I recently presented a lesson summarizing the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-30). Here is my outline from that lesson:
For a more through discussion of this parable click here.
The Setting: Conflict between Jesus and the Pharisees Luke 15, 16:
• Jesus received “sinners” (Luke 15:1)
• The Pharisees were “grumbling” (Luke 15:2)
• Jesus told the Lost Parables (Luke 15:3-32)
• Continuing, Jesus told the Parable of the Unjust Steward (Luke 16:1-9)
• Jesus then taught on the use of riches (Luke 16:10-13)
• The Pharisees “ridiculed Him” (Luke 16:14)
• Jesus taught on appearances (Luke 16:15-18)
• To illustrate His points Jesus told the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)
The Teaching (16:14-18):
• The Pharisees Loved Money (v. 14; Matthew 15:1-9; Luke 20:46-47; 1 Timothy 6:10)
• The Pharisees focused on appearances, but God saw their hearts (v. 15; Matthew 6:1-21).
• The Law still stood, even though the Pharisees had perverted it (vv. 16-17). Case in point, marriage and divorce (v. 18; Matthew 5:31-32; 19:1-12) Jesus illustrated this truth by telling the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
The Points of the Parable:
• Appearances are no guarantee of one’s standing with God.
• The only thing that matters is a right response to God’s word.
Structure of the Parable:
• 2 Sets of Contrast between Rich Man and Lazarus
• 3 conversations between Rich Man and Abraham
The Contrast of the Rich Man and Lazarus in Life:
|
The Rich Man |
Poor Lazarus |
|
Rich and Healthy |
Poor and Sick |
|
Clothed in Purple and Fine Linen |
Covered with Sores |
|
Feasted Every Day |
Always Hungry |
|
Large Estate |
Homeless |
|
On the Inside |
On the Outside |
|
Comforted by the Tongues of Dogs |
|
|
Because of His Riches, He Appeared to be a Godly Man (cf. Deuteronomy 28:1-14; Mark 10:23-31) |
Because of his sickness, he appeared to be cursed by God for sin (cf. Deuteronomy 28:15-68; John 9:2). Additionally, it seem God had abandoned the one whose name meant helped by God. The naming of a character and its meaning, in this case Lazarus, is an important component of the story line. |
The Contrast of the Rich Man and Lazarus in Death:
|
The Rich Man |
Poor Lazarus |
|
Died and Buried |
Carried by the Angels |
|
Outside |
Inside, Feasting with Abraham (Matthew 8:11-12). To be in one’s “bossom” is feasting terminology (cf. John 13:25; 21:20) |
|
Tormented, In Anguish |
Comforted |
|
Desired to be Comforted Through His Tongue |
|
|
Did Not Use His Wealth to Make Friends in Heaven (Luke 16:9). Nor did he keep the Law which clearly stated he was to help the poor. |
Trusted in God as his helper. |
.Three Conversations Between the Rich Man and Abraham:
• Note, His Physical Relationship To Abraham Didn’t Save Him (John 8:31-47)
Conversation #1:
• Rich Man: Send Lazarus to help me (v. 24)
• Abraham: Even if he wanted to he can’t eternal life fixed. (v. 25-26)
Conversation #2:
• Rich Man: Send Lazarus to warn my brothers (v. 27-28)
• Abraham: They have Moses and Prophets let them hear them (v. 29)
Conversation #3:
• Rich Man: Only a resurrected man will convince them (v. 30)
• Abraham: If they won’t listen to Moses and the Prophets, they won’t listen to a resurrected man either (v. 31)
Two Take Away’s:
• Use your wealth to make friends in heaven, so that when this life is over they will receive you into eternal glory.
• What is highly valued among men is an abomination before the Lord. The world values wealth lavishly spent on self, but God abhors it.
Clay — Excellent analysis. I particularly like how you have tied it to the context of Lk 16. The parable very much emphasizes the consequences of poor stewardship.
Thank you Cloyce.