A Change for the Rich Man and for Lazarus -Conclusion of THE CHANGE FOR THE RICH MAN AND FOR LAZAROUS

In contrast, those in the rich and influential class of religious leaders refuse to accept the Kingdom  message that John proclaimed  and that Jesus had been preaching throughout the land.  (Matthew 3:1, 2; 4:17)  In fact, they angered, or tormented, by that message, which points to a coming fiery judgment from God.  (Matthew 3:7-12) It would be a relief to the money-loving religious leaders if Jesus and his disciples would let  up on declaring God's message. Those leaders  are like the rich man in the illustration, who says:  "Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in the water and cool my tongue, for I am anguish in this blazing fire." - LUKE 16:24.

But that is not to happen.  Most of the religious leaders will not change. They had refused to  "listen to Moses and the Prophets," which writings should have led them to accept;t Jesus as God's Messiah and King.  (Luke 16:29, 31; Galatians 3:24)  Nor do they humble themselves and let themselves be persuaded by those poor ones who accept Jesus and now have divine favor.  Jesus' disciples, for their part, cannot compromise or water down the truth just to satisfy the religious leaders or give them relief.  In this illustration, Jesus describes this reality in the words uttered by "Father Abraham" to the rich man: 

Child, remember that you had your fill  of good things in your lifetime, but Lazarus for his part received bad things.  Now, however, his is comforted here, but you are in anguish.  And besides all these things, a great chasm has been fixed between us and you, so that those who want to go over from here to you cannot, neither may people cross over from there to us. - LUKE 16:25, 26.

How just and fitting it is that such a dramatic change takes place! It amounts to a reversal of position between the proud religious leaders and the humble ones who accept Jesus' yoke and are finally being refreshed and fed spiritually.  ( Matthew 11:28-30)  This change will be even more  evident in a few months when the Law covenant is replaced by a new covenant. (Jeremiah 31:31-33; Colossians 2:14; Hebrews 8:7-13)  When God pours out holy spirit on the day of Pentecost 33 C.E., it will be unmistakably clear that, rather than the Pharisees and their religious allies, Jesus' disciples have God's favor.  

Next time: What Does Jehovah's Forgiveness Mean for You?

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