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At the end of Luke 16, we read a fascinating story contrasting the rich man and Lazarus. Jesus does not start out this story as He does other parables. He also gives us the name of an individual which does not happen in any other parable. Many have wondered if this was a true account?
Lazarus and the rich man both die but do not go to the same place. Lazarus goes to be with Abraham and the rich man is simply buried. Lazarus was a poor beggar so he had no proper funeral. Next, we read that the rich man is in Hades lifting his eyes while in torment and seeing Lazarus and Abraham far away.
Hades (Sheol in the OT) was believed to be a “waiting area” for those who have died. Some believed this waiting area housed both saved and unsaved souls until Christ’s work was completed at the cross. It is a heavily debated topic, however, let’s stick to the main teaching point. Jesus tells a story that portrays a destination each man was sent to based on how each man lived his life.
The rich man didn’t go to torment because he was rich, but because he lived entitled and selfishly with no faith in God. This is evident by the way he expects Lazarus to wait on him and bring him water in the afterlife. Lazarus did not go to heaven because he was poor, but because he had authentic faith in the Lord.
This contrast in social status would have shocked the religious leaders of the time. Ancient theology, much like today, dictated that if you were richly blessed, God was rewarding your righteousness. On the other hand, if you were poor, it meant that you had unconfessed sin and God was punishing you. This is probably why Jesus highlighted their social standing.
The crisis of the story takes place when the rich man asks Abraham to send Lazarus back and tell his brothers to repent. He thinks if a dead man rises and goes back, then they will believe.
“‘No, father Abraham,’ he said. ‘But if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ [31] “But he told him, ‘If they don’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.’”
Luke 16:30-31 CSB
I love the response by Abraham because it draws us to the real source of power when it comes to Salvation. A dead man with evidence does not compare to the Word of God! In fact, Jesus is a perfect example of this. He rose from the dead and people still didn’t believe in Him. They didn’t then and many still don’t today.
When I analyze this rich man, I am shaken with fear. Think of how many people today are in the same boat as this man and will face judgment wishing they would have repented while they were still alive. On the other hand, Lazarus, who had lived a life full of struggle and pain, was comforted immediately upon death and never questioned anything about his Earthly life!
This story is such a powerful example of the truth we read in Romans 1.
For God’s wrath is revealed from heaven against all godlessness and unrighteousness of people who by their unrighteousness suppress the truth, [19] since what can be known about God is evident among them, because God has shown it to them. [20] For his invisible attributes, that is, his eternal power and divine nature, have been clearly seen since the creation of the world, being understood through what he has made. As a result, people are without excuse. [21] For though they knew God, they did not glorify him as God or show gratitude. Instead, their thinking became worthless, and their senseless hearts were darkened.
Romans 1:18-21 CSB