Luke 16:19-31
Q.1. What was the key message that Jesus sought to convey through this parable of the rich man and the beggar? – (Lk.16:19-26)
Jesus revealed many insights about life, death, and genuine faith. Here we learn that God does not evaluate our lives based on our wealth or health. The poor and despised beggar, Lazarus, ended up comforted and – carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom (Lk.16:22). The rich man called out to ‘Father Abraham’. This suggests that he had a faith (albeit spurious) yet was consigned to the torments of Hades. Since the rich man had not lived according to his claims, he was cut off from the delights of Paradise by a great chasm. After this life, it will be too late to change our destiny. Abraham pointed out – … between us and you there is a great chasm fixed, so that those who wish to come over from here to you will not be able, and that none may cross over from there to us’ Lk.16:26). This is the terrible reality that Jesus wants us to act upon before it is too late.
Q.2. What witnesses who have shown us how to avoid the torment of life beyond the grave, has God provided for all mankind?? – (Lk.16:27-31)
The suffering of Hades brought an impassioned plea from the rich man – ‘please warn them!’ However, God had already provided that witness and warning – … `They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them’ (Lk.16:29). The rich man argued that there would be still more convincing proof – ‘… if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent!’ (Lk.16:30). Abraham responded – If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead (Lk.16:31). We can confirm that even the Resurrection of Jesus Christ from the dead was not believed. The Bible and the risen Saviour are both still despised in the world today.
Q.3. Did Jesus mislead His hearers with this parable? How should we respond to its challenge? – (Lk.16:19-31)
Some people claim that you cannot take the details of the parable literally. However, which expert should we trust, in order to determine what is true? To not believe this description by Jesus, is tantamount to calling Him a liar and a scaremonger. The Bible declares that it is impossible for God to lie or mislead. He stands as the Way, the Truth, and the Life (Jn.14:6). This story revealed that the reality of Hades turned a God neglecter into a passionate evangelist. How much more should these glimpses of torment drive us to leave no stone unturned in our attempts to lead sinners to repentance and faith in Christ.