Luke 16:14-31 | Psalm 46
In all the parables Jesus told in the gospels, only one character was ever identified by a name: Lazarus, the poor man.
Maybe that’s not notable.
But maybe it is.
(By the way, it doesn’t appear that there’s any connection here between this parable character and Lazarus of Bethany, whom Jesus raised from the dead.)
The Pharisees, still hot from Jesus’ previous parable that called out the misuse of wealth, remain focused on themselves. However, Jesus is redirecting our attention here, and we can't miss it. As it was during that time, matters of marriage and divorce were controlled by men (and extended family). Divorce inevitably resulted in some form of brokenness for all involved. In this context, the woman was particularly disadvantaged.
Then, Lazarus’ story emphasizes the realization of poverty among humans.
If the Pharisees (or us) are wrangling with how to save our own faces, we’re missing the point. It’s not just about you.
But then, another twist and emphasis emerges — the ignorance of people in hearing the message of God. This message still holds weight even today. At times, people wish for God to simply "show up," providing evidence of existence or promoting a specific righteousness. Yet, Jesus addresses such demands for proof here.
Would it truly make a difference?
Luke 16:14-31
The Pharisees, who were money-lovers, heard all this and sneered at Jesus. He said to them, “You are the ones who justify yourselves before other people, but God knows your hearts. What is highly valued by people is deeply offensive to God. Until John, there was only the Law and the Prophets. Since then, the good news of God’s kingdom is preached, and everyone is urged to enter it. It’s easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for the smallest stroke of a pen in the Law to drop out. Any man who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and a man who marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.
“There was a certain rich man who clothed himself in purple and fine linen, and who feasted luxuriously every day. At his gate lay a certain poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. Lazarus longed to eat the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Instead, dogs would come and lick his sores.
“The poor man died and was carried by angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. While being tormented in the place of the dead, he looked up and saw Abraham at a distance with Lazarus at his side. He shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me. Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I’m suffering in this flame.’ But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received good things, whereas Lazarus received terrible things. Now Lazarus is being comforted and you are in great pain. Moreover, a great crevasse has been fixed between us and you. Those who wish to cross over from here to you cannot. Neither can anyone cross from there to us.’
“The rich man said, ‘Then I beg you, Father, send Lazarus to my father’s house. I have five brothers. He needs to warn them so that they don’t come to this place of agony.’ Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets. They must listen to them.’ The rich man said, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone from the dead goes to them, they will change their hearts and lives.’ Abraham said, ‘If they don’t listen to Moses and the Prophets, then neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead.’”
Psalm 46
God is our refuge and strength,
a help always near in times of great trouble.
That’s why we won’t be afraid when the world falls apart,
when the mountains crumble into the center of the sea,
when its waters roar and rage,
when the mountains shake because of its surging waves. Selah
There is a river whose streams gladden God’s city,
the holiest dwelling of the Most High.
God is in that city. It will never crumble.
God will help it when morning dawns.
Nations roar; kingdoms crumble.
God utters his voice; the earth melts.
The Lord of heavenly forces is with us!
The God of Jacob is our place of safety. Selah
Come, see the Lord’s deeds,
what devastation he has imposed on the earth—
bringing wars to an end in every corner of the world,
breaking the bow and shattering the spear,
burning chariots with fire.
“That’s enough! Now know that I am God!
I am exalted among all nations; I am exalted throughout the world!”
The Lord of heavenly forces is with us!
The God of Jacob is our place of safety. Selah
Prayer
God,
It’s Sunday. Today, your church around the world gathers for worship.
Does it matter? I’m sure it does. But make us to see it.
Help us all in our gathering - show yourself. Make your ways known. But in doing so, enflesh Jesus within our gatherings. Help us see one another, which is to see Jesus. And in seeing Jesus, make us Christ, the compassionate presence of your way in the world.
Empower us by your spirit’s movement.
Amen.