Jesus told some uncomfortable stories. Moreover, the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31 is one of the most unsettling passages in all of Scripture. Indeed, it’s a story that makes wealthy people squirm, challenges our priorities, and forces us to confront realities we’d rather avoid—specifically, the existence of hell, the permanence of our choices, and our responsibility toward those in need.
In my years of preaching, I can tell you this: people don’t like this parable. Nevertheless, they need it. Furthermore, we all need it, because Jesus didn’t tell this story to make us comfortable—He told it to wake us up before it’s too late.
Today, we’re going to do a complete study of this passage. We’ll examine it verse by verse, explore what it teaches about heaven and hell, discuss our responsibility to the poor, understand what it says about Scripture’s sufficiency, and confront the dangers of wealth and comfort. Additionally, we’ll look at how this applies to our lives right now.
This won’t be easy, but it will be honest. Let’s dive in.
The Text: Luke 16:19-31
Before we dig into the study, let’s read the entire passage:
19 “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and 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 you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ 27 And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house— 28 for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ 29 But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.'”
Now let’s break this down.
Part 1: The Setup – Two Lives, Two Deaths (Verses 19-22)
The Rich Man (Verse 19)
“There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.”
Jesus doesn’t give us this man’s name. Instead, tradition calls him “Dives” (Latin for “rich man”), but Scripture intentionally leaves him anonymous. Furthermore, that’s significant—this isn’t about one specific person; rather, it’s about a type of person, a way of living that many of us can relate to.
Let’s look at the details:
“Clothed in purple and fine linen” – Purple dye was extraordinarily expensive in the ancient world, made from thousands of murex snails. Consequently, only the wealthy could afford it. Moreover, fine linen was imported Egyptian fabric, the best money could buy. In other words, this man wore designer clothes—the ancient equivalent of Gucci and Armani.
“Feasted sumptuously every day” – He didn’t just eat well occasionally; rather, he lived in constant luxury. Additionally, the Greek word here suggests extravagant, lavish meals. Indeed, while most people ate simply to survive, he ate to indulge.
Here’s what’s crucial: Jesus doesn’t say this man was a criminal, a cheat, or an evil person. He doesn’t accuse him of theft or violence. Instead, the man’s sin was comfort, indifference, and a failure to see the suffering at his own gate.
Lazarus the Beggar (Verses 20-21)
“And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores.”
In contrast to the anonymous rich man, Jesus gives the beggar a name: Lazarus, which means “God is my help.” Furthermore, that’s the only time in any of Jesus’ parables that a character is named, which suggests this man mattered to God even though he was invisible to everyone else.
Look at the description:
“At his gate was laid” – Lazarus couldn’t even walk. Specifically, someone had to carry him and leave him at the rich man’s gate, probably hoping the wealthy household would show mercy.
“Covered with sores” – Open wounds, likely infected. Moreover, in that culture, people believed sickness was punishment for sin, so Lazarus would have been considered cursed and unclean.
“Desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table” – He wasn’t asking for a feast. Rather, he would have been grateful for scraps—the pieces of bread wealthy Romans used to wipe their hands and then threw away. Nevertheless, apparently he didn’t even get that.
“Even the dogs came and licked his sores” – This detail is devastating. In that culture, dogs were scavengers, not pets. Consequently, Lazarus was so helpless and neglected that wild dogs came and licked his wounds while he lay there suffering. Furthermore, this would have made him ceremonially unclean, adding spiritual isolation to his physical agony.
Here’s the setup: extreme wealth living next to extreme poverty, separated by a gate. Moreover, the rich man saw Lazarus every time he came and went. Nevertheless, he did nothing.
The Great Reversal (Verse 22)
“The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.”
Notice the contrast in how their deaths are described:
Lazarus: No mention of burial. Indeed, he probably got a pauper’s grave or was thrown in a common pit. However, Scripture tells us what really mattered: angels carried him to Abraham’s side. Furthermore, “Abraham’s side” (or “Abraham’s bosom”) was the Jewish way of describing paradise, the place of honor and comfort in God’s presence.
