HeartBreaking
Thursday, October 6, 2011 at 4:28PM Luke 16:19-31
19There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:20And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,21And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.22And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;23And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.24And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. 25But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. 26And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence. 27Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:28For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.29Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.30And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.31And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
Thoughts?
Reader Comments (1)
When Jesus tells this story the audience contained the Pharisees who were lovers of money and scoffers (verse 14). It seems to be that in reality they would tell a story just like Jesus is telling. And they would put themselves as the ones in heaven looking down on the unworthy telling them that there is a chasm and they cant make it here. So Jesus in his ingenuity turns this teaching right on top of them and speaks it to them harshly. Look to verse 14 to see that those religious leaders that loved money were there listening.
When Jesus says in the story that they have Moses and the prophets he seems to be calling them out. Their claim at righteous living revolves around their claim that they follow Moses and the prophets. He is calling them out based on their very claim. He reveals them in their own judgement when he says even if someone comes back from the dead they still will not listen. Speaking of himself and the future resurrection. This is not for us. This is for the religious who would try to enter the kingdom by works instead of grace. Those who love the world and money. Not to us who have been set free. And in the end on the cross Jesus even says to them. "Father forgive them for they know not what they do." So in all things all is grace. "It is finished." Love you brother. hope to see you soon.