Ztracená drachma (Lk 15,8‒10)

The parable of the lost drachma (mostly called: “of the lost coin”) appears only in the Gospel of Luke (15:8‒10). Along with the preceding parable of the lost sheep in Luke 15:4‒7, it forms a pair with the same message about the joy of God at the finding of the lost. This contribution first analyses the text of this parable, then explores the significance of the parable within the fifteenth chapter of Luke and consequently examines its message and significance within the entire double work of Luke, i.e. in the Gospel of Luke and in Acts. The relatively short and often overlooked parable of the lost coin, in which the acting person is a poor woman, contributes to the beautiful and powerful text of Luke 15. Within the whole double work of Luke, it underlines the message about God’s desire to find the lost and show his mercy and love, and his joy about all of those who let themselves be found and are open to the message of Jesus. A specific feature of this parable is the use of a woman as a metaphor for God.