The rich man: He got a proper burial, probably expensive and elaborate. Nevertheless, that’s all we hear about—just that he was buried. Moreover, what happened to his soul is what matters, and it wasn’t good.
Death is the great equalizer. Indeed, both men died, as all of us will. However, what came next revealed the true state of their souls.
Part 2: The Afterlife Reality – Torment and Comfort (Verses 23-26)
The Rich Man’s Torment (Verses 23-24)
“And in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 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.'”
Let’s be clear about what Jesus is describing here: hell is real, conscious, and awful.
“Hades” – The Greek word for the place of the dead. Specifically, in this context, it refers to the place of torment for the unrighteous. Moreover, this isn’t annihilation or soul sleep—the rich man is fully conscious and aware.
“Being in torment” – Not was in torment, but being in torment—present, continuous suffering. Furthermore, Jesus uses graphic language here: anguish, flame, desperate thirst.
“He lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off” – He could see paradise, but he couldn’t reach it. Indeed, that’s part of the torment—knowing what he’d missed and that it was now forever beyond his grasp.
“Father Abraham, have mercy” – Notice he still thinks his heritage matters. Nevertheless, being descended from Abraham doesn’t save anyone. Rather, faith and how we live determine our eternal destiny.
“Send Lazarus” – Even in hell, he still views Lazarus as beneath him, as someone to be sent on errands. Moreover, he still hasn’t learned compassion or recognized his sin.
“Dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue” – He’s not even asking for much relief—just a drop of water. However, the smallest comfort is denied because the time for mercy has passed.
This is uncomfortable to read, but Jesus is showing us that hell is real, conscious suffering, and it’s permanent.
Abraham’s Response (Verses 25-26)
“But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.'”
Abraham’s response reveals several crucial truths:
“Child” – Abraham still calls him “child,” acknowledging their familial connection. Nevertheless, that connection can’t save him now.
“Remember that you in your lifetime received your good things” – The issue wasn’t that he was wealthy. Rather, the issue was that he lived for earthly pleasure and ignored eternal realities. Moreover, he had his reward in full during his earthly life.
“Lazarus in like manner bad things” – Lazarus suffered on earth. However, his suffering is over now, and eternal comfort is his.
“But now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish” – The great reversal. Indeed, Jesus said, “Blessed are you who are poor, for yours is the kingdom of God” (Luke 6:20), and “Woe to you who are rich, for you have received your consolation” (Luke 6:24). Furthermore, this parable illustrates that teaching.
“A great chasm has been fixed” – This is the most sobering statement in the passage. Specifically, there’s no second chance, no purgatory, no crossing over. Moreover, death seals your eternal destiny. Additionally, once you’re on one side or the other, you stay there forever.
The finality of this should terrify us into urgency about sharing the gospel and living righteously.
Part 3: The Rich Man’s Second Request (Verses 27-31)
Concern for His Brothers (Verses 27-28)
“And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house—for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.'”
Interestingly, the rich man’s concern shifts from his own suffering to his brothers’ fate. Nevertheless, notice he still wants to send Lazarus—even in hell, he views him as a servant.
However, give him some credit: at least he doesn’t want his brothers to end up where he is. Furthermore, he recognizes that they’re heading in the same direction he did. Moreover, he understands that they need to be warned.
This raises a question: If someone in hell would warn the living, why aren’t we who know the truth warning people urgently?
The Sufficiency of Scripture (Verses 29-31)
“But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.'”
Here’s where Jesus delivers a powerful truth about Scripture:
“They have Moses and the Prophets” – In other words, they have the Bible. Moreover, God’s Word contains everything needed for salvation and righteous living. Furthermore, Scripture is sufficient.
“If someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent” – The rich man thinks a miracle would convince them. Indeed, he believes that if someone came back from death with a warning, surely people would listen.
“If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead” – Abraham’s response is devastating. Specifically, if people won’t believe Scripture, they won’t believe even the most spectacular miracle.
