The Parable of The Rich Man & Lazarus

[bcbsr]

The Parable of The Rich Man & Lazarus

Luke 16:19-31 "Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, living in luxury every day. A certain beggar, named Lazarus, was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Yes, even the dogs came and licked his sores. It happened that the beggar died, and that he was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died, and was buried. In Hades, he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far off, and Lazarus at his bosom.

He cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue! For I am in anguish in this flame.’

"But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that you, in your lifetime, received your good things, and Lazarus, in like manner, bad things. But now here he is comforted and you are in anguish. Besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that those who want to pass from here to you are not able, and that none may cross over from there to us.’

He said, ‘I ask you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house; for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, so they won’t also come into this place of torment.’

"But Abraham said to him,
‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’

"He said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’

"He said to him, ‘If they don’t listen to Moses and the prophets,
neither will they be persuaded if one rises from the dead.’" (web)

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Discussion Questions

Interpretation:

Why do you suppose the brothers would not have been convinced even if Lazarus was raised from the dead?
Was there ever a "Lazarus" raised from the dead? (John 11)
What effect did it have on the skeptics? (John 12:9-11)

Application:

What part do miracles play in convincing people that God has spoken?
What kind of evangelism program would you recommend?
What do you think of basing on evangelism program on "whatever works"?
And if so how would you measure "what works"?

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Comments

There are those who object to the illustration of the afterlife that Jesus presents here. There are those who propose that this is only a story and therefore is not necessarily true to life.  However, notice that all of Jesus' other stories and parables were true to life.  He doesn't use science-fiction scenarios in his stories.  He presented the after-life the way it actually was.

The afterlife was referred to as Hades and was composed of two parts. One for the unrighteous, which is often called "Hell", and the other for the righteous which may also be called "Paradise" along the lines of Jesus promise to the thief on the cross to whom he promised "Today you will be with me in Paradise" Luke 23:43

There are only these two sections and nothing in between. There is no one half-righteous and half-unrighteous. There is no one half-born of God. "He who has the son has life. He who does not have the son of God does not have life." 1John 5:12 Those who have the son are reckoned righteous, their sins having been forgiven and forgotten.

The Major Theme:
Evangelism from Hell

In this story, it is not specified as to why the rich man went to hell. It was implied that it was because he was given over to luxuries and pleasure while at the same time not loving his neighbor.  But this was not the major theme. The major theme has to do with the last verse.  It has to do with the Bible alone being sufficient to bring people to repentance and salvation. "Faith comes from hearing the message." Rom 10:17  And Jesus said, "If you believed Moses, you would believe me, for he wrote about me. But since you do not believe what he wrote, how are you going to believe what I say?" John 5:46,47

Yet many Christians have been taught that it is highly dependent upon the messenger.  It is not!  If someone doesn't listen to the Bible, it wouldn't matter even if the messenger speaking to them had been raised from the dead! "Lifestyle Evangelism" is a misnomer.  If you think you are going to convert people by not telling them what the Bible says, but rather by impressing them by what a good person you are, you will indeed make converts, few of whom will believe the Bible. Rather they'll end up being just like you - putting their faith in themselves rather than in the Word of God.

The rich man in hell wanted to start his own evangelistic program. He had his own ideas as to how it should be done which seemed logical to him.  Let's make a big show and impress people with miracles.  That's evangelism from hell. And while the Evangelical community is caught up in "lifestyle evangelism", the Charismatic community is caught up in trying to impress through alleged "signs and wonders".  But let those who are born of the Word, put their trust in the Bible. Let the Jesus who is preached be the Jesus of the Bible and not a "Jesus" that people make up in their own minds. Let the message be exalted and preached through humble messengers who put their trust in the Word of God.

But then there are those refusing to heed Jesus' message who say that "whatever works is how evangelism should be done."  They measure if it "works" based on numbers of converts.  But they fail to consider what kind of converts they produce. Yes, if the word of God is preached, there may very well be those who are converted and born of God.  But often with "numbers" being the priority, a large portion of such "converts" end up being Christians in name only, not having been born of the Spirit. And such converts end up having the same kind of mentality as the messenger - a contempt for the Word of God putting one's own opinion above the Bible and thus an over-exalted view of oneself or of the messenger. The "Jesus" of such converts often becomes not the Biblical Jesus, but the "Jesus" they make up in their own minds conforming him to their own image.

