Lessons From The Rich Man and Lazarus

 

The concept of life after death is a profound and central theme in Christian theology, significantly illuminated by the parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31. The story of Lazarus and the rich man, known as the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, is unique to the Gospel of Luke and is found in Luke 16:19-31. This particular parable does not appear in the other Gospels—Matthew, Mark, or John. The eschatological implications of this passage juxtaposed it with other scriptural references to present a Biblical perspective on the afterlife. Additionally, observations from Church Fathers and theologians will be integrated to enrich the understanding of these texts.

Luke 16:19-31

The Rich Man and Lazarus

19 "There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 24 And he called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.' 25 But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.' 27 And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house-- 28 for I have five brothers--so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' 29 But Abraham said, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.' 30 And he said, 'No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' 31 He said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.'" Luke 16:19-23

Contextual Background

The Gospel of Luke, traditionally attributed to Luke, the physician and companion of Paul, is known for its emphasis on Jesus’ teachings about social justice, mercy, and the reversal of worldly fortunes in the kingdom of God. In this context, the parable of the rich man and Lazarus is presented.

Literary Examination

The passage contrasts the lives and afterlives of two individuals: a nameless rich man and a poor man named Lazarus. In life, the rich man enjoys luxury, while Lazarus suffers in poverty. In death, their fortunes are reversed: Lazarus is comforted in Abraham’s bosom, a metaphor for paradise, and the rich man is tormented in Hades.

Theological Implications

1. Afterlife Realities: The parable affirms the existence of an afterlife, where justice is served in a manner not always evident in earthly life.
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3. Reversal of Fortunes: It exemplifies Jesus’ teaching of the reversal of fortunes in the afterlife, a common theme in Luke’s Gospel (e.g., Luke 6:20-26).
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5. The Finality of Death: The impassable chasm between Abraham and the rich man signifies the finality of one's eternal destiny after death.
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7. Responsibility and Stewardship: The rich man’s neglect of Lazarus highlights the responsibility of stewardship and compassion incumbent upon believers.

Related Scriptural References

Parallels in the Old Testament

1. Sheol: The Hebrew concept of Sheol, a place of darkness, provides a backdrop for understanding Hades in the New Testament.

21 before I go--and I shall not return-- to the land of darkness and deep shadow, 22 the land of gloom like thick darkness, like deep shadow without any order, where light is as thick darkness." Job 10:21-22 (ESV)

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2. Justice in Afterlife: Ecclesiastes 12:14 and Daniel 12:2 underscore the Old Testament belief in divine justice after death.

For God will bring every deed into judgment, with every secret thing, whether good or evil. Ecclesiastes 12:14 (ESV)

 And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt. Daniel 12:2

New Testament Perspectives

1. Judgment and Resurrection: Jesus’ teachings in the books of Matthew and John affirm the resurrection and judgment of all individuals.

31 "When the Son of Man comes in his glory, and all the angels with him, then he will sit on his glorious throne. 32 Before him will be gathered all the nations, and he will separate people one from another as a shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. 33 And he will place the sheep on his right, but the goats on the left. 34 Then the King will say to those on his right, 'Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. 35 For I was hungry and you gave me food, I was thirsty and you gave me drink, I was a stranger and you welcomed me, 36 I was naked and you clothed me, I was sick and you visited me, I was in prison and you came to me.' 37 Then the righteous will answer him, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you drink? 38 And when did we see you a stranger and welcome you, or naked and clothe you? 39 And when did we see you sick or in prison and visit you?' 40 And the King will answer them, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did it to one of the least of these my brothers, you did it to me.' 41 "Then he will say to those on his left, 'Depart from me, you cursed, into the eternal fire prepared for the devil and his angels. 42 For I was hungry and you gave me no food, I was thirsty and you gave me no drink, 43 I was a stranger and you did not welcome me, naked and you did not clothe me, sick and in prison and you did not visit me.' 44 Then they also will answer, saying, 'Lord, when did we see you hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to you?' 45 Then he will answer them, saying, 'Truly, I say to you, as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to me.' 46 And these will go away into eternal punishment, but the righteous into eternal life." Matthew 25:31-46 (ESV)

28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.  John 5:28-29 (ESV)

1. Pauline Theology: Paul, in 1 Corinthians 15, says, "Now I would remind you, brothers, of the gospel I preached to you, which you received, in which you stand,"
2. elaborating on the resurrection, emphasizing its centrality in Christian faith.
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4. Revelation: The Book of Revelation depicts the final judgment and the dichotomy between the new heaven and the lake of fire.

