Pentecost 19 (3)

Luke 16:19–31 (NIV84)

19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 20 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores 21 and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In hell, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. 24 So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’ 25 “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ 27 “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my father’s house, 28 for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ 29 “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ 30 “ ‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’ 31 “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’ ”

Consider how closely the rich and poor can live next to each other even today.

Living conditions at Trump Tower Chicago are defined by luxury, with residents enjoying high-end finishes, expansive city and river views, and access to a full suite of building amenities and hotel services. Residents benefit from services like room service, a spa, indoor pool, state-of-the-art fitness center, and concierge-style conveniences, creating a full-service living experience. However, it's worth noting some external factors, such as a history of environmental violations and past fluctuations in property values, are part of the building's context.  

Yes, homeless individuals have been known to live near Trump Tower Chicago, including under the nearby Lower Wacker Drive area. This includes encampments like "The Triangle," a large homeless encampment located across the river from Trump Tower, and reports of homeless people sleeping in the dock area under the tower itself. 

Consider how also the rich at times completely ignore the poor or at least relegate them to being second class citizens. Not so much master, slave but owner, servant.

The parable is familiar.

"Dives" is not a biblical name but a traditional name for the rich man in the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, found in Luke 16:19-31. The name comes from the Latin word dives, meaning "rich" or "wealthy," which appeared in the 14th-century Latin Vulgate translation of the Bible. 

The parable: In the story, Jesus describes a man who lived in luxury while a beggar named Lazarus lay outside his gate, covered in sores. 

After death: After they both died, Lazarus went to "Abraham's side" while the rich man was in torment and begged for relief. 

The name's origin: The parable itself does not name the rich man. However, because the poor man was named Lazarus, the rich man was given the name "Dives" in the Middle Ages to distinguish him. 

In this parable, ask yourself “Why did Lazarus enjoy a blessed afterlife and the rich man was tormented in hell?”

The answer given by Jesus seems more like Karma instead of anything to do with faith or rewards or punishment for what those two contrasting people had specifically done. Luke 16:25 (NIV84)

25 “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.

Karma: The concept that those who suffer bad in this life receive good in the afterlife is a theme found in several religions and philosophies, often linked to ideas of divine justice, karma, or reincarnation. It suggests that one's earthly experiences are not the final measure of their reward or punishment, but rather a part of a larger system where deeds and character determine future states of being, whether in an afterlife or a subsequent life. This can be a comfort to those who suffer, offering hope for eventual peace and recompense for their hardships. How different belief systems explain this idea

Divine Justice: Many religions, such as Judaism, Christianity, and Islam, believe in a divine judgment where a person's actions in life determine their fate after death. Those who endure suffering and remain faithful may be promised a reward in the afterlife, while those who commit evil deeds may face punishment. 

“Insiders will not be included” The first shall be last and the last will be first.” Outsiders will be included.

Luke 6:24–26 (NIV)

24 “But woe to you who are rich, for you have already received your comfort. 25 Woe to you who are well fed now, for you will go hungry. Woe to you who laugh now, for you will mourn and weep. 26 Woe to you when everyone speaks well of you, for that is how their ancestors treated the false prophets.

1 Timothy 6:17–19 (NIV)

17 Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment. 18 Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share. 19 In this way they will lay up treasure for themselves as a firm foundation for the coming age, so that they may take hold of the life that is truly life.

Psalm 49:5–13 (NIV)

5 Why should I fear when evil days come, when wicked deceivers surround me— 6 those who trust in their wealth and boast of their great riches? 7 No one can redeem the life of another or give to God a ransom for them— 8 the ransom for a life is costly, no payment is ever enough— 9 so that they should live on forever and not see decay. 10 For all can see that the wise die, that the foolish and the senseless also perish, leaving their wealth to others. 11 Their tombs will remain their houses forever, their dwellings for endless generations, though they had named lands after themselves. 12 People, despite their wealth, do not endure; they are like the beasts that perish. 13 This is the fate of those who trust in themselves, and of their followers, who approve their sayings.

Life Application Bible Notes Chapter 16

The Pharisees considered wealth to be a proof of a person’s righteousness. Jesus startled them with this story in which a diseased beggar is rewarded and a rich man is punished. The rich man did not go to hell because of his wealth but because he was selfish, refusing to feed Lazarus, take him in, or care for him. The rich man was hardhearted in spite of his great blessings. The amount of money we have is not as important as the way we use it. What is your attitude toward your money and possessions? Do you hoard them selfishly, or do you use them to help others?

Bible History Commentary: New Testament Two Men Much, much Farther Apart in the Hereafter

“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony’” (v. 25). Here Jesus brings out that the condition and status of the rich man and Lazarus were completely reversed in the hereafter. On earth the rich man had enjoyed all the “good things” like wealth, ease, prestige, luxury. We put good things in quotation marks to bring out the thought that he regarded these as the only worthwhile things, while he did not care a fig about the true treasures, the riches of God’s grace. These he despised—in his unbelief. All his life long his unbelief had been evident in his lack of mercy.

