one soul at a time, until the joy of heaven becomes the joy of earth.