The Tale of Two Men
Luke 16:19-31 (NKJV)
19“There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day.
20But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate,
21desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried.
23And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24“Then he cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.’
25But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented.
26And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.’
27“Then he said, ‘I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house,
28for I have five brothers, that he may testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.’
29Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.’
30And he said, ‘No, father Abraham; but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’
31But he said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.’ ”
The Tale of Two Beggars
Lazarus
Luke 16:20 (NKJV)
20But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate,
One character of this parables name was Lazarus
Names are Important
Jesus renamed Simon (one who hears) to Peter (rock)
God named Abram to Abraham
Names in the Book of Life
Revelation 20:15 (NKJV)
15 And anyone not found written in the Book of Life was cast into the lake of fire.
Be a Lazarus
Opposite Destines
Luke 16:22-23 (NIV)
22“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.
23In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side.
Pleasures of Heaven
Luke 16:22 (NIV)
22“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side.
Punishment of Hell
Luke 16:22-23 (NIV)
23In Hades, where he was in torment…
Opposite Decisions
Luke 16:25 (NIV)
25“But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.
Luke 16:29 (NIV)
29“Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’
Where will YOU spend Eternity?