The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31)
What did Jesus say about the rich man and Lazarus in Luke 16:19-31
The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31) is a striking lesson from Jesus about wealth, justice, and the reversal of fortunes in the afterlife. In it, a rich man lives in luxury while a poor man, Lazarus, suffers at his gate. When both die, Lazarus is carried to Abraham's side, while the rich man finds himself in torment, pleading for relief. The parable warns against indifference to suffering and highlights the sufficiency of God's revelation through Moses and the Prophets.
The Context for Luke 16:19–31
Jesus tells this parable in the presence of the Pharisees, who are described as "lovers of money" (Luke 16:14). Earlier in the chapter, Jesus states plainly, "You cannot serve God and wealth" (Luke 16:13). The Pharisees scoff at this teaching, believing that material prosperity signals divine favor. But Jesus rebukes them, saying, "What is prized by human beings is an abomination in the sight of God" (Luke 16:15). The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus directly confronts this mindset, overturning the assumption that wealth equates to righteousness. Instead, it presents a world where wealth can pose a danger as we are tempted to care more about possession than people.
This theme is not isolated to Luke. In Matthew 6:19–21, Jesus warns against storing up treasures on earth, emphasizing that "where your treasure is, there your heart will be also." In Mark 10:17–31, he challenges a rich man to sell his possessions and give to the poor, making it clear that wealth can be an obstacle to entering God’s kingdom. Jesus consistently teaches that generosity and care for the needy are essential. The parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus fits within this larger framework, showing that a life focused on self-indulgence leads to spiritual ruin, while a life of compassion aligns with God's will.
Verse by Verse Breakdown of Luke 16:19–31 and Commentary
Luke 16:19
"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day."
Jesus introduces a character whose wealth is unmistakable. The mention of purple and fine linen signals opulence, as purple dye was incredibly expensive and reserved for royalty or the elite. Feasting every day implies indulgence beyond necessity; this is not just a man of means but one devoted to luxury. This also proves he had enough food and riches to be spent on others. He chose to spend it only on those he loved or those who could pay him back, thus becoming willfully blind and calloused to the needful person right outside his gate.
This sets the stage for contrast. The rich man is not portrayed as evil for being wealthy, but his sin is in what he does with it—or rather, what he fails to do. Throughout the Gospels, Jesus warns against wealth that isolates rather than blesses. In Luke 12:16–21, the parable of the rich fool tells of a man who stores up wealth but neglects his soul. In Matthew 25:31–46, the separation of the sheep and the goats shows that ignoring the needy has eternal consequences. The rich man’s life of excess is about to be placed against Lazarus’s life of suffering.
Luke 16:20–21
"And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man’s table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores."
Lazarus, whose name means "God has helped," is the only character in any of Jesus’ parables given a name. (There are 24 parables in the Gospel of Luke) He is destitute, not merely poor but physically suffering, with open sores that even the dogs tend to. He is positioned at the rich man’s gate, a daily reminder that suffering exists just outside the rich man’s doorstep.
This stark contrast mirrors teachings throughout Scripture on caring for the poor. Deuteronomy 15:7–8 commands generosity: "Do not be hard-hearted or tight-fisted toward your needy neighbor. You should rather open your hand." The rich man fails this test. His wealth has not made him generous but blind. The parable forces us to ask: Do we notice the suffering outside our own gates?
I once heard a multi-millionaire athlete say, “Wealth doesn’t determine who you are. It reveals who you are.” Bingo!
Luke 16:22–23
"The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side."
The reversal is immediate. Lazarus, who had nothing, is now carried by angels to Abraham's side, a place of comfort. The rich man, who had everything, now finds himself in torment. His burial is mentioned, but Lazarus’s is not—perhaps a sign that even in death, the world paid attention to one and ignored the other.
Jesus does not describe a literal afterlife with precise details, but rather, a moral reckoning. The imagery aligns with Jewish thought that the righteous join Abraham while the wicked face distress. Rather than debating the mechanics of the afterlife, the focus is on justice. The roles have reversed, and the rich man now longs for relief, just as Lazarus once did. Great reversals are one of the themes in the Gospel of Luke as is caring for the poor and marginalized.
Luke 16:24–26
"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.’ 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."
The rich man, even in suffering, does not address Lazarus directly but asks Abraham to send him. His attitude has not changed; he still sees Lazarus as beneath him, as a servant to ease his suffering. But Abraham refuses. The time for mercy was during life, and the rich man chose luxury without compassion.
Jesus’ teachings emphasize that wealth is a responsibility, not a right to endless comfort. In James 5:1–6, the wealthy who hoard riches while others suffer are warned of judgment. The parable is not about condemning wealth itself, but about what one does with it. The rich man’s real sin was not noticing or helping Lazarus. It’s a bad thing to have full barns but an empty heart.
Luke 16:27–31
"He said, ‘Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house—for I have five brothers—that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.’ Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.’"
The rich man’s final plea is for his family, but Abraham points to Scripture. If they do not heed God's Word, even a miraculous sign will not convince them. This echoes Jesus' own ministry—many saw his miracles yet refused to believe. Faith is not about witnessing the extraordinary but about responding to the truth already revealed.
Luke 16:19–31 Meaning for Today
Jesus’ parable challenges how we view wealth, charity, and spiritual responsibility. The rich man was not condemned for being rich but for ignoring the suffering at his doorstep. Wealth is not inherently evil, but it comes with moral obligation. As 1 John 3:17 says, "How does God’s love abide in anyone who has the world’s goods and sees a brother or sister in need and yet refuses help?"
For us, this story is not just about eternity but about how we live now. Who is at our gate? How do we respond? True faith is not just belief but action—love expressed through care, generosity, and justice. The question Jesus leaves us with is not just where we will end up, but who we will be in this life.
FAQ
What is the main lesson of the parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus?
The parable teaches that wealth should be used responsibly and that ignoring the needs of others has consequences. It also underscores the sufficiency of God's revelation through Moses and the prophets.
Is this parable about heaven and hell?
While some interpret the afterlife setting literally, others see it as a narrative device emphasizing justice and the reversal of fortunes. The focus is more on moral responsibility than detailed eschatology.
How does this parable relate to other teachings of Jesus on wealth?
Jesus consistently warns about the dangers of wealth when it leads to complacency and injustice. Similar themes appear in Matthew 6:24 and Mark 10:17–27, emphasizing charity and prioritizing God over material riches.
Was Lazarus a real person?
Most scholars view this as a parable rather than a historical account. The name "Lazarus" may symbolize the marginalized and suffering rather than referencing an actual individual.
What does this parable say about the role of charity?
The rich man’s failure to aid Lazarus highlights the biblical call to generosity. Jesus teaches that true righteousness involves caring for the poor and vulnerable. Remember the context of this passage, which is describe immediately after the introductory paragraph.
