Learn the Story of Jesus
Season 6: Journey to Jerusalem
6.3 — The Rich Man and Lazarus
6.3 — The Rich Man and Lazarus: Jesus teaches that eternal priorities matter more than earthly possession
6.3 — The Rich Man and Lazarus
What Matters in Eternity?
Throughout His ministry, Jesus often challenged people’s assumptions.
Many believed wealth was proof of God’s blessing.
Many assumed that successful people were favored by God.
Many overlooked the poor, the suffering, and the forgotten.
Jesus told a powerful story that turned those assumptions upside down.
It is the story of a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus.
One lived in luxury.
One lived in misery.
One was admired by society.
One was ignored.
Yet when their earthly lives ended, everything changed.
This story teaches important lessons about compassion, priorities, and eternity.
Most importantly, it reminds readers that this life is not the end of the story.
Scripture References
Luke 16:19–31
Psalm 49
Ecclesiastes 12:13–14
Isaiah 55:6–7
Amos 6:1–7
Hebrews 9:27
The Story
Jesus described a wealthy man who dressed in expensive clothing and lived in comfort every day.
Near his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus.
Lazarus was covered with sores.
He longed for scraps from the rich man’s table.
Even the dogs came and licked his wounds.
Day after day, the rich man passed by Lazarus.
Day after day, Lazarus remained in need.
Eventually both men died.
Lazarus was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side, a picture of comfort and blessing.
The rich man found himself in torment.
Looking up, he saw Lazarus far away with Abraham.
The rich man begged for relief.
Abraham explained that a great separation now existed between them.
The opportunities of earthly life had passed.
The rich man then asked that someone be sent to warn his brothers.
Abraham answered that they already had Moses and the Prophets.
If they would not listen to God’s Word, they would not be convinced even by a miraculous sign.
Understanding the Story
Is This a Parable?
Some scholars believe it is a parable.
Others note that Lazarus is given a personal name, something unusual in Jesus’ parables.
Regardless of how it is classified, Jesus clearly intended to teach spiritual truth through the story.
What Was the Rich Man’s Sin?
The story does not say he became wealthy through dishonesty.
His failure was not simply possessing wealth.
His failure was ignoring the suffering of someone in desperate need right outside his gate.
He lived as though Lazarus did not exist.
Why Is Lazarus Important?
Lazarus represents people who are often overlooked.
Though ignored by society, he was not forgotten by God.
Understanding Jesus
What Is Jesus Teaching About Wealth?
Jesus consistently warned against trusting wealth.
Money can become a false source of security.
The issue is not what a person owns.
The issue is what controls the heart.
Why Does Jesus Focus on Compassion?
Love for God should result in love for others.
Faith that never notices the needs of others is incomplete.
The rich man failed to respond to opportunities for compassion.
Why Mention Moses and the Prophets?
The Old Testament repeatedly commands God’s people to care for the poor, vulnerable, and needy.
The rich man already possessed sufficient truth.
His problem was not lack of information.
His problem was lack of response.
Understanding Jesus: Wealth and Poverty in the Ancient World
The gap between rich and poor was often dramatic in the first century.
Wealthy individuals sometimes lived in luxury while many others struggled to survive.
Jesus frequently addressed this reality.
He challenged His followers to view possessions as tools for serving God rather than sources of identity or security.
The story does not glorify poverty or condemn wealth.
It calls people to compassion, stewardship, and faithfulness.
Old Testament Connections
The prophets repeatedly warned against neglecting the poor.
Amos condemned those who enjoyed luxury while ignoring injustice.
Isaiah called God’s people to care for the vulnerable.
The Law instructed Israel to protect widows, orphans, foreigners, and the needy.
Jesus’ story continues those themes.
God cares deeply about how people treat one another.
Missing Context Check
Does This Story Teach That All Rich People Are Lost?
No.
Scripture includes many faithful people who possessed wealth.
The issue is not wealth itself but how a person uses it and where trust is placed.
Does This Mean Poverty Automatically Leads to Heaven?
No.
Salvation comes through faith in God, not through financial status.
The story focuses on faith, compassion, and the condition of the heart.
Why Couldn’t the Rich Man Cross the Gap?
Jesus emphasizes that opportunities for repentance and response belong to this life.
The story highlights the importance of responding to God now.
A Deeper Look: Seeing the People at Our Gate
The rich man likely saw Lazarus every day.
Yet he never truly noticed him.
One of the dangers of comfort is becoming blind to the needs around us.
Jesus challenges His followers to see people as God sees them.
The question is not simply what we possess.
The question is whether we use God’s blessings to love and serve others.
This lesson connects closely to:
Related Lessons
Season 6: Journey to Jerusalem
6.2 The Parable of the Lost Son
6.5 The Pharisee and the Tax Collector
Key Themes
Eternity Matters
This life is preparation for what comes next.
Compassion Matters
Followers of God are called to care for others.
Wealth Is Not Ultimate
Money cannot save or provide eternal security.
God’s Word Is Sufficient
People are responsible for how they respond to God’s truth.
Why This Lesson Matters
Modern culture often measures success by possessions, comfort, and achievement.
Jesus points to a different perspective.
He reminds believers that eternal priorities matter more than temporary success.
his lesson challenges Christians to examine how they use their resources, how they respond to people in need, and where they place their trust.
Connecting to Jesus
This lesson reveals Jesus as:
The Teacher of Truth.
The Defender of the Forgotten.
The One Who Sees Beyond Appearances.
The Savior Who Calls People to Eternal Priorities.
Jesus continually directs attention away from temporary wealth and toward eternal treasure.
Living the Message
This week, take time to notice people who may be overlooked or struggling.
Ask God to help you see needs around you.
Practice generosity in a practical way.
Reflect on where you place your trust and security.
Remember that God’s values are often very different from the world’s values.
Reflection Questions
Why did the rich man fail?
Possible answers:
He ignored God’s truth and neglected the needs around him.
What does Lazarus represent?
Possible answers:
People who are often overlooked but deeply valued by God.
What does this story teach about wealth?
Possible answers:
Wealth is not wrong, but it should never replace trust in God.
Why did Abraham mention Moses and the Prophets?
Possible answers:
God had already provided truth that should have guided people’s actions.
What does this story teach about eternity?
Possible answers:
Choices made in this life have eternal significance.
GROW Framework
Grounded in Scripture
Jesus taught that compassion, faithfulness, and eternal priorities matter.
Reasons We Believe
God values people differently than the world often does.
Obedience in Action
Look for ways to help someone who may be overlooked or struggling.
Walk It Out
Use your resources in ways that honor God and serve others.
Related Pages
Understanding Jesus: Cultural Insights
Continue Learning
Season 6: Journey to Jerusalem
6.4 The Persistent Widow
You may also revisit:
The rich man had everything the world admired.
Lazarus had almost nothing.
Yet Jesus reminds His followers that eternity reveals what truly matters.
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