Link Luke 16:27 to Matthew 28:19-20?
How does Luke 16:27 connect with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19-20?

Setting the Scene in Luke 16:27

“‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house,’” (Luke 16:27)

The rich man, already experiencing irreversible judgment, pleads for a messenger to warn his five brothers so they can escape his fate.


The Rich Man’s Plea: A Longing for Evangelism

• Recognizes the reality of eternal judgment (v. 23)

• Desires someone to go and “testify” (v. 28) to loved ones

• Shows that the time for repentance is limited to this life (Hebrews 9:27)


The Great Commission Answer

“‘Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them … teaching them to obey all that I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.’” (Matthew 28:19-20)

• Jesus proactively sends messengers; He does what the rich man could not—He commissions the living to reach the living.

• Where the rich man asked for one emissary, Christ sends every disciple (John 20:21; Acts 1:8).

• The scope enlarges from “my five brothers” to “all nations.”


Points of Connection

1. Urgency of Warning

Luke 16 highlights the irreversible consequences after death.

Matthew 28 commands immediate action while there is still time.

2. Compassion for the Lost

– The rich man’s concern mirrors Christ’s own heart for the perishing (Luke 19:10).

– Making disciples is an act of love that answers that concern.

3. Necessity of a Messenger

– “Send Lazarus…” parallels “Go…” (Romans 10:14-15).

– Both passages affirm God’s chosen means: people carrying the gospel.

4. Authority Behind the Mission

– Abraham had no authority to grant the rich man’s request.

– Jesus, possessing “all authority in heaven and on earth,” empowers His followers to fulfill what the rich man only wished for (Matthew 28:18).


Shared Themes in Brief

• Reality of eternal destinies

• Need for repentance and faith now

• Responsibility of believers to speak

• Assurance that Scripture is sufficient testimony (Luke 16:29; 2 Timothy 3:15-17)


Living It Out

– Accept the role as God’s appointed messenger; we are the “Lazarus” sent in response to countless unspoken pleas.

– Speak plainly about sin, judgment, and the hope found in Christ alone.

– Leverage every relationship—family first (the rich man’s brothers), then outward to “all nations.”

– Rely on Christ’s presence and authority; He is with us “always,” making obedience possible.

The rich man’s desperate cry for a warning becomes, in Christ, our standing commission to go, teach, and baptize—rescuing others before it’s too late.

How can we apply the urgency of Luke 16:27 in evangelism today?
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