Ironically, Jesus Himself would soon rise from the dead, and many still wouldn’t believe. Additionally, throughout history, people have witnessed miracles and remained unconvinced. Therefore, the issue isn’t lack of evidence—it’s hardness of heart.
Scripture is sufficient. We don’t need more miracles, more signs, or more proof. Rather, we need to believe and obey what God has already revealed.
What This Parable Teaches Us
Now let’s pull together the major themes and applications from this passage:
1. Heaven and Hell Are Real
Jesus didn’t speak about hell metaphorically here. Instead, He described it as a real place of real, conscious, eternal suffering. Moreover, He also described heaven as a real place of comfort and blessing.
Some people try to soften Jesus’ teaching on hell. Nevertheless, Scripture is clear: hell exists, it’s horrible, and people go there. Furthermore, denying hell doesn’t make it go away—it just leaves people unprepared for eternity.
Application: If hell is real, then urgency about salvation matters. Moreover, we should be passionate about sharing the gospel, not casual about it. Additionally, we should examine our own lives to ensure we’re truly saved, not just religious.
2. How We Live Matters Eternally
The rich man wasn’t condemned for being wealthy. Rather, he was condemned for how he lived—specifically, for living in selfish comfort while ignoring suffering right at his gate.
James 2:14-17 says, “What good is it, my brothers, if someone says he has faith but does not have works? Can that faith save him? If a brother or sister is poorly clothed and lacking in daily food, and one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace, be warmed and filled,’ without giving them the things needed for the body, what good is that? So also faith by itself, if it does not have works, is dead.”
Application: Genuine faith produces compassion and action. Indeed, if we claim to love God but ignore the poor and suffering around us, we need to question whether our faith is real. Moreover, comfortable Christianity that never sacrifices or serves is suspect.
3. Wealth Is Dangerous
Jesus warned about wealth more than almost any other topic. Furthermore, this parable shows why: wealth can insulate us from reality, numb us to others’ suffering, and make us comfortable in this world so we forget the next one.
1 Timothy 6:9-10 warns, “But those who desire to be rich fall into temptation, into a snare, into many senseless and harmful desires that plunge people into ruin and destruction. For the love of money is a root of all kinds of evils.”
Application: If you’re wealthy (and if you’re reading this in America, you probably are by global standards), you face unique spiritual dangers. Therefore, you must be intentional about generosity, guard against comfort, and remember that “it is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich person to enter the kingdom of God” (Matthew 19:24).
4. We Must Care for the Poor
Lazarus sat at the rich man’s gate. Consequently, the rich man couldn’t claim he didn’t know about the need. Moreover, he saw Lazarus every day. Nevertheless, he did nothing.
Proverbs 21:13 says, “Whoever closes his ear to the cry of the poor will himself cry out and not be answered.”
Application: You and I encounter need regularly—in our communities, our churches, through media, and sometimes literally on our streets. Therefore, we’re accountable for how we respond. Moreover, “to whom much is given, much will be required” (Luke 12:48).
5. Death Finalizes Our Choices
The chasm between heaven and hell is fixed. Indeed, there’s no second chance after death, no opportunity to repent, no crossing over. Therefore, how we live now determines where we spend eternity.
Hebrews 9:27 confirms this: “It is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment.”
Application: Today is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). Moreover, if you’re not sure of your eternal destiny, don’t wait. Additionally, if you know people who aren’t saved, urgently share the gospel with them. Furthermore, none of us is promised tomorrow.
6. Scripture Is Sufficient
Abraham’s final statement reveals that people don’t need more miracles or better evidence—they need to believe the Word of God. Furthermore, if someone won’t believe Scripture, they won’t believe even the most spectacular sign.
2 Timothy 3:16-17 tells us, “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.”
Application: Stop waiting for a sign or a feeling. Rather, trust what God has already revealed in His Word. Moreover, if you’re doubting, the answer isn’t found in mystical experiences but in studying Scripture and believing what God says.
A Real-Life Example: James’s Wake-Up Call
Let me tell you about a man in our church I’ll call James. He was a successful businessman—nice house, nice cars, comfortable retirement building up. Moreover, he attended church regularly and considered himself a good Christian.
