Thursday 04 March 2010

Bible Book:
Luke

"He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'" (v.31)

Luke 16:19-31 Thursday 4 March 2010

Background

Jesus tells this parable, but it's by no means unique to him.There are several versions of it known from different parts of theancient world, and the general theme seems to be the reversal offortunes after death, where the poor are suddenly rewarded andthose who have wanted for nothing in life are seen to suffer. Herewe have the poor man, Lazarus (who should not be confused with theLazarus that Jesus raised from death in John11), taken to Abraham's side, whereas the rich man is sent toHades. Both are places of waiting: with Abraham the righteous waitfor vindication whereas in Hades the wicked await the finaljudgement.

The difference in the version that Jesus tells is that no one isallowed to return from beyond the grave to warn of what is to come.Neither the rich man himself, nor Lazarus can be permitted to warnthe rich man's brothers (or anyone else) of their potentialfate.

The argument is that they should already know, because Moses andthe prophets have told them. And indeed, Jesus is telling hislisteners nothing new: the prophets give many instructions as tohow the poor and needy of society ought to be treated. But he istaking a belief about life after death (that the fortunes of therich and poor will be inverted) and suggesting that his listenersshould not leave this transformation until after death, but shouldwork to bring it about in the present as the prophetsinstructed.

To Ponder

Do you believe that what you do in this lifeaffects what happens after death? Why?

Who might be the Lazaruses that you encounter orhear about today? What might you be able to do to improve theirlives?

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