Lawrence Richards, in discussing this passage in The Victor Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, explains that Jesus used contemporary Jewish thought about the afterlife (which by this time was influenced by pagan mythology) to point out a spiritual lesson about how we view and treat others. It was never intended to be understood literally.īible language expert Dr. When we look at this account in light of other scriptures and in its historical context, it becomes apparent that this is an allegory, a familiar story of the time that Jesus uses to point out a spiritual lesson to those who knew the law but did not keep it. "But he said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead'" (Luke 16:19-31). "And he said, 'No, father Abraham but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' "Abraham said to him, 'They have Moses and the prophets let them hear them.' "Then he said, 'I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.' And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.' "But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things but now he is comforted and you are tormented. ![]() Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue for I am tormented in this flame.' And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. "So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. Jesus presents the following story: "There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. It is surely not impossible for the wealthy to enter heaven (numerous Godly men of the Bible were prosperous), but Scripture is plain that it is very troublesome ( Luke 18:24-25).Let's examine the matter, paying close attention to the historical context. "but the worries of this life, the deceitfulness of wealth and the desires for other things come in and choke the word, making it unfruitful." ( Mark 4:19). Not only do fortunes not get one into heaven, but they have the potential to separate a person from God like few other things. You have fattened yourselves in the day of slaughter” ( James 5:5). ![]() However, as the apostle James advised, “You have lived on earth in luxury and self-indulgence. ![]() Also, he believed the impoverished, like Lazarus, were cursed by God. The rich man incorrectly saw his worldly wealth as proof of God’s love and blessing. Moral of Lazarus and the Rich Man Parable This Bible story is a great and powerful reminder that we will pay for our sins on earth when we finally decease, therefore we should love and care for our fellow mankind. Abraham told the rich man that if his brothers did not believe in Scripture, neither would they believe Lazarus, even if he came directly from heaven. Pleading to “Father Abraham” in heaven, the rich man asked that Lazarus come down from heaven to cool his tongue with a drop of water to reduce his “agony in this fire.” The rich man additionally requested Abraham to send Lazarus back to earth as a warning to his brothers to atone for their sins, however, both requests were refused. ![]() Lazarus was welcomed into heaven, while the rich man was condemned to hell.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |