The Parable of the Lost Coin
Children's Bible Lesson and GameThe suggested donation for use of this
lesson and game is $3.00 or become a yearly support partner.
What do you suppose the word parable means? (A parable is a story that compares something we’re familiar with to something that is not familiar. Jesus taught using parables to help people understand something about him and his kingdom.)
Have you ever lost something that is important to you? (Receive answers
and possibly tell your own story.)
In Luke chapter 15, Jesus told three parables about lost things: a lost sheep, a lost coin, and a lost son.
He told these parables in response to the accusations by the Pharisees and
teachers of the law regarding his welcoming of sinners and (horror of horrors)
eating with them. The parable I’m going to read is about a woman who lost a coin. Listen closely now to see if you understand what Jesus
wanted them and us to understand about him and his kingdom.
Read Luke 15:8-10 from a child-friendly Bible, tell it in your own words or have children pantomime the story as you tell it.
1) Jesus told this parable--this story--to help us understand something about God and his kingdom. What do you suppose the
coin represents in this story?
(a lost person)
2) Who do you think the woman represents? (God)
3) What do you suppose it means to be a "lost person"? (Those who
don't know God and who haven't received his gift of forgiveness for their sins.)
The message of the parable:
* God searches for lost people - God's Word says, "While we were still sinners, Christ died for us" (Romans 5:8).
* People are valuable to God. God's Word says, "God loved people so much
that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes/trusts in him will not die, but
will have everlasting life" John 3:16.
* When we feel lost, God is still there. He invites us to call on him for help.
God's Word says, "When they call to me, I will answer them; when they are in trouble, I will be with them. I will rescue them and honor
them" Psalm 91:15 (GNT).
* God doesn't give up--he continues to search for those who are lost.
* God and all of heaven rejoices when the lost are found ". . . there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents" (Luke 15:7).
* We are to be like God--helping those who are lost to find their way to Jesus
and then rejoicing with them when they are found.
Game Set Up: You'll need small brooms and dozens of small balls "the coins" (ping pong, golf, or pit balls), and Hoola-hoops "the homes."
How to Play: Children can play individually or in teams. Place hoops "the homes" around the outside edge of your playing area. Each player or team will need a broom and a hoop. Scatter the balls "the coins" in the center of the playing area. At the go, players race to sweep
one coin (one ball) at a time into their respective homes (hoops). If playing in teams, players take turns sweeping a coin home,
and then return to the team line to hand off the broom to the next player. When all the "coins" have been swept into the "homes" the game is over.
Player or team with the most coins wins.
Alternately, hide coins for children to find.
Copyright 2010 / 2020 S.A. Keith
If you like this lesson and game, then you'll love the lessons, games, and activities in
The Parables of Jesus Vol. - I
and The Parables of Jesus - Vol. 2
Subscribe to our Newsletter - Learn More