1. Title of the Parable
The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
2. Scripture Reference(s)
- Luke 16:19–31 (L)
3. Thematic Category
Love and Mercy to Others; Wealth and Justice; Eternal Consequences; Reversal of Fortune
4. Parable Summary
Jesus presents a striking contrast between two men:
- A rich man, clothed in purple and fine linen, lives in luxury every day.
- Lazarus, a poor man covered in sores, lies at the rich man’s gate longing for scraps.
Both men die. Lazarus is carried by angels to Abraham’s side (a picture of comfort in the afterlife), while the rich man ends up in Hades, in torment. The rich man begs for relief and later for Lazarus to warn his family.
Abraham replies that they already have Moses and the Prophets, and that even someone rising from the dead would not persuade them if they won’t listen to Scripture.
5. Cultural and Historical Context
In first-century Jewish society:
- Wearing purple and fine linen was a sign of extreme wealth and status.
- Begging at the gate illustrated absolute poverty and dependence.
Abraham’s bosom was a Jewish metaphor for the place of honour and peace in the afterlife, while Hades symbolised judgment.
Lazarus, the only named character in any of Jesus’ parables, means “God has helped,” emphasising that his hope came not from people, but from God.
The parable was deeply counter-cultural: wealth was often assumed to be a sign of divine favour, yet Jesus reverses this expectation.
6. Literary Form and Structure
- Type: Eschatological parable / narrative of reversal
- Structure: Earthly contrast → death and reversal → dialogue in the afterlife
- Techniques: Irony, named character (unique in parables), reversal, foreshadowing
7. Theological Meaning and Kingdom Implications
This parable warns that:
- Neglecting the poor and ignoring suffering has eternal consequences.
- Wealth without mercy leads to judgment, not blessing.
- The Kingdom reverses worldly hierarchies: the exalted are brought low, and the lowly are lifted up.
- Faithfulness includes responding to the Word of God with action, not waiting for miraculous signs.
It is not merely a teaching about the afterlife—it is a call to compassion and justice now, before it is too late.
8. Moral and Ethical Lessons
- Ignoring suffering while indulging in luxury is condemned by God.
- Compassion, not comfort, is the mark of a righteous life.
- Access to God’s Word means accountability—we must respond with faith and mercy.
- Self-centredness blinds the heart to both present need and eternal truth.
9. Jesus’ Interpretation or Explanation
Jesus does not provide a separate interpretation, but the parable’s final verses serve as a solemn commentary:
“If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.” (Luke 16:31)
This not only underscores the sufficiency of Scripture but also foreshadows Jesus’ own resurrection, which many still would reject.
10. Application for Contemporary Readers
- Challenges Christians to examine how they use wealth and power.
- Calls for active compassion—not just charitable thoughts, but practical care.
- Reminds believers that spiritual blindness to injustice has eternal weight.
- Urges readers to respond now, not presume on future chances to change.
11. Comparative Insights and Scholarly Commentary
- Augustine saw the rich man as symbolic of Israel’s elite, and Lazarus as the Gentiles who would be exalted.
- Calvin taught that the parable illustrates God’s concern for justice and the folly of depending on riches.
- Craig Blomberg identifies three points: judgment is real, reversal is coming, and Scripture is sufficient.
- N.T. Wright views the parable as a critique of religious leaders’ failure to heed prophetic warnings, even when the Messiah arrives.
- R.T. France emphasises that the rich man’s guilt lies not in his wealth, but in his utter disregard for Lazarus.
12. Cross-References
- Isaiah 58:6–10 – True fasting involves caring for the poor
- Proverbs 14:31 – “Whoever oppresses the poor insults his Maker”
- James 5:1–6 – Warning to the rich who live in luxury without mercy
- Matthew 25:31–46 – Sheep and goats: judgment based on treatment of the needy
13. Key Quotes and Phrases
- “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen…” (Luke 16:19)
- “At his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus…” (Luke 16:20)
- “Father Abraham, have mercy on me…” (Luke 16:24)
“If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets…” (Luke 16:31)