Luke16
Jesus pulls
back the curtain to help us catch a glimpse of life on the other side of death.
This story is unique to the Gospel of Luke and is the only one to name any of
its characters. Some commentators believe that this is not a true parable but
rather a specific story much like the account of the Good Samaritan.

Verses 19-21

We’re introduced to a rich man. This guy is extremely wealthy. He lives in a
home with a gate to keep others away from him. Jesus tells us that his clothes
were made out of purple, which was normally reserved for royalty. The process
to get the purple dye from shellfish was very expensive but this man didn’t
care how much it cost. He wanted the very best.

As this rich guy left in his chariot to dine in the finest restaurants he drove
right past a beggar named Lazarus who was sitting by his front gate each day.
Lazarus was not able to walk so someone had to put him by the gate every
morning. In contrast to the rich man, Lazarus was in need of everything. He had
no home, his health was fading, he was an outcast, and he had no food. As he
observed the rich man he longed to have the leftovers that were thrown away
after each meal, or even just the crumbs that fell from the table.

Verse 22

While there was an obvious contrast in how the rich man and the poor man lived
their lives, there was also a difference in their deaths. When Lazarus died his
misery finally ended, even though he didn’t receive a proper burial or even a
memorial service.

When the rich man died he had a fantastic funeral. In that culture, when
wealthy people passed away, the family hired mourners, purchased costly spices
for the body and used an elaborate tomb for the burial. The whole town turned
out for the funeral and listened to the shrieks and lamentations of the
professional weepers and the litany of praise heaped upon the rich man by
countless eulogies. He learned too late that “he who dies with the most
toys…still dies.”

Verses 23-31

But, as soon as Lazarus died, the angels came and took him to the place where
Abraham was. True Israelites were expected to share with Abraham in the world
to come. Abraham is regarded in Scripture as being not only the great patriarch
(Hebrews 7:4) but also the father of all believers (Romans 4:11). To be considered a friend of
Abraham was the highest honor possible and true happiness would be to spend
eternity at his side.

Some of your Bibles indicate that he went to “Abraham’s bosom.” In that culture
the most honored seat in a banquet would be nearest to the host, reclining in
such a way that one’s head was near his chest. The one who had yearned to
receive crumbs and scraps is now feasting at Heaven’s table.
The rich man went to Hell, or more properly a place called Hades. He was in
terrible torment and awful agony. As he looked up he saw Lazarus far away,
nestled next to Abraham. The rich man cried out in a parched voice, ‘Father
Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water
and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ What a change from the
way he lived his life! He could have anything he ever wanted to eat or drink
and now he would be satisfied with just a drop of water!

And, even though he was indifferent and apathetic toward Lazarus when they were
both alive, he has no problem now treating Lazarus as if he’s his personal
servant. How ironic to ask for a favor from the very person who never received
a favor from him!

Abraham tells this rich guy to remember how he lived his life. His mind fills
with images of poor Lazarus lying by his door with stray dogs licking his
wounds. He remembers those who tried to tell him about God. He recalls sermons
he heard. He remembers those who warned him about the coming judgment. Memories
come swimming out of the oblivion. There is no torment greater than an accusing
memory. It is impossible to forget when you’re in Hell. The rich man could not take
his money, but he did take his memory.

Abraham then states that it is absolutely impossible for Lazarus to come and
help him now. There is a great chasm between Heaven and Hell that is fixed so
that those who want to go from one place to the other cannot do it. There are
no exit signs in Hell because it is a place of everlasting punishment. The rich
man is still in Hell today and will be there forever.

The rich guy then tries one more plea. This time he begs Abraham to send
Lazarus to his family members. He’s beginning to understand the mission of the
church. He didn’t want any company in Hell and especially did not want his
brothers to join him there. He now knows the absolute critical importance of
repentance before its too late. He’s hoping that if Lazarus could just go back
and warn them that they would change. If his brothers, who no doubt had seen
Lazarus by the front gate on many occasions, would suddenly reappear they would
change their ways and get right with God.

Abraham tells him that his brothers have everything they need. They have their
Bibles. They can listen to believers who can explain the way to Heaven. The
rich man doesn’t like this answer because he knows his brothers. He knows
they’ve just tuned out God and are chasing materialism just like he was. If
someone would come back from the dead then they would repent. Abraham responds by saying that even a resurrection will not convince them.
They are not open to spiritual matters.

 

When you
boil it all down there’s two things that last, that are going to last into
eternity.

One is your character – the relationship that you’re building with God,
how you’re developing that relationship. Your character lasts. You’ll take that
with you in some way into eternity and then it’s magnified.

The second thing that lasts is people.  Every person that you meet, we will last.

Revelation 21:4-5 – what are we looking forward to? “God himself will be
with them and be their God. He will wipe
every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying
or pain, for the old order of things has passed away!’”