The story of Lazarus and the rich man in Luke 16:19–31 is one of the most sobering teachings Jesus ever gave. It is not a parable wrapped in symbolism. It is a direct, vivid revelation of eternity — what happens after life on earth, how God sees human choices, and the reality of heaven and hell.
This passage pulls the curtain back and shows us what many ignore:
● Life does not end at death.
● Death does not end destiny.
● Every choice made on earth echoes in eternity.
But beyond the theological weight, this story touches the heart deeply. It speaks to the forgotten, to the suffering, to the humble, to the proud, to the rich, to the careless, and to all who are trying to find meaning in life.
Let’s take a Spirit-filled journey into this story and learn the message Jesus has for us today.
1. The Two Men — Earthly Differences, Eternal Realities
Jesus introduces two characters whose lives could not be more opposite.
▪︎ One man is rich, clothed in purple and fine linen, living in luxury. He had status, comfort, wealth, power, influence, and all the pleasures life could offer.
▪︎ The other man is Lazarus, a poor beggar, lying at the rich man’s gate. He was covered in sores, hungry, weak, ignored, rejected, and in pain.
Their realities were extremely different on earth — but what matters is not how they lived on earth, but how they lived before God.
This is our first lesson:
● Earthly status means nothing in eternity.
● God does not measure a life by salary, possessions, achievements, or popularity.
● He measures a life by the condition of the heart.
2. Lazarus — The Painful Life That God Saw
Lazarus had nothing — no money, no food, no comfort, no help. His name literally means “God is my help.”
He had no help on earth, but his name prophesied his destiny. People ignored him. The rich man overlooked him. Life treated him harshly. But God saw him.
Heaven noticed what Earth ignored. Angels attended to the man whom humans rejected.
This teaches us a deep truth:
● God is close to those the world pushes aside.
● The weak, the broken, the poor, the afflicted — God is their defender.
Though Lazarus suffered, he never turned away from God. His earthly pain was not a punishment; it was a preparation for incomparable glory.
3. The Rich Man — A Life of Comfort Without God
The rich man had everything — except God. He was not condemned because he had wealth. He was condemned because he lacked compassion, humility, and spiritual awareness.
He saw Lazarus daily. He walked past him. He ignored his pain. He fed his own appetite but denied another man’s survival. The sin of the rich man was not wealth — it was selfishness and indifference.
This is a warning for us today:
● Comfort can make a person spiritually blind.
● Abundance can create pride.
● Prosperity can make the heart cold.
The danger is not having wealth — The danger is when wealth has you.
4. Their Deaths — The Great Eternal Reversal
Jesus shocks the listeners by reversing their destinies after death.
Lazarus dies — and is carried by angels into Abraham’s bosom. No funeral. No honor. No dignity on earth. But heaven receives him with glory.
The rich man dies — and ends up in torment. Perhaps he had a grand funeral. People may have praised him. But heaven did not.
Earth’s applause means nothing when Heaven is silent.
This is the divine reversal:
● Those who live for God will be lifted.
● Those who live for themselves will fall.
5. The Reality of Hell and Heaven
Jesus describes two eternal destinations with absolute clarity.
● Heaven — Comfort, rest, joy, and God’s presence.
Lazarus’ suffering ended. His tears were wiped away, and his pain was exchanged for peace.
● Hell — Torment, regret, sorrow, and eternal separation from God.
The rich man begged for water. A single drop just to relieve for one moment but it was too late.
This story reminds us:
● Eternal destinations are real, irreversible, and determined by our choices on earth.
● Hell is not symbolic.
● Heaven is not imaginary.
● Judgment is not optional.
6. The Cry of Regret — When It’s Too Late to Change
The rich man now becomes the beggar. He begs for comfort. He begs for help. He begs for mercy. But in eternity, begging cannot change destiny.
▪︎ The time to repent is NOW.
▪︎ The time to seek God is NOW.
▪︎ The time to walk in love is NOW.
▪︎ The time to serve others is NOW.
This is a sobering truth:
Earth is the only place where repentance is possible. After death, only judgment remains.
7. A Heart That Never Changed
Even in torment, notice the rich man’s attitude:
• He still sees Lazarus as a servant: “Send Lazarus…”
• He still speaks without humility.
• He still thinks Lazarus exists to serve him.
Hell did not change his heart — it only exposed it.
This is powerful:
● Death does not transform character; it reveals it.
● A person who ignores God in life will not desire Him in eternity.
● A heart that resists God on earth will not suddenly love Him after death.
8. A Warning for the Living — “They Have Moses and the Prophets”
The rich man begs Abraham to send Lazarus back from the dead to warn his brothers. But Abraham says something striking:
“They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.”
Meaning:
● You do not need a miracle to repent.
● You need the Word of God.
If people reject Scripture, no miracle will convince them.
Today, we have Moses, the Prophets, the Gospels, the Epistles, the full Bible — and the Holy Spirit.
We have everything needed to repent, believe, and live for God. What you do with God’s Word determines your eternity.
9. Lessons for Us Today
Here are the powerful truths this story teaches:
1. Heaven and hell are real.
Not symbolic. Not imaginary.
2. Earthly comfort can hide spiritual poverty.
A comfortable life can blind a person to their need for God.
3. God sees the suffering of the righteous.
Your pain is not proof of God’s absence. It may be preparation for glory.
4. Compassion is proof of spiritual life.
A heart that ignores others is a heart not touched by God.
5. Eternal destiny is decided now, not later.
Not after death. Not after regret. But now.
6. Scripture is enough to save us.
The Word of God is our warning, our light, and our guide.
7. Wealth is not a sin — selfishness is.
It is not about what you have, but what you do with what you have.
10. Conclusion — What God Wants You to See
This story is far more than a warning about hell. It is a reminder of God’s heart.
God sees every Lazarus — the hurting, the forgotten, the rejected. And God also sees every rich man — the comfortable, the distracted, the spiritually unaware.
The message is simple:
● Live with eternity in mind.
● Walk in compassion and humility.
● Do not let comfort kill your conscience.
● Let God shape your heart before it is too late.
Heaven is real. Hell is real. And today is the day to choose.
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