The Realities of the End

Selective Parables: Lessons from Jesus

Message Eight

Luke 16:19-31.

ETS: Jesus warned that what we do now matters for all of eternity.

ESS: We should be careful to ensure that we are investing in eternal life.

OSS: [Evangelistic] {I want the hearers to commit to living a life that invests in eternal life and not eternal torment.}

PQ: What are the contrasts observed in this parable?

UW: Contrasts

Intro.:

TS: Let us examine together a few contrasts in the parable now:

Note:

“The design of the narrative is to be collected from the previous conversation. He had taught the danger of the love of money (ver. 1 and 2); the deceitful and treacherous nature of riches (ver. 9-11); that what was high in esteem on earth was hateful to God (ver. 15); that men who did not use their property aright could not be received into heaven (ver. 11, 12); that they ought to listen to Moses and the prophets (ver. 16, 17); and that it was the duty of men to show kindness to the poor.” [1]

The people identified. [vv. 19-21]

The contrast is between two people:

The rich man

Lazarus

The contrast is between their lifestyles:

The rich man lived a luxurious lifestyle. He had everything he wanted.

Lazarus was a beggar with a physical ailment that caused misery. He had nothing he needed.

APPLICATION: There are different types of people in life with different lifestyles and different needs. Even within the sanctuary today, there are different people with different represented needs.

The destinations following death. [vv. 22-24]

Notice verse 22 details that both the rich man and Lazarus died. This is a reminder for us that every person dies a physical death. Hebrews 9:27 details that every person dies once and then faces judgement.

Notice, though, the contrast in the destinations of each following death:

The rich man was delivered into torment in Hades. Hades does not alone sufficiently imply hell, but the accompaniment of torment does imply hell. Eternal torment, hell.

Lazarus was carried away by angels to Abraham’s side. This is a reference to Heaven, remembering that Abraham was accredited righteousness because of his belief in God and that the Jews themselves were convinced he was in Heaven. Eternal comfort and consolation, heaven.

APPLICATION: All people die; all people face judgement; yet, death and judgement are not the end. Life is brief; eternity is real. The destinations are determined: heaven or hell.

The responses of the individuals. [vv. 25-31]

There is no response in terms of speaking up of Lazarus. In the parable, though, he goes from being a person who is needy to being an individual with his needs met and his life comforted for eternity.

The rich man responds in two ways:

He requests relief from the torment [v. 24]

He requests a warning be sent to his brothers that they may not endure the same torment. [vv. 27-28]

Notice also, the finality of the decision once a physical death is experienced.

“remember that during your life...” [v. 25a]

“There is now a great chasm...” [v. 26a]

“There is no crossing over...” [26b] AKA- no chance after death to repent and believe.

Finally, notice the importance of God’s Word and the influence thereof. The essence of vv. 29-31 is this: “People who will not believe God’s Word will not believe even a great miracle like someone coming back from the dead (vv. 29-31). The Old Testament (“Moses and the Prophets”) is enough to get someone saved from hell and into heaven, provided they believe it...” [2]

APPLICATION: Following death, the judgement is final upon an individual’s life. There is no second chance after death. There is no crossing from hell to heaven or vice versa. It is urgent.

CONCLUSION and IMPLICATIONS:

[1] Physical implication: Are we so self-centered that we invest only in ourselves, ensuring the comfort and security of our lives even when there are needy people at our doorstep?

[2] Spiritual Implication: Are we so self-centered that we have accepted salvation for ourselves but have no concern or interest regarding others’ salvation? Are we feasting upon the grace of God while letting others beg at our doorstep for the hope we have in that grace?

Bibliography:

[1]Albert Barnes, Notes on the New Testament: Luke & John, ed. Robert Frew (London: Blackie & Son, 1884–1885), 114.

[2] Thabiti Anyabwile, Exalting Jesus in Luke, Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary (Nashville, TN: Holman Reference, 2018), 251.

[3] Leon Morris, Luke: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 3, Tyndale New Testament Commentaries (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1988).

[4]Michael Wilcock, The Savior of the World: The Message of Luke’s Gospel, The Bible Speaks Today (Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press, 1979).

[5]Craig S. Keener, The IVP Bible Background Commentary: New Testament, Second Edition. (Downers Grove, IL: IVP Academic: An Imprint of InterVarsity Press, 2014).

[6]A. Boyd Luter, “Luke,” in CSB Study Bible: Notes, ed. Edwin A. Blum and Trevin Wax (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2017).