Question Card Session 11/2/25
Notes
Transcript
Turn to Luke 16.
This morning we are going to consider this question:
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Question: Lazarus and the rich man: parable or actual account?
Read Luke 16:19-31
Arguments for being a parable:
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Jesus’ pattern was to teach in parables
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This passage follows the Lord teaching several parables - Luke 14:7, 15:3, 15:8
Arguments for being an actual account:
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The story is never called a parable
Note Luke 14:7, 15:3
Not all parables are always called a parable, but they frequently are called parables.
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Jesus names specific characters: Lazarus the beggar and Abraham
Question: Why do you think the rich man was not named? Maybe he would have been recognized or known
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This story doesn’t seem to fit the definition of a parable
A parable is a spiritual truth presented from an earthly illustration. Jesus would often give an earthly illustration and then at the very end, present the spiritual application/spiritual truth. He does not follow that pattern here. In contrast, Jesus simply tells this story as though it really happened.
My conclusion is that this is a true story that really happened.
In full disclosure, I’m a little biased towards this conclusion because it adds to the significance of the application. If I can say with a clear conscience that this really happened, it makes hell that much more real than if I can only say that Jesus spun a powerful story about hell.
From the arguments considered above, I believe that this is a true story that really happened.
Why did Jesus tell this story? There are so many reasons! There is so much to learn from this story.
Several timeless truths that Jesus wanted us to see from this:
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A saved poor man is richer than a wealthy lost man - Luke 16:19-21
This story is one of contrasts. Notice all of the contrasts that Jesus expertly draws between the rich man and the beggar - verses 19-21.
Clothing of purple and fine linen vs rags
Fared sumptuously every day vs desired the crumbs that fell
Health vs full of sores
Table full of friends vs no friends - the dogs licked the beggar’s sores
By all outward appearances, the rich man was far richer than the beggar. But from God’s perspective, the beggar was richer than the rich man. Death was not only the great equalizer, it reversed their roles entirely.
Application: be content with such things as ye have.
Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.
And having food and raiment let us be therewith content.
Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.
There are several torments mentioned here that the lost will face in hell, but we’re going to consider only one this morning.
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The memories of earth will be among hell’s greatest torments - Luke 16:25
Read Luke 16:25
“Son, remember…”
No doubt, those words brought many memories flooding back to the rich man’s mind.
Memories of the comforts that he once enjoyed.
Memories of his great love for money, but little love for God or for Lazarus.
Memories of opportunities that God gave to repent, but he did not.
“Son, remember…”
Application: Even believers can set themselves up for regret in eternal life. Yes, one day God will wipe away all tears, but that’s only after the Judgment Seat of Christ. Don’t be a Christian that enters eternal life having not lived for the Lord.
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The greatest witness of salvation is the Scriptures - Luke 16:31
Every couple of years, it seems that a sensational new book is published whereby someone claims to have gone to heaven and then come back again. They will have some incredible stories to tell and invariably the book will sell like hot cakes. A book tour soon follows - with tickets for sale, of course.
Our Savior’s story tells us the utter fallacy of such books. Abraham said that even if someone rose from the dead and preached, people will not repent any more than if they heard the Scriptures preached.
Application: Preach the simple Gospel of Jesus Christ. Don’t overcomplicate it. Don’t over think it. Give the Gospel!
