What's Right In Front of Us

Lazarus & the Rich Man

Jesus tells many parables. In some ways, this one is different from the rest. For one, never before or after does Jesus name a character in a parable. This might seem like a bit of a trival note, but then again, the rich man is not given a name.

Additionally, Jesus develops the narrative in this parable more extensively than perhaps any other of his parables. Only the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son come close.

Then there are theological and eschatological elements that we really don’t find too much elsewhere in Jesus’ teaching.

All of that might lead us to focus on the mechanics of what happens after death. What does this mean about heaven and hell? About separation? About consciousness? And maybe there is something there to consider. But Jesus is doing something more than teaching about the ins and outs of the afterlife. Remember, it’s a parable.

The contrast in the story is not subtle. One man lives in excess, the other in desperation. Jesus seems to want us to focus not simply on the difference in their circumstances, but their lack of interaction. The rich man does not necessarily mistreat Lazarus. He simply lives as though Lazarus does not exist.

It is not just about wealth, though we understand from Jesus’ wider teaching that wealth has some powerful formative characteristics. But here, it is certainly about awareness and action. Do we see, or choose not to see, the situations around us? The rich man’s life is full. His life is busy. And yet there is someone at his gate, and it changes nothing about how he lives.

Then comes the reversal, a common tactic in parables. Again, it’s not just about fortune, but about clarity. The one who had everything now sees, and the one who had nothing is now named, known, and held.

The Kingdom of God.

Luke 16:19-31

“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.’”

Prayer

God,

You see all things. I often miss what is right in front of me. Forgive me for the ways I have grown comfortable and for the ways I have filled my life and still missed what matters.

Open my eyes. Not just to see, but to respond. To not ignore what is at my gate.

Shape in me a life that reflects your Kingdom - attentive, present, and willing to act.

By your Spirit & in Christ,
Amen.