The Resurrection of Lazarus

It may be hard to believe that the raising of Lazarus wouldn't convert the skeptic to truth faith.  But in fact there was a "Lazarus", a friend of Jesus, who was raised from the dead in John 11. And this is how Jesus' enemies reacted:

"Meanwhile a large crowd of Jews found out that Jesus was there and came, not only because of him but also to see Lazarus, whom he had raised from the dead. So the chief priests made plans to kill Lazarus as well, for on account of him many of the Jews were going over to Jesus and putting their faith in him." John 12:9-11

However this brings up another issue. For Jesus often used miracles to affirm his message.

The Jews gathered around him, saying, "How long will you keep us in suspense? If you are the Christ, tell us plainly." Jesus answered, "I did tell you, but you do not believe. The miracles I do in my Father's name speak for me, but you do not believe because you are not my sheep."John 10:24-26

But notice that he says that even though the miracles affirm his message, just as the rich man in hell had reasoned, yet it is to no avail if they had not believed the Word of God that they already heard through Moses. (John 5:46,47) So also, among those in John 12:11 mentioned above who were putting their faith in him on account of the resurrection of Lazarus, were those who had been believing Moses and the Prophets, and also those who were of a nominal faith only impressed by the miracle.

Remember that Acts is historical in nature, recording what people were called and did outwardly, not necessarily what they were inwardly.  For many, as in John 6, who followed him because of his miracles later turned away because of his words. Jesus answered, "I tell you the truth, you are looking for me, not because you saw miraculous signs but because you ate the loaves and had your fill." John 6:26 "From this time many of his disciples turned back and no longer followed him."John 6:66 And that's the problem if you rely on "Evangelism from hell".  If you want to keep the numbers you have to throw away the Bible. But Jesus was not interested in "what worked" in a numbers sense.  He was more concerned with quality than quantity.  Indeed, it seems that in many churches, Jesus Christ would be expelled from their evangelistic ministry team.  Things were going so well, Jesus.  We had so many crowds of people. But then you opened your mouth and spoke the Word of God and screwed up everything. Now no one comes but a bunch of Bible fanatics. Seems that things never change!

There was rich man dressed in fine linen Living in luxury though he was sinnin At his gate lay a beggar, Lazarus by name Covered with sores being treated with shame He wanted to eat crumbs from the rich man's table. Even dogs licked his sore, for he was not able. Then the time came when the beggar died And angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man man died also his body but a shell For he awoke to his torment, ending up in hell He looked up and saw Abraham far away And Lazarus by his side. That's what he saw that day He called "Father Abraham have pity on me And send Lazarus to attend to my plea For I ask just a bit of water to acquire For my tongue burns in agony in this fire But Abraham replied, "Remember my son You received your good things and had plenty of fun. While Lazarus had only asked for a crumb While he suffered he was treated just like a bum But now he is in comfort and you in agony That seems rather fair, wouldn't you agree? And besides all this a big gap has been fixed Between here and you so we cannot be mixed." The rich man answered, "Then I beg you Send him to my house to tell my brothers what's true So they won't come to this place" (He supposes) Abraham replied, "They have the prophets and Moses Let them listen to what is read" "No," He replied, "Let someone come from the dead. Then they will listen and even repent." But he got this reply to his argument "If they don't listen as the Bible advises Nor will they listen even though someone rises."

 

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The Berean Christian Bible Study Resources

[missmuffet]

Jesus teaches us here that heaven and hell are very real. It also teaches us that once we die an unbeliever there are no more chances for salvation. This parable tells us that the love of money on this earth is not a good thing. Jesus loves the poor. 

[wingnut-]

He never tells us it is a parable though.

[BeauJangles]

7 hours ago, bcbsr said:

Was there ever a "Lazarus" raised from the dead?

Yes, there was. This wasn't the same Lazarus however, and I'm not sure how the friend of Jesus got intertwined in this thread. Both are true accounts and as it was pointed out, Jesus doesn't say he's telling a parable concerning Lazarus and the rich man.  

