A Change for the RIch Man and Lazarus

LUKE 16:14-31

* ILLUSTRATION OF THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS are 

Jesus has been giving his disciple's fine counsel about the use of material riches. But his disciples are not the only ones listening.  Pharisees are also present, and they ought to take heart Jesus' counsel. Why?  Because they  are "money lovers." On hearing what Jesus is saying, they 'begin to sneer at him.' - LUKE 15:2; 16:13, 14.

That does not intimidate Jesus, though. He says to them:  "You are those who declare  yourselves righteous before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is considered exalted by men is a disgusting thing in God's sight." - LUKE 16:15.

The Pharisees have long been "exalted men," But this is a time of change, a time for the babies to turn. The highly exalted ones who are rich in worldly goods, political power, and religious influence are to be brought down. The common people  who recognize their spiritual need are to be raised up. Jesus makes it clear that a major changed is taking place, saying: 

"The Law and the Prophets were until John.  From then on, the Kingdom of God is being declared as good news, and every sort of person is pressing forward toward it.  Indeed, it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of a letter of the Law to go unfulfilled." (Luke 3:18; 16:16, 17) How do Jesus' words indicate that a change is occurring?

Next time: A Change for the Rich Man and Lazarus

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