11 Then I saw a great white throne and him who was seated on it. From his presence earth and sky fled away, and no place was found for them. 12 And I saw the dead, great and small, standing before the throne, and books were opened. Then another book was opened, which is the book of life. And the dead were judged by what was written in the books, according to what they had done. 13 And the sea gave up the dead who were in it, Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them, and they were judged, each one of them, according to what they had done. 14 Then Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire. 15 And if anyone's name was not found written in the book of life, he was thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:11-15

Historical and Theological Insights

Early Church Fathers

1. St. Augustine: Augustine’s writings, particularly in "City of God," reflect on the nature of the afterlife and the dichotomy between earthly and heavenly cities.
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3. St. John Chrysostom: Chrysostom’s homilies often stress moral living in preparation for the afterlife.

Protestant Theologians

1. Martin Luther: Luther’s emphasis on sola fide "faith alone" highlights that salvation and one's afterlife destiny are through faith, not works, aligning with the parable’s implicit critique of the rich man’s life.
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3. John Calvin: Calvin’s doctrine of predestination also offers a perspective on the irrevocability of one's eternal destiny.

Practical and Ethical Considerations

Stewardship and Compassion

The parable teaches the importance of using earthly resources for godly purposes, echoing Jesus’ teaching on wealth and responsibility in Matthew 6:19-21.

19 "Do not lay up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moth and rust destroy and where thieves break in and steal, 20 but lay up for yourselves treasures in heaven, where neither moth nor rust destroys and where thieves do not break in and steal. 21 For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. Matthew 6:19-21.

Evangelism and Witness

The rich man’s urgent plea to warn his brothers (Luke 16:27-28) highlights the importance of evangelism and the urgency of the gospel message.

27 And he said, 'Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house-- 28 for I have five brothers--so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.' Luke 16:27-28.

Conclusion

The parable of the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31, alongside other scriptural references, provides profound insights into the Christian understanding of life after death. It emphasizes the reality of an afterlife, the finality of death, and the reversal of fortunes. Moreover, it underscores the ethical imperatives of stewardship, compassion, and evangelism. These teachings, enriched by historical theological perspectives, offer a multifaceted view of the afterlife that challenges believers to live with an eternal perspective in their daily lives. 

Faith in Jesus Offers Eternal Life!

 

Today, we will hear the story of Jesus and Martha from John 11:17-27. Jesus compassionately consoles Martha, whose brother Lazarus has recently passed away. This passage reveals truths about Jesus' power over life and death, allowing us to delve into the mysteries of faith, eternal life, and the higher ways of God.

Although Martha misunderstood Jesus' statement about the resurrection, we are reminded that God's thoughts and ways are far superior to ours. Despite her misunderstanding, Martha's faith in Jesus as the Messiah shines through, illustrating the significant role of faith in the Christian life. Faith in Jesus Offers Eternal Life!

First, I want to tell you a story that the former Senior Pastor of McLean Bible Church told that we can all relate to. Lon explains the intense sorrow and grief at his grandmother's funeral. The impact of his grandmother's death on his grandfather was heartbreaking. Following the formal graveside service, everyone was leaving. Lon recounts hearing his grandfather give out a horrifying wail causing him to turn around. He said his grandfather, in his grief, ran to his grandmother's coffin and flung himself on top. The overwhelming sense of grief and hopelessness was unbearable. This story highlights the despair of death which only God, through His Son Jesus Christ, can overcome. Scripture tells us in 1 Corinthians 15:55-57, "O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where [is] thy victory? The sting of death is sin; and the strength of sin [is] the law. But thanks [be] to God, which giveth us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ."

Our passage today is John, Chapter 11, verses 17-27. 

17 Then when Jesus came, he found that he had [lain] in the grave four days already. 18 Now Bethany was nigh unto Jerusalem, about fifteen furlongs off: 19 And many of the Jews came to Martha and Mary, to comfort them concerning their brother. 20 Then Martha, as soon as she heard that Jesus was coming, went and met him: but Mary sat [still] in the house. 21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. 22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give [it] thee. 23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. 24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. 25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: 26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this? 27 She saith unto him, Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world.

In this passage, we find a poignant moment involving Jesus and a woman named Martha. Martha's brother, Lazarus, has died, and Jesus arrives in their village four days after Lazarus's death.

While Martha was grieving, she approaches Jesus with a mixture of reproach and faith, saying that if Jesus had been there, Lazarus would not have died. Yet, she also expresses her belief that God will give Jesus whatever he asks.

Jesus responds with a profound statement. He tells Martha that Lazarus will rise again. Martha understands this in the context of a future resurrection at the end of time, which was a common belief in Jewish thought.

But Jesus introduces a new idea here. He proclaims, "I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, even though they die, will live, and everyone who lives and believes in me will never die." He is saying that he can raise Lazarus from the dead and that He Himself is the source of life, and those who believe in Him have eternal life.

