43. Luke 16:19-31 The Rich Man and Lazarus
Goal: Hell is where unbelievers go when they die, separated from God by their sin.
Issue: Many in our society believe that Hell is not real, that a loving God would not punish us for our sins, and that all religions are basically leading to the same eternal state of bliss.
GET READY: On a certain occasion, Jesus told a series of parables. One of these parables he told about a rich man and a man named Lazarus. Jesus told this story because he wanted his listeners to have a glimpse of life after death. Think about these questions as Jesus’ parable is narrated:
ü What kind of life did the rich man have on earth?
ü What kind of life did Lazarus have on earth?
ü What happened to Lazarus when he died?
ü What happened to the rich man when he died?
This is the story that Jesus told about the rich man and Lazarus that is found in the Bible.
STORY:
Jesus told the people an important story about heaven and hell. It did not really happen, but it carried many truths that He wanted the people to learn.
“There once was a very rich man who was splendidly clothed. He lived every day in luxury. At his door lay a diseased beggar and the beggar’s name was Lazarus. As Lazarus lay there longing for a scrap of food from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores. Finally, the beggar died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham in heaven. The rich man also died and was buried and his soul went to the place of the dead and a place where people are tormented forever.
“The rich man looked into heaven and he saw Lazarus with Abraham. The rich man called out, “Abraham, have some pity on me. Send Lazarus over here. All he needs to do is dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue because I am in anguish in these flames.”
But Abraham said to him, “Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted and you are in anguish. And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. Anyone who wanted to cross over to you from here is stopped at its edge and no one there can cross over to us.”
“Well, then,” the rich man said, “Please, Father Abraham, send Lazarus to my father’s home. I have five brothers living there and I want him to warn them about this place of torment so they won’t have to come here when they die.” And Abraham said, “Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read their writings any time they want to.”
The rich man replied, “No they won’t do it, Father Abraham, but if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will turn from their sins.”
But Abraham said, “If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets they won’t listen even if someone rises from the dead.” That ends this Bible story.
Story of the Rich Man and Lazarus - Discussion Questions