Only Luke records Jesus’ account of the rich man and Lazarus (16:19-31). Scholars debate whether this was a parable or a historical account. Since parables are true-to-life illustrations, it makes little difference. The story is addressed to the Pharisees, who were lovers of money (v. 14). Their money and outward show of religion impressed men (v. 15). Perhaps people viewed their wealth as an indication of God’s approval. Jesus knew better. The account is about a man who had plenty. We should be able to relate to that.
- He had plenty of money. The man is not named, but some refer to him as “Dives”, based on Jerome’s Latin word for rich. He was just “a certain rich man”. He could be anyone with plenty of money. Who is that? Doesn’t “rich” always describe people who have more than we? It shouldn’t. Most of us have plenty, far more than is essential to life. Plenty of money wasn’t the man’s problem. It was what he did with it. “He habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, gaily living in splendor every day” (v. 19). He consumed it all. It all went to self, and that was inexcusable because…
- He had plenty of opportunity. “And a certain poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man’s table …” (vv. 20-21). Sometimes we console ourselves that we would do more if only we had opportunity. Beware. The problem is rarely a lack of opportunity; it is unwillingness to see it. This man couldn’t see it lying at his gate! Neither will we if we, like him, are always looking in a mirror. That focus on self later became unbearably painful because…
- He had plenty of torment in Hades, the realm of the dead. The man who had been so comfortable in life was now indescribably miserable in death. Instantly, he became the beggar. “Father Abraham, have mercy on me … I am tormented in this flame” (v. 24). Now he could see clearly. It was too late. All that remained was an eternity of agony, and it was his own fault because…
- He had plenty of instruction. At the end of the account the rich man pled with Abraham to send Lazarus back from the dead to warn his brothers. “But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead’” (v. 31). The Bible that the rich man had so long ignored contained all the instruction, evidence, promises, and warning that anyone would need. It’s so tragic that people disregard the Bible, for if it won’t move us, what else would?
God included accounts like the rich man and Lazarus for a reason. They can sink deep into our hearts and produce conscience-provoking thoughts like remaining dedicated to the Christ who was crucified for us.
Adapted from Frank Himmel