He then asks Martha if she believes this. Martha responds affirmatively, declaring her faith in Jesus as the Messiah, the Son of God.

 Martha's interaction with Jesus gives us insight into the keys to unlocking eternal life and understanding Jesus' power over life and death. The passage makes it clear that faith is the gateway.

When Martha hears that Jesus is coming, she goes out to meet Him, demonstrating her faith in Him despite her grief (John 11:20). This initial act of faith sets the stage for the rest of the conversation.

In their discussion, Jesus tells Martha, "Thy brother shall rise again" (John 11:23). Martha, acknowledging the common Jewish belief of the time, replies that she knows he will rise again in the resurrection on the last day (John 11:24).

Jesus then gives one of the most profound declarations of His divine nature and mission: "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die" (John 11:25-26).

Jesus poses a crucial question to Martha, asking her if she believes what He just said. Martha's response is a powerful declaration of faith: "Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world" (John 11:27).

Martha's faith is the key here. Even in the midst of her mourning, she trusts in Jesus and His words. Her faith does not reduce her suffering, but it does change her perspective on it, providing hope in the midst of despair.

This passage reminds us that our faith in Jesus, recognizing Him as the Christ, the Son of God, is essential to obtain eternal life. Through faith, we understand and accept Jesus' power over life and death, enabling us to live in the hope of resurrection and eternal life, no matter what we face in this life.

In her grief and understanding, Martha does not initially grasp the full meaning of Jesus' statement about the resurrection and life. Her understanding of resurrection is rooted in a future event at the end times according to John 11:24, "Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day." She does not comprehend that Jesus is about to demonstrate His power over life and death by resurrecting Lazarus in his present, earthly body.

Martha's understanding of resurrection was consistent with Jewish beliefs of the time that the resurrection would occur on the last day. Her faith is shown here, but she still doesn't fully grasp the person and power of Jesus. Her limited understanding, however, does not mean that she lacks faith. 

One example of resurrection is found in the prophet Daniel's writings. Daniel 12:2 states: "And many of them that sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt." This prophecy carries the idea of a bodily resurrection, which serves as a precursor to Jesus' promises about eternal life in the New Testament.

Job, in his suffering, echoes the hope of resurrection. In Job 19:25-26 proclaiming, "For I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth: And though after my skin worms destroy this body, yet in my flesh shall I see God." Here we see a clear anticipation of resurrection and restoration, a theme that Christ fulfills in His resurrection.

These Old Testament passages provide the foundation for the New Testament resurrection story, demonstrating the amazing unity in scripture. When Jesus declares Himself as the Resurrection and the Life. It is the fulfillment of Old Testament anticipations and prophecies concerning the resurrection and eternal life. 

Martha’s misunderstanding and the subsequent resurrection of Lazarus reminds us that God's plans and actions often go beyond our human understanding. He does not always act in ways that we expect or in the timeframe that we desire, but His intentions are always for our good and His glory (Romans 8:28): "And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose."

There is another aspect to this story that defies our human understanding. Earlier in John 11, we learn that Jesus was aware of Lazarus's illness and consciously decided to delay his journey to Bethany. "When he had heard therefore that he was sick, he abode two days still in the same place where he was," John 11:6. This delay is crucial to understanding Jesus's divine purpose. I am sure you are asking yourself, how does Jesus' delay in ending the distress of Lazarus, Martha, and Mary speak to Jesus's love for them?

Jesus explains the reasons for His delayed intervention. It was to allow God's glory to manifest so that people may believe in Him. Jesus said, "This sickness is not unto death, but for the glory of God, that the Son of God might be glorified thereby." John 11:4. The incident was meant to demonstrate God's power and the authenticity of Jesus's divine identity, that even death could be conquered.

John 11 provides ample evidence that Jesus loved Lazarus, Martha, and Mary. "Now Jesus loved Martha, and her sister, and Lazarus." according to John 11:5. This sincere love, paradoxically, is a central explanation for His delay. By allowing Lazarus to die and resurrecting him, Jesus demonstrated His power over life and death to them and to all who witnessed the miracle. His action was not an act of indifference or abandonment but profound love, aiming to fortify their faith and reveal His divine authority.

We can all relate to Martha's distress due to Jesus's delay. Martha and her sister Mary independently said to Jesus, "Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died," In verses 21 and 32 in John Chapter 11. Jesus' response to Martha is instructive, "I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?" John 11:25-26. His response highlights that his delay was purposeful, intending to deepen their understanding of His divine identity and promise.

Martha's faith is an example to us, reminding us to trust in God's goodness and power even when His ways are beyond our comprehension. Her story also points to the incredible power of Jesus, who cannot just give life at the end of times, but here and now, demonstrating His absolute authority over life and death.