The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Fifteen: The Right and Wrong of Riches (Luke 16)

Abraham gave two reasons why Lazarus could not bring the comfort that was requested: the character of the rich man and the character of the eternal state. The rich man had lived for the “good things” of earth, and had experienced abundant temporal blessings. He had his reward (

The Tony Evans Bible Commentary C. Living in Light of the Kingdom (16:1–19:27)

16:25–26 In response to the rich man’s plea for mercy, Abraham gave him two answers. First, the man was receiving the just consequences of a life that had rejected God. While they lived, the rich man received his good things, and Lazarus received bad things. Yet, the rich man neither acknowledged God nor sought to care for his neighbor Lazarus with the wealth God had given him. Therefore, while Lazarus was comforted, the rich man was justly punished with agony (16:25). Second, Abraham told him that the reversal was permanent. A great chasm was fixed between them so that no one could cross over from one side to the other (16:26). The judgment of hell is so awful because it is forever. There is no escape.

The Expositor’s Greek Testament, Volume I (Matthew–John): Commentary Chapter 16: Two Additional Parables on the Right Use of Wealth

Ver. 25. τέκνον: answering to Πάτερ, introducing in a kindly paternal tone a speech holding out no hope, all the less that it is so softly and quietly spoken.—τὰ ἀγαθά σου, τὰ κακά: you got your good things—what you desired, and thought you had a right to—Lazarus got the ills, not what he desired or deserved, but the ills to be met with on earth, of which he had a very full share (no αὐτοῦ after κακά).—νῦν δὲ, but now, the now of time and of logic: the reversal of lot in the state after death a hard fact, and equitable. The ultimate ground of the reversal, character, is not referred to; it is a mere question of fairness or poetic justice.—

Conclusion to verse 25. Years ago our synod’s evangelism committee developed a talking piece to be used with people to express how important Jesus is to our salvation. The opening question is: “If you were to die today, are you sure you would go to heaven?” After the listener responds, the presenter goes on to explain the law and the Gospel.

Since we are sinners, we can’t expect to go to heaven.

God loves us so much that he sent Jesus to meet the requirements of the law and to die for our sins.

Jesus was raised for our justification.

God sends the Gospel in Word and Sacrament so the SS works faith in our hearts.

Those who believe go to heaven. Those who reject the Gospel go to hell. (In both cases when they die.)

We need to believe this summary of the way of salvation to correctly understand the fate of the Rich Man (Dives) and poor Lazarus.

Therefore, many commentators have resolved the two to express what here Jesus does not elaborate. On the surface, we have the rich man going to hell and suffering because on earth he received his full reward and Lazarus going to “Abraham’s bosom” to make up for all his pain and suffering.

To balance the two, it must be this: The rich man had put ALL of his trust and love into money and showed his lack of gratitude and thanks by ignoring Lazarus.

Lazarus suffered greatly but must have not lost hope in God (Lazarus — the only named person in a parable which means “God is my helper”) Like Job he would have relied on God even when he lost all things.

Several other truths are expressed.

Heaven and Hell are both real.

There is an existence after this life.

“It is given to man once to die and after that to face the judgment” and that result is permanent. Eternal bliss vs eternal torment.

What we believe in this live and how our faith does or in the case of no faith does not act, is evidence to God of our state of mind.

The dead rich man has to accept that. He then offers a proposal. At least have Lazarus go back to earth and warn his brothers. “Scare the hell out of them.” Wouldn’t do any good. But also not necessary. God has provided all they need to be saved.

What does it mean to “Listen to Moses and the Prophets”

John 5:39–40 (NIV)

39 You study the Scriptures diligently because you think that in them you have eternal life. These are the very Scriptures that testify about me, 40 yet you refuse to come to me to have life.

Acts 15:21 (NIV)

21 For the law of Moses has been preached in every city from the earliest times and is read in the synagogues on every Sabbath.”

2 Timothy 3:12–17 (NIV)

12 In fact, everyone who wants to live a godly life in Christ Jesus will be persecuted, 13 while evildoers and impostors will go from bad to worse, deceiving and being deceived. 14 But as for you, continue in what you have learned and have become convinced of, because you know those from whom you learned it, 15 and how from infancy you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith in Christ Jesus. 16 All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, 17 so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.

2 Peter 1:19–21 (NIV)

19 We also have the prophetic message as something completely reliable, and you will do well to pay attention to it, as to a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts. 20 Above all, you must understand that no prophecy of Scripture came about by the prophet’s own interpretation of things. 21 For prophecy never had its origin in the human will, but prophets, though human, spoke from God as they were carried along by the Holy Spirit.

Luke 16:16–17 (NIV84)

16 “The Law and the Prophets were proclaimed until John. Since that time, the good news of the kingdom of God is being preached, and everyone is forcing his way into it. 17 It is easier for heaven and earth to disappear than for the least stroke of a pen to drop out of the Law.

We don’t need something as dramatic as a miracle to repent of our sins and to trust in the promised Savior who has come. We need God’s Word which has been preserved for us and will never pass away.

Conclusion: This parable is one of contrast. The richness of the rich and the poorness of the poor. We will always gave both. Each of us materially falls somewhere in between. Spiritually, God has blessed us with every spiritual blessing. May we so appreciate and rely on our spiritual blessings that we always put God first in our lives including how we use our gifts and our active concern for others.