A Change for the RIch Man and for Lazarus -Continued

The Jewish religious leaders proudly profess adherence to the Law of Moses. Recall that when Jesus restored sight to a man in Jerusalem, the Pharisees pridefully said:  "We are disciples of Moses. We know that God has spoken to Moses." (John 9:13, 28, 29)  One purpose of the Law given through Moses was to lead humble ones to the Messiah, that is, to Jesus. John Baptists identified Jesus as the Lamb of God. (John 1:29-34)  Starting with John's ministry, humble Jews, especially among the poor, have been hearing about "The Kingdom of God." Yes, there is "good news" for all wanting to be subjects of God's Kingdom and benefit from it.

The Mosaic Law is not going unfulfilled; rather, it has led to the Messiah. Moreover, the obligation to keep it is ending.  For example, the Law allowed for divorce on various grounds, but now Jesus explains that "everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and whoever marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery." (Luke 16:18) How  such pronouncements enrage the legalistically minded Pharisees!

Jesus now relates an illustration that underscores the magnitude of the change that is taking place. It features two men-each of whose status, or situation, changes dramatically.  In considering the illustration, bear in mind that among those hearing it are money-loving Pharisees who are being exalted by men.

"There was a rich man," Jesus says, who use to dress in purple and linen, enjoying himself day after day with magnificence. But a beggar named Lazarus used to be put at his gate, covered with ulcers and desiring to be filled with the things dropping from the table of the rich man. Yes. even the dogs would come and lick his ulcers." - LUKE 16:19-21.

A Change for the Rich Man and for Lazarus-Continued

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