-THE PEREAN MINISTRY

-The Rich Man and Lazarus

-Luke 16:19-31

-“Some have thought that this is not a parable, but a record from a real life; they say that the

 name of one of the principal characters is given, which is not done in any of the parables of

 Jesus.  Others claim that it is a parable; commentators generally have treated it as a parable.  It

 does not matter whether it is regarded as a parable or not; the lesson taught by Jesus remains the

 same” (Boles, 1974, pgs 317-318).

-The Parable of the Unjust Steward teaches how the material things of this world are to be

 utilized.  The account of the Rich Man and Lazarus shows the tragic consequences of valuing

 wealth above righteousness and the misuse of this world’s goods.

-Jesus’description of this rich man indicates a life of luxury:  “Along the coast of Tyre there was

 found a rare shell-fish (Murex purpurarius) from which a costly purple dye was obtained, each

 little animal yielding about one drop of it.  Woolen garments dyed with it were worn by kings

 and nobles, and idol images were sometimes arrayed in them.  This purple robe formed the outer,

 and the linen the inner garment.  The byssus, or fine linen of Egypt, was produced from flax

 which grew on the banks of the Nile.  It was dazzingly white, and worth twice its weight in

 gold...The mention of these garments and a continual banqueting indicates a life of extreme

 luxury” (McGarvey/Pendleton, pg 511).

-In contrast to this rich man, Lazarus is described as a beggar who was covered in sores rather

 than expensive, luxurious garments.  He lay at the rich man’s gate while dogs licked his sores. 

 He was not envious of earthly possessions.  He simply longed for the crumbs that fell from the

 rich man’s table but received nothing.

            -The rich man, living a selfish life in luxury, put so much focus and value in his worldly

             goods, that he wouldn’t even bear the thought of sharing the smallest of portions to help

             Lazarus, a man in need.

-In this account, there’s not only a sharp contrast in their lives upon earth, but an even greater

 contrast in their lives after death.

            -“In death as well as in life the two men stand in contrast.  The rich man passes from view

             with the pomp and pageantry of a burial...an earthly honor suited to a worldly life.  But

             Lazarus passes hence with the angels, a spiritual triumph suited to one accepted of God”

             (McGarvey/Pendleton, pg 512).

            -In verse 24, we find the reversal of roles.  The rich man is now begging for something very

             small from Lazarus whereas Lazarus used to beg for something very small from him.  Do

             you suppose that if he had given Lazarus a plate of food, that he might have felt justified in

             asking for a glass of water?

-The rich man had missed his opportunity to do what was right.  Having passed up those

 opportunities, the condition of his soul was now set and unchangeable.  There would be no

 escape.  There would be no option to leave the torment and enter into paradise.  His wealth had

 blinded him and deceived him. 

      -We must be careful in how we view ourselves.  The “poor” in this nation would often times

       be the “rich” in other countries.  Let’s not overvalue our money and possessions but use

       them wisely.

-Knowing his deplorable condition, the rich man’s thoughts shifted to his brothers on earth.

      -This does not indicate that he was “looking down upon his family members” with the

       ability to watch their every move.  Such is simply not the case.  However, this does show

       that the notion of annihilation is simply false.  This man continued to exist and was in a

       state of full consciousness..

      -He was concerned that his brothers were making the same mistake that he had made -   

       focusing on material wealth and possessions while neglecting their spiritual welfare. 

       Perhaps this was partially due to his influence upon them.

      -Clearly, he did not want them to join him in such a place of torment.

-The man, once rich upon the earth (Notice, he is not referred to as a “rich” man beyond verse

 22.), requested that Abraham send Lazarus to warn his brothers.  He mistakenly thought that

 such an occurrence would cause his brothers to repent.

      -In Abraham’s response, we see the great emphasis and power of God’s scriptures.

      -“Jesus had already raised at least two from the dead as witnesses to his divine power, and he

       was about to raise a third, who, with startling suggestiveness, would bear this very name of

       Lazarus.  But despite all these witnesses, the majority of the Jews disbelieved and continued

       to disbelieve in him; nay, they even went so far as to seek the death of Lazarus that they

       might be rid of his testimony (John xii. 10)” (McGarvey/Pendleton, pg 516).

      -“As proof of this, Jesus was crucified, buried, and arose from the dead, yet the Jewish

       leaders still rejected him.  The truth of God brought to the heart is necessary to repentance;

       and if it fails vain will be the efforts of men, living or dead, however miraculous.  No

       stronger inducement now can be presented to men for repentance than that which God has

       presented” (Boles, 1974, pg 325).

-Like all passages of scripture, this great passage has a wealth of information, much of which we

 have not explored.  Further studious exploration (of this passage and the other passages we have

 and will study) will certainly produce great treasure!