Rich Man and Lazarus | Luke 16:19-31

Welcome to Real Life.

“You made many, many poor people. I realize of course it’s no shame to be poor, but it’s no great honor either. Now what would be so terrible if I had a small fortune?” –Tevye (addressing God), Fiddler on the Roof

Chicago’s Extravagant Skyline

“Oh, I’m so hungry,” the man groaned, “Can anyone spare some money for food?” Recently, I visited Chicago for the first time and rode the “L” train in from the airport. A tall middle-aged man boarded and began to beg. Fear was my initial response. This guy’s either high or mentally unstable. Will he pull a gun on us? Then, I prayed—for his needs and for our safety.

At the next stop, a lovely young woman boarded. She sat directly across from the man. “Oh, I’m so hungry,” he began again. I watched the woman nonchalantly dig into her purse, reach across the aisle, and place a folded bill in the man’s hand. He thanked her and exited the train at the next stop.

“Who is this brave young woman?” I wondered. Whether fearless or foolish, her response was definitely compassionate.

Jesus spoke of a beggar:

A rich man lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table.

The beggar died. Angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died. In Hades, in torment, he saw Abraham and Lazarus far away. He called, “Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.”

Abraham reminded the rich man that in his lifetime, he received many good things. Lazarus did not. Now, Lazarus is comforted and he’s in agony. In addition, a great chasm exists so that no one can cross to the other side.

The account is kind of scary. For, I am the rich man. I may feel poor compared to Mark Zuckerberg or Oprah. However, compared to most of the world, I live in luxury.

50% of world population lives on less than $2.50 day = $913 per year
80% of world population lives on less than $10 day = $3,650 per year[1]

Just as it is no shame to be poor, it is no sin to be rich. The rich man was not in Hades because he was rich. Nor was Lazarus in Paradise because he was poor. The Bible is clear: Eternal life is a gift received by faith in Christ.[2] It’s not earned by good works.[3]

Yet, my actions reveal my faith. And, “when someone has been given much, much will be required” (Luke 12:48b NLT). I’m not the 1%. But, I’m in the top 20%.

The poor matter to God. They should matter to me.

Lord Jesus, open my eyes to the needs of others.

Taking it further …

Am I ignoring someone with a legitimate need whom God has placed in my path?
Help victims of the recent tornadoes (by donating or volunteering) through Samaritan’s Purse.
Everyone, regardless of financial status, can give something. Jesus commended a poor widow who gave an offering out of her want (Luke 21:1-4).
Compassion International works to break the cycle of poverty by providing education and basic needs for poor children through sponsorship: www.compassion.com.

[1] http://www.statisticbrain.com/world-poverty-statistics/
[2] Romans 6:23
[3] Ephesians 2:8-9

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