Conclusion of The Rich Man And Lazarus-Rich Man And Lazarus Experience A Change

"But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that you received in full your good things in your lifetime, but Lazarus correspondingly the injurious things. Now, however, he is having comfort here but you are in anguish. And besides all these things, a great chasm has been fixed between us and you people, so that those wanting to go over from here to you people cannot, neither may people cross over from there to us.'"

How just and appropriate that such a dramatic reversal take place between the Lazarus class and the rich-man class! The change in conditions is accomplished a few months later at Pentecost 33 C.E., when the old Law covenant is replaced by the new covenant. It then becomes unmistakably clear that the disciples, not the Pharisees and other religious leaders , are favored by God. The "great chasm" that separates the symbolic rich man from Jesus' disciples therefore represents God's unchangeable, righteous judgment.

The rich man next requests "father Abraham:" "Send [Lazarus] to the house of my father, for I have five brothers." The rich man thus confesses he has a closer relationship to another father, who is actually Satan the Devil. The rich man requests that Lazarus water down God's judgment messages so as not to put his "five brothers," his religious allies,in "this place of torment."

But Abraham said, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to these.'" Yes, if the "five brothers" would escape torment, all they have to do is heed the writings of Moses and the Prophets that identify Jesus as the Messiah and then become his disciples. But the rich man objects: "No, indeed, father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them they will repent."

However, he is told: "If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded if someone rises from the dead." God will not provide special signs or miracles to convince people. They must read and apply the Scriptures if they would obtain his favor. Luke 16:14-31; John 9:28, 29; Matthew 19:3-9; Galatians 3:24; Colossians 2:14; John 8:44.

Next time: A Mission Of Mercy Into Judea

The Greatest Man Who Ever Lived, 1991