![]() The rich man asks for mercy, but not mercy to be saved from his current circumstances. And we might feel bad for him… but we just need to read to the end of the verse to see he hasn’t changed a bit. Luke 16:24 tells us that he calls out for mercy. While in torment there seems to be a moment of regret, a time where the rich man seeks forgiveness. Rather torment, and we will see, that is a self-inflicted and not one brought on by an outside force. The rich man is now in torment, important to note he is not being tortured, as many picture, in hell. Ironically, he's still called the rich man, though he now has nothing. Lazarus is now living in luxury and the rich man is living in torment. And the rich man goes to Hades ( Luke 16:23).Įven in the afterlife, they still live in contrast to each other. This is where Jesus’ story gets interesting. The rich man is buried, undoubtedly anointed with oil, wrapped, and carefully placed in a tomb. Even in their death, there is considerable contrast. Jesus’story starts with these two men whose lives couldn’t be more different. ![]() Jesus personalizes his concern for the poor man with a name ( Luke 16:20-21). The only thing that Lazarus had that the rich man didn’t was a name. This detail is significant as it would have made him unclean, unable to worship properly. Jesus even adds a detail that showed just how low this guy was, that dogs licked or snipped at his wounds. The only thing that adorned him was sores, and all he had to eat were scraps that fell from the rich man's table. This man lived his life adorned in the finest clothes, including purple, which only the wealthiest could afford, and feasting daily. He makes it clear that this man is living a lavish lifestyle at the expense of others. Rather, he let him be a representative for all who live life in such a manner as he did. Jesus doesn’t even bother to give the rich man a name in his story. This story is all about the contrast between the two characters in this story, the rich man and Lazarus. Bible Meaning of Lazarus and the Rich Man So, let's dive into the rich man and Lazarus and look at what it has for us today. The rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31 is a fascinating story told by Jesus that packs a punch! But it can be a confusing and difficult parable to understand.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |