A Change for the Rich Man and for Lazarus - THE CHANGE FOR THE RICH MAN AND FOR LAZARUS

Jesus goes on to describe this dramatic change in circumstances.  "Now in the course of time, he says,  "the  beggar died and was carried off by the angels to Abraham's side. Also,  the rich man died and was buried. And in the Grave he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and he saw Abraham from afar and Lazarus by his side." - LUKE 16:22, 23.

Those listening to Jesus know that Abraham is long dead and in the Grave.  The Scriptures, make it clear that  no one in the Grave, or Sheol, can see or speak, including Abraham.  (Ecclesiastes 9:5, 10)  What, then, do these religious leaders think that Jesus means with this illustration? What might he be indicating about the common people and the money-loving religious leaders?

Jesus has just pointed to a change by saying that 'the Law and the Prophet  were until John the Baptist, but from then on the Kingdom of God is being declared as good news.' Hence, it is with the preaching of John and Jesus Christ that both Lazarus and the rich man die to their former circumstances, or condition, and they experience new positions relative to God.

Specifically, those of the humble or poor class have long been spiritually deprived.  But they are being helped by and are responding  to the message about the Kingdom presented by John the Baptist and then by Jesus. Formerly, they had to get by with what amounted to little '0little things dropped from the spiritual table' of the religious leaders. Now they are being fed with essential Scriptural truths, particularly the wonderful things Jesus is explaining. It is as if they finally are in the favored position in the eyes of Jehovah God.

Next time: A Change for the Rich Man and for Lazarus - Conclusion of THE CHANGE FOR THE RICH MAN AD FOR LAZARUS

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