Understanding Jesus' Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus in the Context of Life and Death

Lazarus and the Rich Man by Gustave Doré, Public Domain

Why I am Writing This Today

I am an old man. 79 9 years more than the "threescore and ten" Psalms cite as an expectation

My residence is in a retirement home. Here, the average age is 85, so I am a relatively young person. Nevertheless, people often ask me about death.

Sometimes people ask about when I am going to die. I often reply, "You mean IF I'm going to die." Unbelievers want to know what I mean by that.

Christians understand that we won't die when Jesus comes back. He could come tomorrow, but we "know not the hour." Then we will meet Him face-to-face.

We will have missed death but will meet Him as Savior or Judge. I want to meet Him as a Friend.

Preparation for that day is more serious than dying. Ask Jesus to help you.

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Jesus'* (4BC-30AD) parable of the rich man and Lazarus, found in Luke 16:19-31, offers a profound reflection on wealth, suffering, and the afterlife. The contrasting lives of the self-indulgent rich man and the suffering beggar, Lazarus, highlight critical insights about social justice, compassion, and the eternal consequences of our earthly choices. This powerful story invites us to examine not only our lives but also the realities that lie beyond death.

An asterisk* after a name means the person is in my book SPIRITUAL LIVES.

The stark contrast between the rich man's torment in Hell and Lazarus being carried by angels to comfort in Abraham*'s (1996-1821BC) bosom, highlights the impact of our actions and attitudes in this life. This narrative challenges us to reassess our earthly existence and consider its implications for our eternal fate.

Angels Carrying a Soul to Heaven; Un Âme au Ciel, William Bouguereau (1925-1905) source: http://www.hymntime.com/tch/htm/w/i/l/l/willthea.htm

Understanding the Parable

In this story, both characters die. Lazarus is welcomed into peace, while the rich man faces torment. This narrative covers complex themes of justice and mercy.

The rich man, who enjoyed every luxury during his life, is now in desperate need. He begs for a drop of water to cool his thirst, but is reminded of his choices on earth by Abraham. The chasm between them symbolizes the irrevocable separation between the saved and the damned.

At its core, the parable emphasizes the attitudes of the individuals rather than their financial situations alone. Lazarus, despite his suffering, represents humility and faithfulness. In contrast, the rich man is portrayed as aloof, pleasure-loving, and self-absorbed, illustrating how one's spiritual condition shapes one's eternal destiny.

The Comfort of Faith in Facing Death

Encountering death, especially of loved ones, can drastically shift our understanding of life and eternity. When I lost my grandfather and my infant niece, I was confronted with grief, yet found peace and solace in our faith, knowing they were with Jesus.

Losing someone we love is painful, but the assurance the Bible gives us brings incredible comfort. My grandfather's profound faith in Christ instilled a deep-seated hope for eternal life, which enveloped our family in peaceful assurance.. Similarly, despite the heartbreak of my niece's passing, the belief that she was now free from suffering and in God's presence offered solace.

Facing Mortality: Reflections on Cancer

My battle with throat cancer deepened the lessons from this parable. I remember my brothers and sisters at Living Faith Fellowship praying fervently for healing: "Lord Jesus, fill Ken with Your goodness and health, allowing no room for disease."

Cancer forces us to confront our mortality. It exposes our vulnerabilities and prompts us to reconsider what truly matters. We learn to strip away the outer garments of vanity and look at the eternal values that lie beneath. Jesus healed me during this challenging time and gave me a testimony I was able to share with my doctors and other cancer patients in Gainesville. Now, He has allowed me to share it with you.

Let the story of the rich man and Lazarus become a reminder of our priorities and the lasting impact of our choices. Of course, the most crucial choice is to believe in Jesus and receive eternal life.

Contrasting the Lives We Live

The rich man's life is a cautionary tale about misplaced priorities. His preoccupation with wealth reflects a broader societal issue where compassion often takes a back seat to self-interest. Jesus contrasts the rich man with Lazarus, who lay at his gate, emphasizing the urgent call for empathy in a world increasingly focused on material gain. The rich man's sin was that he loved money more than God. Don't get sucked into worshipping a false god of gold or living in luxury. \

This parable raises essential questions: How do we treat those who suffer around us? Are we as invested in their well-being as we are in our possessions? The gap depicted in the story symbolizes emotional and spiritual divides we often allow to grow in our lives.

Lessons in Generosity and Compassion

These reflections prompt us to go beyond self-assessment; they encourage us to take action. The rich man, in his torment, realized that he could not change his fate. Abraham's words remind us that our earthly decisions bear weight that echoes into eternity.

We need to repent of our sins and accept the great love and salvation Jesus died to bring. When we do, the Holy Spirit helps us choose kindness and honor, allowing the light of Jesus to shine through us to the world. By engaging with those in need, we break down the barriers that the rich man allowed to define him. Every small act of love and compassion can bridge divides, reflecting God's heart in our actions.

The Message of Redemption

The parable ultimately points to the essence of the Gospel, which is redemption. No matter our sins, Jesus Christ's blood washes them all away and qualifies us for eternal life. The rich man's fate serves as a reminder that death ends our opportunity to seek God, to embrace forgiveness, and to accept His love. By rejecting Him, we sentence ourselves to Hell.

The Rich Man in Hell, Seeing Lazarus Embraced by Abraham, from "The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus" Heinrich Aldegrever, German, 1551 source: https://www.metmuseum.org/art/collection/search/428042

As we examine our own lives, recognizing the fleeting nature of wealth and the eternal significance of compassion can guide our actions. Each act of kindness has lasting effects, potentially touching lives in ways we may never fully understand. Our testimony will lead others to Jesus.

Final Thoughts on the Eternal Perspective

The story of the rich man and Lazarus serves as both a cautionary tale and an encouragement. It compels us to reflect on the lives we lead, the compassion we offer, and our ultimate goals.

As we navigate life's challenges, may we hold fast to the eternal truths in Jesus' teachings. The comfort of faith anchors us amid suffering, assuring us that while we face hardships, a promised reward awaits those who remain hopeful and faithful. Through Christ, we can bridge the eternal divide and embrace everlasting life.

Every moment spent living with an eternal perspective shapes a life that is truly worth living. Let this parable inspire us to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God, understanding that our choices have far-reaching consequences that extend far beyond this life into eternity.

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When I have fin­ished my jour­ney on earth,

Ended my la­bor of love,

When I am wait­ing for Je­sus to say,

Haste to thy man­sion above.

Refrain

Will they come? Will they come?

Say, will the an­gels come,

And to Je­sus car­ry me home?

Will they come? Will they come?

Say, will the ang­els come,

And to Je­sus car­ry me home?

When I am breath­ing my lat­est fare­well,

Parting from all that is dear,

When on my pil­low I wea­ri­ly turn,

Say, will the an­gels be near?

Refrain

When, as I gaze from the thresh­old of time,

Fainter and faint­er the light,

Softer and soft­er the voic­es I hear,

Bidding my spir­it good night.

Refrain

Yes; they will come from the bright, sun­ny land,

Come on their pin­ions so fair;

Jesus will send them its glo­ry to tell,

Angels will car­ry me there.

Refrain

Fanny Crosby, 1820-1915