![]() Many people reading this story of the rich man and Lazarus assume the picture Jesus is painting is hell. In other words, he still thinks he's more important and he wants to be the top dog. The rich man wants Lazarus to once again be in a place of servitude for him. ![]() That might seem like a rather strange request, but his intent is crystal clear. Rather he asks for Lazarus to be sent to Hades so that he can dip the end of his finger in water and cool his tongue. The rich man asks for mercy, but not mercy to be saved from his current circumstances. And we might feel bad for him… but we just need to read to the end of the verse to see he hasn’t changed a bit. Luke 16:24 tells us that he calls out for mercy. While in torment there seems to be a moment of regret, a time where the rich man seeks forgiveness. Rather torment, and we will see, that is a self-inflicted and not one brought on by an outside force. The rich man is now in torment, important to note he is not being tortured, as many picture, in hell. Ironically, he's still called the rich man, though he now has nothing. Lazarus is now living in luxury and the rich man is living in torment. And the rich man goes to Hades ( Luke 16:23).Įven in the afterlife, they still live in contrast to each other. ![]() This is where Jesus’ story gets interesting. The rich man is buried, undoubtedly anointed with oil, wrapped, and carefully placed in a tomb. Even in their death, there is considerable contrast. Jesus’story starts with these two men whose lives couldn’t be more different. Jesus personalizes his concern for the poor man with a name ( Luke 16:20-21). ![]() The only thing that Lazarus had that the rich man didn’t was a name. This detail is significant as it would have made him unclean, unable to worship properly. Jesus even adds a detail that showed just how low this guy was, that dogs licked or snipped at his wounds. The only thing that adorned him was sores, and all he had to eat were scraps that fell from the rich man's table. This man lived his life adorned in the finest clothes, including purple, which only the wealthiest could afford, and feasting daily. He makes it clear that this man is living a lavish lifestyle at the expense of others. Rather, he let him be a representative for all who live life in such a manner as he did. Jesus doesn’t even bother to give the rich man a name in his story. This story is all about the contrast between the two characters in this story, the rich man and Lazarus. Bible Meaning of Lazarus and the Rich Man So, let's dive into the rich man and Lazarus and look at what it has for us today. Let him warn them, ( H) so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’Ģ9 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses ( I) and the Prophets ( J) let them listen to them.’ģ0 “‘No, father Abraham,’ ( K) he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ģ1 “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.The rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31 is a fascinating story told by Jesus that packs a punch! But it can be a confusing and difficult parable to understand. ( G) 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’Ģ7 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, 28 for I have five brothers. 24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, ( D) have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ ( E)Ģ5 “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, ( F) but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. ![]() 23 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. ( C) Even the dogs came and licked his sores.Ģ2 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. ( A) 20 At his gate was laid a beggar ( B) named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. 19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. ![]()
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