The Rich Man and Lazarus

Luke 16:19-31

About the Sermon

In only one parable does Jesus name his characters. Luke 16:19–31 introduces us to Abraham and Lazarus. Lazarus means “one whom God helps.” We meet this poor man outside a rich man’s gate, helpless in this life and neglected by the well-clothed and well-fed rich man. But differences in this life don’t carry through to the next. In fact, the afterlife brings a great reversal for both men. We learn that heaven or hell awaits every person. For Lazarus, his story lives up to his name. What are these places like? Crucially, what makes the difference for what side of the great chasm we end up on in eternity? In this passage we move from a gate to a great chasm to an ancient book.

About the Series

Luke writes that we may be certain of the things that we have been taught. That is, confident in the good news about Jesus. Apparently some of the things we have been taught are so wonderful they are hard to believe. In his orderly account, Luke announces good news of great reversals in which God humbles the proud and exalts the humble. Peace with God through the forgiveness of sins really is available but on God’s terms. To show us how we must come to him, Luke introduces us to the characters Jesus lifted up and to the proud whom he brought low. In all this he compels us to humbly believe in the Son of the Most High God and to preach this good news of great joy to the end of the earth.
Luke writes that we may be certain of the things that we have been taught. That is, confident in the good news about Jesus. Apparently some of the things we have been taught are so wonderful they are hard to believe. In his orderly account, Luke announces good news of great reversals in which God humbles the proud and exalts the humble. Peace with God through the forgiveness of sins really is available but on God's terms. To show us how we must come to him, Luke introduces us to the characters Jesus lifted up and to the proud whom he brought low. In all this he compels us to humbly believe in the Son of the Most High God and to preach this good news of great joy to the end of the earth.

Sermons in the Series