Yesterday we read the beginning of this parable, where Jesus creates a large contrast between the state of the rich man and the state of the poor man, Lazarus. Both in life and in death they are opposites: while the rich man lived in wealth and ease in life, Lazarus suffered. Now in death, Lazarus is in heaven and the rich man is in hell.

The greatest gap for these two is not their socio-economic status or the great chasm (v. 26) between them in the afterlife; the most important difference between these two men is the state of their hearts towards God.

The point of this parable is the significance of the state of our hearts. The hard heart will not receive God, even if given the greatest signs. Luke 16 began with warnings about money and riches, and it is worth pausing to consider how much faith we put in our wealth since Jesus makes it clear here that money cannot save us. How is your heart inclined?

Monica

[Luke16: 25-31]

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.’”

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What does this parable indicate about the afterlife? [v. 25-26]

+ Why does the rich man want Abraham to visit his father’s house? [v. 27-28]

+ What do you think Abraham means when he says, “They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.” [v 29]

+ What does the fact that the rich man thinks that Moses and the Prophets will not be enough indicate about his brothers? [v. 30]

+ Why does Abraham tell him that a greater sign will not convince them either? What does that indicate about their hearts? {v. 31]

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Is my heart open and surrendered to the Lord?

+ Where in my life am I hard-hearted towards the Lord or my neighbor?

+ Do I trust in my own wealth or other abilities more than the Lord? What might a step of faith in these areas look like for me?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?