Topical Encyclopedia The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus is a poignant teaching of Jesus Christ found in the Gospel of Luke, specifically in Luke 16:19-31. This parable is unique to Luke's Gospel and serves as a profound narrative on the themes of wealth, poverty, justice, and the afterlife.Context and Setting The parable is set within a series of teachings by Jesus that address the use of wealth and the attitudes of the heart. It follows the parable of the Shrewd Manager and is part of a broader discourse aimed at the Pharisees, who are described as "lovers of money" (Luke 16:14). Jesus uses this parable to challenge the prevailing social norms and religious complacency regarding wealth and righteousness. The Characters 1. The Rich Man: The parable introduces a wealthy man who lives in luxury, dressed in fine linen and feasting sumptuously every day. His opulence is contrasted starkly with the plight of Lazarus. The rich man remains unnamed, which may suggest a universal representation of those who prioritize earthly wealth over spiritual riches. 2. Lazarus: In contrast, Lazarus is a poor man, covered with sores, who lies at the rich man's gate, longing to eat the scraps that fall from the rich man's table. His name, meaning "God has helped," is significant, as it underscores the divine reversal that occurs in the narrative. Lazarus represents the marginalized and suffering who find solace in God's justice. The Narrative The parable unfolds with both men experiencing death, leading to a dramatic reversal of fortunes. Lazarus is carried by angels to Abraham's side, a place of comfort and honor, while the rich man finds himself in Hades, tormented and in anguish. In his torment, the rich man looks up and sees Abraham with Lazarus by his side. He calls out for mercy, asking Abraham to send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water to cool his tongue. Abraham responds, reminding the rich man of the good things he received in life and the suffering Lazarus endured. Now, the roles are reversed, and a great chasm prevents any crossing between the two realms. The rich man then pleads for Lazarus to be sent to his father's house to warn his five brothers, so they might avoid his fate. Abraham replies that they have Moses and the Prophets to guide them, implying that the Scriptures are sufficient for understanding God's will. The rich man insists that a resurrection would convince them, but Abraham concludes, "If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead" (Luke 16:31). Theological Themes 1. Reversal of Fortunes: The parable highlights the eschatological reversal where earthly status is overturned in the afterlife. It serves as a warning to those who trust in wealth and neglect the needs of the poor. 2. Justice and Mercy: The narrative underscores God's justice and the importance of mercy. The rich man's lack of compassion for Lazarus results in his own suffering, emphasizing the biblical principle of reaping what one sows. 3. The Sufficiency of Scripture: The dialogue between the rich man and Abraham stresses the sufficiency of the Scriptures for guiding one's life. The parable suggests that the Law and the Prophets contain all necessary wisdom for living righteously. 4. The Reality of the Afterlife: The vivid depiction of the afterlife serves as a sobering reminder of eternal consequences. It affirms the existence of a final judgment and the reality of both comfort and torment beyond death. Conclusion The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus remains a powerful teaching of Jesus, challenging believers to examine their attitudes toward wealth, compassion, and the authority of Scripture. It calls for a life of righteousness marked by mercy and a deep awareness of the eternal implications of one's earthly actions. Torrey's Topical Textbook Luke 16:19-31There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Rich Man and Lazarus. Chronological Table of the Life of Christ [From Andrews. ] Dives and Lazarus The Three Last Parables of the Per??an Series: the Unrighteous ... The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah The Second Series of Parables - the Two Parables of Him who is ... The Unjust Steward - Dives and Lazarus - Jewish Agricultural Notes ... Introduction The Gospel According to St. Luke The Life of Jesus Christ in Its Historical Connexion Resources What is the meaning of the Parables of the Lost Sheep and Lost Coin? | GotQuestions.orgHow many parables are in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Why did Jesus teach in parables? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Parables of Aholah and Aholibah Parables of the Garment Which Was Torn in Pieces Parables of the Prisoner of War Parables of the Skins Filled With Wine Parables of the Thistle and Cedar Parables of the Woman of Tekoa Parables: Parables of Christ: Barren Fig-Tree Parables: Parables of Christ: Beam and Mote Parables: Parables of Christ: Blind Leading the Blind Parables: Parables of Christ: Builder of a Tower Parables: Parables of Christ: Children of the Bride Chamber Parables: Parables of Christ: Cloud and Wind Parables: Parables of Christ: Creditor and Debtors Parables: Parables of Christ: Faithful, and Evil Servants Parables: Parables of Christ: Fig-Tree Leafing Parables: Parables of Christ: Good Samaritan Parables: Parables of Christ: Good Shepherd Parables: Parables of Christ: House, Divided Against Itself Parables: Parables of Christ: Importunate Friend Parables: Parables of Christ: Importunate Widow Parables: Parables of Christ: King Going to War Parables: Parables of Christ: Kingdom, Divided Against Itself Parables: Parables of Christ: Labourers Hired Parables: Parables of Christ: Leaven Parables: Parables of Christ: Lighted Candle Parables: Parables of Christ: Lost Piece of Silver Parables: Parables of Christ: Lost Sheep Parables: Parables of Christ: Man of the House Watching Parables: Parables of Christ: Man Taking a Far Journey Parables: Parables of Christ: Marriage-Feast Parables: Parables of Christ: Meats Defiling Not Parables: Parables of Christ: Men Bidden to a Feast Parables: Parables of Christ: Mustard-Seed Parables: Parables of Christ: Net Cast Into the Sea Parables: Parables of Christ: New Cloth and Old Garment Parables: Parables of Christ: New Wine and Old Bottles Parables: Parables of Christ: Pearl of Great Price Parables: Parables of Christ: Pharisee and Publican Parables: Parables of Christ: Pounds Parables: Parables of Christ: Prodigal Son Parables: Parables of Christ: Rich Fool Parables: Parables of Christ: Rich Man and Lazarus Parables: Parables of Christ: Savour of Salt Parables: Parables of Christ: Seed Growing Secretly Parables: Parables of Christ: Sower Parables: Parables of Christ: Strong Man Armed Parables: Parables of Christ: Talents Parables: Parables of Christ: Tares Parables: Parables of Christ: Ten Virgins Parables: Parables of Christ: Treasure Hid in a Field Parables: Parables of Christ: Tree and Its Fruit Parables: Parables of Christ: Two Sons Parables: Parables of Christ: Unclean Spirit Parables: Parables of Christ: Unjust Steward Parables: Parables of Christ: Unmerciful Servant Parables: Parables of Christ: Vine and Branches Parables: Parables of Christ: Wicked Husbandmen Parables: Parables of Christ: Wise and Foolish Builders Parables: Remarkable Parables of the Old Testament Parables: The Mercenary Soldier Parables: The Sheet Lowered Down from the Sky (In Peter's Vision) Related Terms |
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