One Sunday, we had a guest preacher who taught on this very passage. Furthermore, he didn’t pull any punches about wealth, responsibility to the poor, and the danger of comfortable Christianity.
James told me later that he went home angry. Indeed, he felt attacked and judged. However, that night he couldn’t sleep. Specifically, the Holy Spirit wouldn’t let him rest. Moreover, he started thinking about how much he spent on things he didn’t need while missionaries he knew struggled to raise support, while families in the church couldn’t afford car repairs, while homeless people lived under bridges in his city.
The next morning, he and his wife made a decision: they would drastically increase their giving and start actually seeing the needs around them. Additionally, they began volunteering at a homeless ministry. Furthermore, they started a fund at the church to help families in crisis.
Years later, James told me, “That sermon wrecked me—in the best way. Indeed, I was the rich man, living comfortably while people suffered. Moreover, I was religious, but I wasn’t righteous. Nevertheless, God gave me a chance to change, and I’m grateful He did.”
That’s what this parable should do: wake us up before it’s too late.
Questions for Self-Examination
Let’s get personal. Ask yourself these questions honestly:
- Am I living primarily for comfort and pleasure, or for eternal purposes?
- Do I regularly notice and respond to the suffering around me, or do I ignore it?
- How does my spending reflect my priorities? Am I generous, or am I hoarding?
- If I died today, am I confident about my eternal destiny? On what basis?
- Do I take Scripture seriously, or do I pick and choose what I want to obey?
- Who in my life needs to hear the gospel urgently, and am I telling them?
- What “gates” do I pass regularly where people are suffering? What am I doing about it?
These aren’t comfortable questions. Nevertheless, they’re necessary ones.
The Gospel Hope
Here’s the good news in this sobering parable: it’s not too late for you right now.
The rich man’s tragedy was that he waited until after death to care about eternal things. However, you’re reading this while you’re still alive. Moreover, that means you still have the opportunity to repent, believe, and change.
If you’re not sure you’re saved, the gospel is simple: You’re a sinner (Romans 3:23). Your sin separates you from God and earns death (Romans 6:23). Nevertheless, God loves you and sent Jesus to die in your place (John 3:16). Furthermore, Jesus rose from the dead, proving He conquered sin and death (1 Corinthians 15:3-4). Additionally, if you repent of your sin and trust in Jesus alone for salvation, you will be saved (Acts 16:31, Romans 10:9).
It’s not complicated. However, it does require surrender—you can’t save yourself, and you can’t earn it. Rather, salvation is a gift received by faith.
If you’ve been living like the rich man—comfortable, self-focused, ignoring God and others’ needs—today is your wake-up call. Indeed, God is giving you the chance that man never got: the opportunity to change before it’s too late.
A Final Warning and Invitation
Jesus told this parable as a warning, but also as an invitation. Specifically, He’s calling us to:
- Believe in Him for salvation
- Live with eternal perspective
- Care for those in need
- Take Scripture seriously
- Share the gospel urgently
Moreover, the chasm that will separate people eternally isn’t fixed yet for those who are still alive. Therefore, there’s still time to cross from death to life, from darkness to light, from hell-bound to heaven-bound.
But don’t wait. Indeed, the rich man thought he had time. Nevertheless, death came, and his opportunity was gone.
Listen to what Scripture says. Believe it. Obey it. Additionally, share it with others before it’s too late—both for you and for them.
“For what will it profit a man if he gains the whole world and forfeits his soul? Or what shall a man give in return for his soul?” – Matthew 16:26
Discussion Questions for Small Groups
- Why do you think Jesus named Lazarus but not the rich man? What does that tell us about how God sees people?
- What are the “gates” in your life—places where you regularly encounter need? How are you currently responding?
- How does wealth create spiritual danger? What safeguards can we put in place to protect against it?
- Abraham said people won’t believe even if someone rises from the dead. Why is that true? What does it say about the sufficiency of Scripture?
- How should this parable change the way we live this week?
- Who in your life needs to hear the gospel urgently? What’s keeping you from sharing it with them?