The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus: Summary and Meaning
Within the Gospel of Luke we find Jesus's parable of the Rich man and Lazarus as a warning for us to contemplate our own deaths.
A Summary of the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)
The parable begins with an unnamed rich man and a poor man named Lazarus, who both die. After his death, the rich man is tormented by fire and pain. The poor and sick Lazarus, however, can be seen in comfort at the side of Abraham.
Lazarus begs Abraham to send Lazarus to alleviate his pain, but Abraham explains that Lazarus is being comforted after a hard life while the rich man is experiencing pain after a life of comfort.
Then the rich man asks Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his family about what will happen to them if they remain rich. Abraham responds saying that if they did not listen to Moses and the Prophets, why would they listen to someone who rises from the dead?
The Meaning of the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus
It is interesting that the name of Lazarus is used in this parable because in the Gospel of John, Jesus raised his friend Lazarus from the dead. It is safe to say, however, that the one Abraham mentions as rising from the dead is Jesus Christ himself not a literal Lazarus.
As we read this parable, we should reflect on our own lives and experiences in this life as either a rich person or poor and suffering person like Lazarus.
1) If we are blessed with comfort, then make small sacrifices for others.
Give to the poor. Fast from good things. Pray to remain close to God. Do not let the comforts of this world pull you away from helping others.
The consequences are quite stark. Those who live in comfort in this life, may experience pain after life without repentance.
2) If we are suffering, then know we will be comforted.
It is no coincidence that so many of the canonized saints suffered from sickness and pain during their lifetimes. Just as the man Lazarus suffered but experienced comfort in heaven, so too can we offer up our pain with the hope of future relief.
3) What will heaven and hell be like?
We do not know, of course, what the experience of everlasting life in heaven or hell will be like. This parable, however, gives us a clue and certainly influenced the art and expressions of hell and heaven throughout history.
At the very least we can say those separated from God in hell will suffer pain and regret. The people in heaven will experience comfort and unity with others.
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