Jay Grant’s message on Luke 16:14-31
Sermon notes:
Luke 16:14-18
14 Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, scoffed at what Jesus said (“you cannot serve both God and money”). 15 And Jesus replied, “You are those who love to look good before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God. 16 Until John the Baptist came, the Law of Moses and the words of the Prophets were your guides. But now the good news of God’s Kingdom is preached and many are trying to get in. 17 But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one stroke of the Law to fail. 18 For instance, everyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and he who marries a divorced woman, also commits adultery.”
The Rich Man and the Beggar
Luke 16:19-31
19 “There was a certain rich man, clothed in purple and fine linen, who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 At his gate lay a poor beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores. 21 As Lazarus languished there, longing to be fed with the scraps from the rich man’s table, dogs would come and lick his open sores. 22 Finally the beggar died and was carried by angels to Abraham’s side. Then the rich man also dies and was buried.
23 In Hades and being in torment, he lifted his eyes and saw Abraham afar off with Lazarus at his side. 24 And he called out, “Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.” 25 But Abraham said, “Child, remember that in your lifetime you had everything you wanted and Lazarus had nothing. Now he is being comforted and you are suffering. 26 Besides this, a great chasm has been fixed and one may not pass from one side to the other.” 27 And the rich man said, “Then I beg you, send Lazarus to my father’s house, 28 for I have five brothers, so that he may warn them, lest they come to this place of torment.” 29 But Abraham said, “They have Moses and the Prophets, let your brothers hear them.” 30 And he replied, “No father Abraham, but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.” 31 But Abraham said, “If they won’t listen to Moses and the Prophets, neither will they listen to someone sent to them from the dead.”
Understanding This Parable
1. When you interpret Scripture, it needs to be done so in context. Context means the focus of preceding verses/chapter. What is the context of this parable? Money
2. Jesus is emphasizing our attitude toward money; are we selfish or generous? Are we greedy or do we give to the less fortunate. Does the love of money control us?
3. Nothing is said about faith in this parable; or about trusting God; in fact God is not even mentioned.
4. The parable ends focusing on Scripture’s authority – vs 29-31
5. Jesus is pointing out to the Pharisees they are not favored by God because of their position. Wealth/riches/honor is not a sign necessarily of God’s favor.
6. When you die, your body does not go into eternity, your spirit does; your body is raised at the general resurrection of the dead (1 Thessalonians 4:13-18)
7. Nowhere else in Scripture is heaven referred to as Abraham’s bosom/side
8. People in hell cannot speak to people in heaven; and vice versa
9. The lost are punished at the end of the age after judgment; not when they die.
10. Being rich does not mean you’re likely to go to hell; or being poor going to heaven