Moral of the Story – Lazarus & the Rich Man – August 13, 2023
Welcome, Introduction, and Opening Prayer
SHARE – Icebreaker – In today’s scripture, Jesus tells the story of Lazarus and the rich man. Can you describe a time in your life when you felt rich at heart? Can you think of a time when you felt poor in spirit?
STUDY - Text: Luke 16:19-31 (NRSV)
19 “There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. 24 He called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. 26 Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.’ 27 He said, ‘Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house— 28 for I have five brothers—that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.’ 29 Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.’ 30 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 listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’”
Father Abraham points out the chasm of inequality that existed between Lazarus and the rich man’s during their earthly life. He also points out the literal chasm that separates them in the afterlife. What are the contrasts between the rich man and Lazarus? How are they different? How are the roles reversed in the afterlife?
Back in September, the Daily Post Athenian came out with an article that showed that in 2018, before the pandemic ever occurred, there was an estimated 52% of McMinn households that were at ALICE level (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, and Employed) or below. This means that over half of our community is essentially living in poverty. What is our responsibility as Wesley Church to address these issues? How might we make a difference in the community for the Kingdom?
Abraham tells the rich man that his brothers already have Moses and the prophets, and his brothers should listen to them. What are the voices and who are the people that you are paying attention to in your own life?
Lazarus is silent throughout this story. If he had spoken, what would he say to the rich man? To Abraham? To you?
What does this parable tell us about the importance of our actions and the way we live our lives right now? Do you think our choices in life have eternal results?
SUPPORT - Blessings and Burdens: What has been life-giving for you this week? What has been life-draining for you?
Closing Prayer