But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, the dogs came and licked his sores. So it was that the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. (Luke 16:20-22)

Lessons From Two Men

The story of Lazarus and the rich man is a story of contrast that is common to all men. On the one extreme is a man who lives with all the enjoyments of a worldly life. The rich man was very wealthy and enjoyed daily increases in wealth and prosperity. A man of his stature was an influential man. As a Jew, he could point to the success of his life to the blessings of God, but he was a man devoted to himself, not the Lord. The Law of Moses did not forbid a man from being rich, but the law prescribed that the poor be cared for and those in need be loved. The rich man did none of these.

A contrast to the rich man’s life was found at his gates. Little is known about Lazarus as Jesus relates the story. He has friends and family who carry him to the rich man’s gate to receive alms. It was a common practice for the oppressed to be placed at the gates of the well-to-do to receive some benevolence. According to the Law of Moses, this is how the people of God took care of one another. Lazarus begged for crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table.

Lazarus was not only a poor man, but he was also afflicted with a disease manifesting in sores all over his body. The gnawing in his stomach was overshadowed by the intense pain from the many sores covering his body. His misery was heightened by the degradation of lying on a thin carpet begging for the mere morsels of crumbs that could be found. Lazarus’s life was filled with suffering every waking moment. He could see and hear how well the rich man was doing. On occasion, the rich man would come through the gate to attend some great gathering, and there was Lazarus, reaching out his hands for a crumb. The rich man was disgusted with all the beggars surrounding his gate as he glared at them contemptuously.

The rich man was a Jew bound to keep the Law of Moses, but he did not. His life was an unrighteous affair of riches, sumptuous living, and seeking the fame and fortunes of life. He did not fear death because he knew he would be remembered for all he accomplished. When he died, there would be great festivals in his honor. His legacy was established, and he felt confident. At the rich man’s gate sat a man in contrast to his station in life. Lazarus was a righteous man who trusted in God. He did not make great fanfare about his faith. Whatever circumstance placed him at the rich man’s gate was not unlike the story of the patriarch Job. During his suffering, he believed in the promises of God.

Lazarus was a man of vision. He had nothing to eat and suffered from the sickness of sores covering his body. The only creatures giving sympathy were dogs, who would come and lick his sores, easing his pain. Through all his suffering, he kept his eyes on the better homeland, a heavenly country. Like Abraham of old, Lazarus looked to a city prepared for him by God. Lazarus learned to live a righteous life in his poverty. Lazarus was a righteous man who looked to a time when God would wipe away his tears and take away his sorrows. That time came for Lazarus and the rich man at the same time.

On a certain day, two men died who, in life, were the contrast of human suffering and prosperity. What is significant about the death of the rich man and Lazarus is they died the same way. When the rich man died, he left all his wealth and prosperity; when Lazarus died, he left all his poverty and disease. What makes the story of the two men different is what happened immediately upon their deaths. The man who suffered terribly during life was carried by angels to the bosom of Abraham. What a joy to feel the pains of a diseased body to be lifted. Lazarus was comforted by the joy of the Lord. His life had been a faithful love for the promise of God.

The rich man also died, and that is all Jesus said. Jesus said the rich man died and was buried, and being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw where Lazarus was. He never took notice of Lazarus in life, but now, in death, Lazarus has become a real person. The rich man refused to honor God. Now, he would remain in the torment of fire and gnashing of teeth forever. He knew – too late – what was important in life. Lazarus believed in God and found eternal comfort in the arms of a loving Father.

Two men are in contrast, and you are one of those men. Either you live like the rich man ignoring God’s will or serve the Lord God in faith and obedience like Lazarus. Death comes to all men. You will die. If you are unprepared for death, you will not be prepared for what comes next. It is real, it is horror, it is suffering. No one will come from the grave to warn you. You have the gospel of Jesus Christ. If you do not obey the gospel, there is no hope. Are you ready?