The Joy Before The Change
Bible Study: Luke 15:1–10
Loss is a powerful feeling. Whether it’s a missing passport, lost keys, or a favourite jumper - that anxious tug stays with us until what’s lost is found. In Luke 15, Jesus deliberately draws on that feeling to reveal something remarkable about God: God feels loss for us.
As Jesus tells the parable of the lost coin, he speaks into a divided room — insiders and outsiders, the confident and the compromised.
This study explores two intertwined invitations Jesus offers: to search honestly for God, and to allow ourselves to be found. Along the way, we discover that repentance isn’t about having everything together, but about beginning to see ourselves as God already sees us — precious and pursued.
Group Leader One-Pager
🧭 This Week’s Focus
Jesus reveals a God who actively searches for what is lost — and who rejoices, not reluctantly but exuberantly, when relationship is restored. This passage invites us to both search deeply and receive being found.
👟 Primer Question
When was the last time you lost something important — and how did it make you feel while it was missing?
(Encourage people to think emotionally, not just practically.)
📖 Key Verse
“there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents.” — Luke 15:10
❤️ Key Gospel Reminder
Before we ever search for God, God has already searched for us. Our desire to draw near begins with God’s decision to come close.
🔑 Main Teaching Points
1. Search Like the Woman
2. Be Found Like the Coin
💬 Discussion Questions
Discussion Break 1 — Feel the loss
Q. When was the last time you lost something important, and what did it feel like while it was missing?
Discussion Break 2 — Search Like the Woman
Q. Are there any areas of your life right now where you’re searching for understanding, explanation, or direction?
Q. In those areas, where are you tempted to settle, to stop asking, seeking, or hoping for more?
Q. When has reading the Bible been like lighting a lamp in your situation?
Q. If your longings or frustrations are invitations rather than problems, which one might God be inviting you to pay attention to right now?
Discussion Break 3 — Be Found Like the Coin
Q. When you make a mistake, what is the first story you tell yourself about yourself?
- How does this parable challenge that reaction?
Q. What do you instinctively think repentance means and involves?
- How does this parable challenge that understanding?
Q. Why do you think Jesus makes a point of telling us the reaction in heaven when we repent?
Q. If God isn’t satisfied with 9/10 who might he be putting on your heart right now?
- Name some people that you long to know this love.
📝 Leader Tips
This study lands practically in praying for people to come to know the love that we have encountered. So make sure you leave enough time to pray. (I use a timer to remind me!)
Alpha begins next week, encourage people to think who they can invite or bring along.
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