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The Rich Man and Lazarus

Illustration of The Rich Man and Lazarus

In this parable told to the Pharisees Jesus reveals that earthly wealth and status carry no weight before God once death arrives and that no opportunity remains for repentance or mercy after the grave. A rich man enjoys every comfort while the sores-covered beggar Lazarus lies neglected at his gate yet their deaths bring an immediate reversal with Lazarus resting in comfort beside Abraham and the rich man suffering in torment separated by a fixed chasm that none can cross. The account thus highlights the urgency of responding to God's word in this life as part of the larger redemptive story where eternal destinies are settled by faith rather than riches.

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Category: Judgment & Eternity

Meaning: Earthly wealth means nothing in eternity. There is no second chance after death.

Audience: Pharisees

Key Passages

The Parable

Luke 16:19-31

T19here was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:

20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, 21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich manโ€™s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abrahamโ€™s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; 23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. 24 And 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 tormented in this flame. 25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my fatherโ€™s house: 28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. 29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. 30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. 31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

Did You Know?

1

This is the only parable where a character is given a proper name (Lazarus).

2

Some scholars believe this is not a parable but a real account. Because of the named character.

3

The rich man's sin was not wealth itself but ignoring the suffering at his own gate.