[R. Hartono]

No matter how u claim ur Faith in Jesus u Will not b saved if u neglect those poor "Lazarus" who are neglected by the rich people.

[createdequal]

I have often wondered about this parable. But it seems I understand it better today than yrs ago. At first it may seem like: rich people go to Hell, poor people do not, but of course that cannot be so.

I think that.. well, Andrew Carnegie comes to mind. He was extremely wealthy but is supposed to have said" A wealthy man who dies with all his money is a disgrace!" He tried to give away all his money one way or another  an may have succeeded (I want to read up on his biog)

so what happens if you follow Mr Carnegie's advice? you end up poor

so maybe that is how the man in that parable ended up poor?

Well, as always, the Bible does not give details...  

[StatHaldol]

I’ve always wondered if it was indeed s parable or an actual account of an event that happened.

I’m not a theologian, but I believe this is the only account of a parable in which the person (Lazarus) had a name.

[AnOrangeCat]

26 minutes ago, StatHaldol said:

I’ve always wondered if it was indeed s parable or an actual account of an event that happened.

I’m not a theologian, but I believe this is the only account of a parable in which the person (Lazarus) had a name.

You're right. Quite a few have said that it's not a parable based on someone having a name, which typically wasn't done in the parables. I'm undecided on the matter, but I think regardless of parable or not it's important to take it to heart.

[InChristAlways]

On 10/3/2019 at 2:36 AM, StatHaldol said:

I’ve always wondered if it was indeed s parable or an actual account of an event that happened.

I’m not a theologian, but I believe this is the only account of a parable in which the person (Lazarus) had a name.

 

On 10/3/2019 at 3:05 AM, AnOrangeCat said:

You're right. Quite a few have said that it's not a parable based on someone having a name, which typically wasn't done in the parables. I'm undecided on the matter, but I think regardless of parable or not it's important to take it to heart.

 I agree with both of you. The fact that 2 of the most important Hebrew persons in the OT of the Bible are mentioned is what made me take a more extensive look into it and to look as various commentaries on it. It is perhaps my largest study in the NT, besides Revelation.

I found this person's view at the link below rather fascinating, as he views the Rich man as "Judah", of the House of Judah, which consisted of Judah, the priestly tribe of Levi and Benjamin [Paul's tribe].  His mention of the 5 full blooded brothers in

http://www.herealittletherealittle.net/index.cfm?page_name=Lazarus

The parable of Lazarus and the rich man has been the foundation for many of the erroneous beliefs about "hell" within traditional Christianity. Some have viewed it not as a parable, but as a true story Yeshua told to give details about the punishment of sinners in hell. Yet a thorough, unbiased examination of this story will show that the generally accepted interpretations of this passage of Scripture are erroneous and misleading. In this article, we will go through the parable verse by verse to determine what the Messiah was truly teaching.

Those who insist that this is not a parable but a true, literal story Yeshua told to describe the condition of the lost in hell must overlook several facts to arrive at that conclusion. First, Yeshua the Messiah never accuses the rich man of any sin. He is simply portrayed as a wealthy man who lived the good life. Furthermore, Lazarus is never proclaimed to be a righteous man. He is just one who had the misfortune to be poor and unable to care for himself. If this story is literal, then the logical implication is that all the rich are destined to burn in hell, while all the homeless and destitute will be saved. Does anyone believe this to be the case?

Luke 16:19 Yet a certain Man was rich and was clothed purple and fine-linen making-merry down to a-day shiningly 20 Yet a certain Poor-one was to name Lazarus, who had been cast toward the gate of him, having sores-abiding

28 "for I have five brothers that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.' " The fact that the rich man has five brothers is a vital clue to his true symbolic identity. Judah, the progenitor of the Jews, was the son of Jacob through Leah (Gen. 29:35). He had five full-blooded brothers: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, and Zebulun (Gen. 35:23). While the significance of this seemingly pointless detail has been neglected by scholars throughout the centuries, you can be certain that it did not escape the notice of the Pharisees and scribes to which Yeshua was speaking. They thoroughly knew their history and were extremely proud of their heritage. Yeshua wanted those self-righteous Pharisees to know exactly who he was referring to with this parable. This detail cements the identity of the rich man as the House of Judah, the Jews

30 The yet he said: "nay father Abraham! but if ever any from dead-ones may be going forth toward them they shall be reforming.
31 Saying yet to him "if Moses and the Prophets not they are hearing, neither if ever anyone out of dead-ones may be rising, they shall be being persuaded".

The fact that the rich man has five brothers is a vital clue to his true symbolic identity. Judah, the progenitor of the Jews, was the son of Jacob through Leah (Gen. 29:35). He had five full-blooded brothers: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Issachar, and Zebulun (Gen. 35:23).

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An interesting vid I found on it:

 

Edited December 16, 2019 by InChristAlways

[InChristAlways]

 

Quote

Interpretation:

Why do you suppose the brothers would not have been convinced even if Lazarus was raised from the dead?
Was there ever a "Lazarus" raised from the dead? (John 11)
What effect did it have on the skeptics? (John 12:9-11)

 

The 5 brothers are said to be by some commentators as symbolizing the 5 blood brothers of Judah. 

The corrupt religious Rulers, especially the Chief Priests [which the sect of the Sadducees belonged to and didn't believe in a Resurrection] attempted to kill Lazarus [John 12:10]

I find it interesting that Lazarus is mentioned  in only 3 chapters of the NT, Luke 16 and John 11, 13 [my 2 favorite Gospels].

https://www.blueletterbible.org/search/search.cfm?Criteria=Lazarus&t=NKJV&ss=1#s=s_primary_0_1

"Lazarus" occurs 15 times in 15 verses [4 verses in Luke 16 and 11 verses in John]

John 11:1 Now a certain man was sick, Lazarus of Bethany, the town of Mary and her sister Martha. 2 It was that Mary who anointed the Lord with fragrant oil and wiped His feet with her hair, whose brother Lazarus was sick. 5 Now Jesus loved Martha and her sister and Lazarus. 11 These things He said, and after that He said to them, “Our friend Lazarus sleeps, but I go that I may wake him up.” 14 Then Jesus said to them plainly, “Lazarus is dead. 43 Now when He had said these things, He cried with a loud voice, “Lazarus, come forth!”

John 12:1 Then, six days before the Passover, Jesus came to Bethany, where Lazarus was, who had been dead, whom He had raised from the dead. 2 There they made Him a supper; and Martha served, but Lazarus was one of those who sat at the table with Him. 9 Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus' sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. 10 But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also,
17 Therefore the people, who were with Him when He called Lazarus out of his tomb and raised him from the dead, bore witness.

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The Sadducees and Chief Priest were involved with the Temple services and were the main enemies of Jesus. They became the footstool of Jesus with the destruction of the Temple and Sanctuary in 70 AD"

Matthew 3:7 Seeing yet many of the Pharisees and Sadducees coming upon his baptism he said to them "produce of vipers/ecidnwn <2191>! who suggested to ye to be fleeing from the being about wrath?
Acts 5:17 Rising yet the Chief-Priest and all those together to-him--the being a sect  of the Sadducees<4523> they are filled of-jealousy/boiling

Acts 23:
6 Paul yet knowing yet that the one part is of Sadducees, the yet different of Pharisees, he cried out in the sunhedrin, "Men, brethren, I a Pharisee, am son of Pharisees; about the hope and resurrection of dead-ones I am being judged!"
7 And when he had said this, a dissension arose between the Pharisees and the Sadducees; and the assembly was divided.
8 For Sadducees say that there is no resurrection -- and no angel or spirit; but the Pharisees confess both.
9 Then there arose a loud outcry. And the scribes of the Pharisees' party arose and protested, saying, "We find no evil in this man; but if a spirit or an angel has spoken to him, let us not fight against God."

http://www.bible.org/page.php?page_id=3974

The Sadducees did not believe in the resurrection of the dead or the immortality of the soul, since these doctrines are not mentioned in the law of Moses. Neither did they believe in heaven or hell. They interpreted the law literally and tended to support strict justice as opposed to mercy toward the offender. Since Jesus supported all these things opposed by the Sadducees, Jesus did not fit within the Sadducean movement.

Being closely associated with the Temple, the Sadducees disappeared from history when the Temple was destroyed in 70.

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Edited December 16, 2019 by InChristAlways