Luke 16:19-31 (Take a moment to read this passage.)
A rich man and a poor man.
One unnamed and one named Lazarus.
Both die.
One is tormented in hell.
The other is carried into the arms of Abraham in heaven.
And so begins Jesus’ lesson today.
This story is not part of a sermon given to a large crowd of followers sitting on a hillside. It is not a private lesson He shares with the apostles around a campfire late at night. Luke says that Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees, the leaders. And if you’ve spent any time in the gospels, you probably have a good idea of how Jesus feels about these leaders that are more focused on their own status than the needs of the people they are supposed to serve. Let’s just take a few details from the story and see what He is trying to get across to them.
First, the rich man has no name so he could represent any of the leaders listening. The poor man covered in sores is named Lazarus, which is an interesting choice that we will address in a bit. But having a name makes him more real and personal. Even though he may have been invisible to the rich man, he was known personally by God.
Second, the rich man is dining sumptuously while Lazarus would have been happy with even scraps. He is ignored by someone who could have met his needs. In fact, even the dogs bring him more comfort by licking his wounds.
Third, after death, the rich man still sees Lazarus as someone who is there to serve him, by pleading that Abraham send him to dip his finger in the water to cool the rich man’s tongue or go to save his brothers.
And now for the lesson that Abraham teaches. He reminds him that he had the chance to escape this punishment while still on earth, by treating Lazarus with dignity and not being focused only on himself. There is now a wide chasm that cannot be crossed. When the rich man then asks that he send Lazarus to warn his brothers, Abraham’s response is quite interesting. “They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.” Yet, the rich man says they will repent if they see someone rise from the dead. And Abraham replies, "If they will not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone should rise from the dead.”
Do you see the connection yet? Jesus is speaking to the Pharisees trying to help them understand that they are like this rich man. They have the law from Moses and the teachings of the prophets. They already possess the foundation to be saved and to save others, but they are blind to the needs of the people around them suffering from their sins and needing mercy. And there is a hint of foreshadowing, isn’t there? Will there be a man named Lazarus who will be raised from the dead? And will the leaders see and believe or use that very act of Jesus to help condemn Him to death? And Lazarus isn’t the only one who will rise from the dead, is he?
Reflection Questions: So what does all this mean for us this Lent? Maybe we can ponder two points. First, are we too caught up in our own worlds to see the real needs of others around us? What can we do to be more aware and proactive in helping others who are poor in material or in spiritual ways? And second, we also have been given a treasure in our Church and the Scriptures. Maybe we can see the beauty and wisdom already in front of us even though it may not be flashy and miraculous.
Prayer: Jesus, help me to see those around me suffering like Lazarus and let my heart be moved to take action to help. Please send Your Spirit upon me to better understand that You have given me the Church and the Word of God to better know You. Help me to boldly seek You out this Lent and always. Amen.