|
lesson 7 THE RICH MAN & LAZARUS Lk 16:19-31 I. Background of the Parable 1. Context a. In
the midst of a crowd, Lk 15:1-2, 16:1, Jesus has just taught his disciples to
act shrewdly. The details are in Lesson 6. b. The
Pharisees, who Luke says are lovers of money, were listening to this lesson
and scoffing at Jesus’ teachings, Lk 16:14. c. Jesus
then said the Pharisees’ problem is that they like to justify themselves in
front of people, Lk 16:15. 2. Definitions/Cultural Insights a. Scoffing:
literally, to turn up the nose at; hence an intense form of mocking, Lk
23:35. b. Justify:
to deem or show to be right or righteous, Lk 18:14. c. Highly
esteemed: literally, high, lofty, elevated; highly exalted, Heb 1:3. d. Detestable:
denotes an object of disgust, an abomination, Mt 24:15. II.
Understanding the Parable 1. Dramatic contrasts between the lives on earth of the rich
man and Lazarus are briefly shown, :19-21. a. Rich
man - fine clothes, joyful, splendid living, feasting implied, :19. b. Lazarus
- covered with sores, no food, dogs for friends and medical help, :20. 2. Death takes all, poor and
rich, but even the “taking” is contrasted, :22. a. Rich
man - died and buried. b. Lazarus
- carried by angels to Abraham’s bosom. 3. The 2 men’s “after-life” is as different as their earthly
life, :23-25. a. Rich
man - torment, agony, flame. b. Lazarus
- being comforted. 4. The gate separated
the rich man and Lazarus in life, so the chasm separated them
in the after-life, :20, 26. 5. Too late… the rich man learned that people can
change their eternal ending by changing
the way they live, repent, :30; and that how to live (caring for the poor) is found in the teachings
of Moses and the Prophets, 31.
Hopefully, his brothers, and the Pharisees will not be so slow to listen and learn. III.
Consideration and Application of the Parable 1. Listen & Respond… repent if
necessary We need to listen and respond
to God’s spokesmen - Jesus, Heb 1:1 and His messengers, Mt 28:19-20. The rich man refused to listen to God’s prophets,
especially regarding care for the needy.
Are you listening to God’s message or waiting for some spectacular sign to “show
“ you the way, :31? Are you listening
to God or the traditions of men, Mt 15:1-9? Are you seeking God’s wisdom or
earthly, human wisdom, Js 1:5, 3:17? 2. Seek God’s… values and priorities The Pharisees and the rich man
valued and loved money, clothes…, Lk 16:14, 19. God detests those things
and loves people, especially the needy and
defenseless, Js 1:27. God exalts the
humble and the servant-minded, Lk 18:9-14, 22:25-27. When you study ask yourself, “What is
important to God?” or “Who and what does God value?” 3. Please God… Don’t live to please, impress,
or look good in the eyes of others.
Jesus rebuked the Pharisees for justifying themselves in the eyes of others, Lk 16:15,
18:9, 14. Are you doing what is right
to impress the preacher, spouse, father-in-law, official… or because God
saved you, says its best for you, and commands it…? 4. Today… live to please God, don’t wait The rich man had no
tomorrow’s. Once dead, you cannot
change your destiny, nor can you help anyone else change theirs. In contrast to the rich man, the unjust steward was shrewd, in part, because he acted promptly,
Lk 16:6.
Are you doing what good you can today or waiting until you’re richer,
wiser, healthier, more experienced…? IV. Memory Verses - Lk 16:15, 31 |