It demonstrates that faith in Jesus provides us with eternal life. It tells us that death is not the end for those who believe in Him. This provides comfort in times of grief and loss and encouragement for the faithful. Jesus is not just someone who can perform miracles; He is the resurrection and the life Himself. The passage invites us to have a personal and profound faith in Jesus, just like Martha. This means trusting in Jesus' words and promises, even in the face of death and loss.

The account of Moses fashioning a bronze serpent to save the lives of the Israelites in Numbers 21:4-9 provides a profound foreshadowing of the saving power of faith in Christ, which is exhibited by Martha in John 11:17-27.  

And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way. And the people spake against God, and against Moses, Wherefore have ye brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? for [there is] no bread, neither [is there any] water; and our soul loatheth this light bread. And the LORD sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people; and much people of Israel died. Therefore the people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the LORD, and against thee; pray unto the LORD, that he take away the serpents from us. And Moses prayed for the people. And the LORD said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that everyone that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live. And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived.

 Numbers 21:4-9 KJV

In Numbers 21, as a consequence of the Israelites' complaints and ungratefulness towards God during their wilderness journey, God sends fiery serpents among them, and many die from their bites. However, God also provides a means of salvation. At His command, Moses makes a bronze serpent and places it on a pole, instructing him that anyone who has been bitten and looks at the bronze serpent lives.

The bronze serpent is a symbol of both judgment and grace. The serpent represents the judgment deserved due to sin (in this case, the Israelites' rebellion and ingratitude), while the fact that looking upon it brings life represents the grace of God providing a means of salvation.

Jesus Himself refers to this event in His conversation with Nicodemus in John 3:14-15 saying, "And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so, must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have eternal life." Here, Jesus clearly compares the bronze serpent and His upcoming crucifixion, where He will be "lifted up" on the cross as a means of salvation for all who believe in Him.

This connection is further seen in the faith of Martha in John 11. Even in her grief at the death of her brother Lazarus, Martha expresses her faith in Jesus as the Christ, the Son of God, and the one who holds power over life and death (John 11:25-27). This mirrors the faith required of the Israelites to look upon the bronze serpent and be saved.

In both instances, God provides a means of salvation that requires faith, faith to look upon the bronze serpent in Moses' time, and faith in Jesus Christ as the resurrection and the life in Martha's time. These accounts underscore the theme of Jesus' power over life and death and the importance of faith as the means to access this power.

In John 11:27, Martha demonstrates her faith in Jesus, the promised Messiah, affirming, "Yea, Lord: I believe that thou art the Christ, the Son of God, which should come into the world." Just as the Israelites who looked at the Bronze Serpent Moses had fashioned demonstrated faith in God's promise despite his circumstances, Martha expressed faith in Jesus' power over life and death even while mourning her brother's death.

Both of these instances of faith point to Jesus' ultimate power over life and death. Abraham's faith in God's power to raise Isaac foreshadows the ultimate resurrection – Jesus Christ's victory over death. Martha's faith in Jesus as the "resurrection, and the life" (John 11:25) shows an understanding of Jesus' divine power and authority over death.

We need to follow in Martha's footsteps and express profound faith in Jesus as the resurrection and the life, regardless of our circumstances. This powerful proclamation is available to all and provides a lifeline in times of loss and grief. 

Today you have heard a deep and reflective understanding of the story of Jesus and Martha in John 11:17-27, revealing the unparalleled power Jesus holds over life and death. Martha's faith in the face of immense sorrow symbolizes a key lesson for all believers to maintain unwavering faith in the divine power of Jesus Christ, even during periods of profound grief and loss.

We have explored the broader theological context, drawing parallels between this narrative and other biblical accounts, like the lifting of the bronze serpent in the wilderness and Abraham's near-sacrifice of Isaac. These accounts serve to deepen our understanding of faith in the face of death and further magnify Jesus' dominion over life and death.

I urge each of you to be an overcomer and not be overcome. The faith of Martha and Moses is as true for us today as it was for them. We serve the Almighty God. We can be confident in Him to strengthen us and give us victory, even victory over death. Our daily life is full of problems, but that is when we have to look to God, exercise faith, and claim that victory. The Bible tells us in Proverbs 3:5-6 to trust in the Lord with all our heart, acknowledging Him in all our ways, and He will make our paths straight.  

The story of Jesus and Martha encourages us to continually deepen our relationship with Christ, embrace the promise of eternal life, and view our human experiences through the lens of unwavering faith. And so, as we step into the world today and face the trials and tribulations of our lives, let us always remember Martha's confession of faith and strive to echo her words, "Yes, Lord, I believe that you are the Messiah, the Son of God, who is to come into the world." Ask God to help you choose the eternal, exercise faith, and do the impossible.