The rich man and Lazarus - O le mau’oa ma Lasalo

Scripture Focus: Luka 16:19-31

“Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, living in luxury every day. A certain beggar, named Lazarus, was laid at his gate, full of sores, and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Yes, even the dogs came and licked his sores. The beggar died, and he was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died, and was buried. In Hades, he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far off, and Lazarus at his bosom. 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 in anguish in this flame.’ “But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that you, in your lifetime, received your good things, and Lazarus, in the same way, bad things. But now here he is comforted and you are in anguish. Besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that those who want to pass from here to you are not able, and that no one may cross over from there to us.’ “He said, ‘I ask you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house; for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, so they won’t also come into this place of torment.’ “But Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’ “He said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ “He said to him, ‘If they don’t listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if one rises from the dead.’”
- Luke 16:19-31 (WEB)

Study:

This parable told by Jesus offers a profound lesson on the dangers of misplaced priorities and the eternal consequences of our earthly choices. The rich man lived a life wrapped in luxury and indulgence, blind to the suffering at his doorstep in the person of Lazarus, the poor beggar. After death, their roles are dramatically reversed: Lazarus is comforted in Abraham’s bosom, symbolizing heaven, while the rich man suffers in Hades, a place of torment. Jesus highlights the irreversible reality of judgment and the great gulf between the saved and the lost. The rich man's plea for relief and a warning to his family emphasizes the importance of heeding God's word as given through Moses and the prophets rather than seeking miraculous signs. Ultimately, this parable warns us to prioritize compassion, righteousness, and faith before it is too late.

Application:

Today, this parable reminds us to examine our own priorities in life. Are we living self-centeredly, focusing on material wealth and comforts, or are we mindful of the needs of others around us? We are called to live with a heart of generosity and sensitivity toward the poor and marginalized, reflecting God’s love. Furthermore, we must not neglect God's revealed truth through Scripture as our guide and warning. This story challenges us to live in a way that honors God and invests in eternal things rather than temporary earthly pleasures, remembering that our choices have lasting consequences.

Reflection Questions:

• In what ways might I be like the rich man, ignoring the needs of those around me?
• How can I more actively live out compassion and generosity in my daily life?
• Do I truly listen to God’s Word and allow it to shape my decisions and priorities?
• How does the reality of eternal consequences affect the way I view my possessions and lifestyle?
• What steps can I take to share the message of salvation with others before it’s too late?

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, help me to see beyond my comforts and to have a heart that cares deeply for others. Teach me to honor You by living generously and faithfully according to Your Word. May I not ignore the eternal consequences of my choices but instead seek Your kingdom first. Guide me to share Your love and truth so others may find salvation. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Tags: rich man, Lazarus, parable of Jesus, Gospel of Luke, Christian priorities, compassion, generosity, eternal life, salvation, Bible study, Luke 16