The Rich Man and Lazarus
Luke 16:19-31
Today we will look at a familiar story. Many debate on whether this is a real life story or if it is a parable. Either way, there is a plethora of challenges to us all and unbelievable principles to follow. It is the account of the rich man and Lazarus.
The account start with details about the rich man. We are not even told his name. Just “the rich man.” He could afford to wear purple and fine linens every day. He also through banquets often. These were not just parties but lavish dinners. We are told that he fared sumptuously. He had no need by the worldly standards.
Then we are told about a poor man named Lazarus. We are told his name and it means, “whom God helps.” We will discuss this in another week are so.
Lazarus was carelessly dropped off at the rich man’s gate. He was so poor that the towns’ people dropped him off there in an attempt to get him help. He is also full of open sores that oozed and the dogs even liked them. He could not even go to see the doctor for help.
We are told that Lazarus desired crumbs from the rich man’s table. This sounds bad but it is much worse than it sounds. What they would do at these banquets is use the bread crust as napkins. When their fingers were dirty they would lick them, whip the remaining food and saliva onto the crust, and feed it to the dogs. This is what Lazarus desired.
Lazarus was totally destitute, as are we. We cannot do anything apart from the power and grace of God. Every heart beat is a gift. Every breath we take is a gift.
We need Christ for life. We need Christ for eternity. Apart from Christ, we face an utter eternity in a place prepared for Satan and his demons. We need Him.
Psalms 34:18, 51:17, 102:17, II Cor. 5:17, II Cor. 12:10, 13, Phil. 4:13