Only Luke records Jesus’ story of the rich man and Lazarus (16:19-31). Scholars debate whether this was a parable or a historical account. Since parables are true-to-life illustrations, it makes little difference. The story is addressed to the Pharisees, who were lovers of money (v. 14). Their money and outward show of religion impressed men (v. 15). Perhaps folks viewed their wealth as an indication of God’s approval. Jesus knew better. The story is about a man who had plenty. We ought to be able to relate to that.

He had plenty of money. The man is not named. (Some folks refer to him as Dives, based on Jerome’s Latin word for rich.) He was just “a certain rich man.” He could be anyone with plenty of money. Who is that? Doesn’t rich always describe folks who have more than we? It shouldn’t. Most of us have plenty, far more than is essential to life. Plenty of money was not the man’s problem. It was what he did with it. “He habitually dressed in purple and fine linen, gaily living in splendor every day” (v. 19). He consumed it all. It all went to self. And that was inexcusable because…

He had plenty of opportunity to help others. “And a certain poor man named Lazarus was laid at his gate, covered with sores, and longing to be fed with the crumbs which were falling from the rich man’s table…” (v. 20-21). Sometimes we console ourselves that we would do more if only we had opportunity. Beware. The problem is rarely lack of opportunity; it is unwillingness to see it. This man couldn’t see it lying at his gate! Neither will we if we, like him, are always looking in a mirror. That focus on self later became unbearably painful because…

He had plenty of torment. In Hades, the realm of the dead, the man who had been so comfortable in life was now indescribably miserable in death. Instantly, he became the beggar. “Father Abraham, have mercy on me…I am in agony in this flame” (v. 24). Now he could see clearly. It was too late. All that remained was an eternity of agony. And it was his own fault because…

He had plenty of instruction. At the end of the story the rich man pled with Abraham to send Lazarus back from the dead to warn his brothers. “But he said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead’” (v. 31). The Bible that the rich man had so long ignored contained all the instruction, evidence, promises and warning that anyone would need. If that won’t move us, what else would?

Are you living daily in service to the Christ who was crucified for you?