Lessons from Parables

 

Reference: Luke 16:19-31

### The Story of the Rich Man and the Poor Man

Once there was a rich man. He lived in a big house and wore fancy clothes. Every day he ate yummy food and had lots of toys. He never thought about anyone else.

Right outside his gate sat a poor man named Lazarus. Lazarus was very hungry and his body was covered in sores. He wished he could have just a few crumbs from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs were kind to Lazarus and licked his sores to make him feel better.

One day, both men died.  

Lazarus went to be with Abraham in a happy, peaceful place. The angels took good care of him.

The rich man also died and went to a sad, dark place where he felt very hot and thirsty. He looked up and saw Lazarus far away with Abraham.

The rich man shouted, “Abraham, please send Lazarus to give me a drop of water! I’m so thirsty!”

But Abraham said, “When you were alive, you had everything good, and Lazarus had nothing. Now Lazarus is happy, and you are sad. Also, there is a big gap that no one can cross.”

Then the rich man said, “Please send Lazarus to my brothers so they don’t come to this sad place too!”

Abraham said, “Your brothers already have God’s Word in the Bible. If they don’t listen to that, they won’t believe even if someone comes back from the dead.”

Key Lessons

1. Our choices on earth matter. The rich man ignored Lazarus at his gate. He had the chance to show mercy but didn’t. How we treat people, especially those in need, has eternal weight. 

2. Wealth is not a sign of God’s favor. The rich man had everything in life but ended in torment. Lazarus had nothing but ended in comfort. God looks at the heart, not the bank account.

3. After death, our destiny is fixed. The “great gap” Abraham mentions means there’s no second chance after we die. The time to choose compassion and faith is now.

4. God’s Word is enough. The rich man thought a miracle would convince his brothers. But Abraham says they already have Scripture. If people ignore God’s Word, even a resurrection won’t change them. Jesus later rose from the dead, and many still did not believe.

For Today

This parable isn’t about hating money. It’s about seeing the “Lazarus” at our own gates. Who is hurting, hungry, or lonely near us? Jesus calls us to notice, care, and share what we have. The story reminds us that real life isn’t measured by feasts and fancy clothes, but by love for God and for others.

Think about it: Who is like “Lazarus” around you? Maybe a friend who feels left out, or someone who needs help. You can be kind to them today 😊