Rich Man, Poor Man
TRANSLATION
(19) “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. (20) At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores. (21) He longed to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. More than that, the dogs came and licked his sores.
(22) “And it happened that the beggar died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, (23) and in Hades he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. (24) He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water to cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ (25) But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things and Lazarus in the same way bad things, but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. (26) And beside all this, between us there is a great chasm fixed so that those who would pass from here to you are not able and no one may cross over from there to us.’ (27) He then said, ‘I beg you, Father, to send him to my father’s house (28) where I have five brothers so that he may warn them lest they also come to this place of torment.’ (29) But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’ (30) And he said, ‘No, Father Abraham. If someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ (31) And he said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be convinced even if one were to rise from the dead.’”
OBSERVATIONS
Students of the New Testament have long debated two questions regarding this passage. First, was this a parable or was Jesus relating a true story? Second, should we regard it as an accurate portrayal of the afterlife on which we can build a doctrine of heaven and hell? By getting enmeshed in the details of such discussions we can easily miss the story’s significance. Several repeated words keep us pointed in the right direction. First “rich man” and “beggar” were used several times to describe the two main characters (vss. 19-22). Three proper names were used repeatedly: “Lazarus” (vss. 20, 23, 24, & 25), “Abraham” or “Father Abraham” (vss. 22, 23, 24, 25, 29, & 30), and “Moses” (vss. 29 & 31). Note that while the beggar was actually given a proper name, the rich man was never so identified. Two other terms were repeated: “listen” (vss. 29 & 31) and “the dead” (vss. 30 & 31).
Jesus used this story first to focus on the great reversals that will take place after death. In this case, a rich man who had lived in self-absorbed luxury while on earth ended up isolated and suffering in Hades. The beggar who had suffered while on earth because of the rich man’s selfishness was portrayed as living in a place of blessing and comfort after he departed this life. Jesus’ point seems clear: how we conduct ourselves while alive on earth plays a crucial role in determining our eternal destiny. Jesus’ intent was to drive home two additional points. First, in refusing the rich man’s request for personal relief, Abraham’s words teach us that once death occurs, there will be no further opportunity for repentance. Then, in refusing to grant the rich man’s request for Lazarus to warn his family, Abraham additionally taught that the testimony of God’s Word should be enough for anyone to know the way to heaven. If the brothers had not already believed Moses and the prophets, nothing, not even someone returning from the dead, would convince their hardened hearts to believe otherwise. In view of what would soon take place in Jerusalem during the final days of his earthly ministry, Jesus used this story not only to foretell his own resurrection but also to warn that many would still refuse to believe in him and his message even after his tomb had been emptied.
OUTLINE
I. The great REVERSAL – Before death, the rich shut their hearts to the plight of the poor, but after death, the rich will be tormented in Hades while the poor will be comforted. (19-26)
II. The great REFUSAL – After death, no further opportunities for repentance will be given. (27-31)
IDEA STATEMENT
Since the way we live on earth will determine our eternal destiny, we must decide to live for God now or forever suffer the consequences.
APPLICATION
Jesus’ story about Lazarus was not primarily concerned with the issues of wealth vs. poverty nor was it intended as a theology of the afterlife. Above all else, Jesus sought to demonstrate to his listeners that the choices we make now and the priorities we set during our earthly lives are of vital importance because they determine how we will spend eternity. How interesting it is that the rich man’s attitude didn’t change after his death. He remained just as selfish in Hades as he was on earth! Note how often he used the first person in suggesting to Abraham that Lazarus be dispatched as if he were still a lowly servant to alleviate his own suffering and then meet the needs of his family. Abraham’s twin refusals, first to ease the rich man’s torment and then to warn his brothers, was intended to demonstrate God’s justice as well as the hardness of the human heart.
The Scriptures give us all the information we need to turn from our self-centeredness, to place our faith in the Redeemer, and to live with eternity in view. We bear full responsibility for the choices we make in this life. For those choices and for the way we decide to live our daily lives we will be held accountable for eternity.