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Luke 16:27–31
“If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead” (v. 31).
It would be a mistake to think that the rich man in the story of the rich man and Lazarus was merely indifferent to the plight of Lazarus (Luke 16:19–31). The story itself shows us that the rich man’s failure to care for Lazarus had a degree of intentionality to it. When the rich man searches for some relief from his suffering, he specifically names Lazarus as the one to help him (v. 24). This indicates the rich man’s personal knowledge of Lazarus; the poor beggar was no anonymous individual with whom the rich man had no real acquaintance. In fact, he knew Lazarus well enough to know his name. Yet he could not be bothered to give Lazarus even the scraps from his table that no one but the dogs would eat (v. 21). The rich man had no compassion whatsoever for Lazarus, which betrays an unregenerate heart that does not really know the generosity of God (James 1:5).
The rich man was not entirely heartless, however. In today’s passage, he displays concern for his family, asking Abraham to send Lazarus to his five brothers so that they can have the chance to avoid the fate that befell him (Luke 16:27–28). Evidently, the brothers are guilty of the rich man’s sin or at least share his failure to bear the fruits of faith and repentance. He believes that in seeing something supernatural—the appearance of Lazarus after his death—they will be convinced to turn from their wicked ways.
Abraham responds that the brothers should listen to the Law and the Prophets—that is, the Scriptures. However, the rich man replies that they will believe only if they see a sign from God, and Abraham says that even the sign of resurrection will not be enough to convince them of their sin if they do not listen to the Word of God (vv. 29–31). The patriarch’s comment reminds us that signs and wonders in themselves cannot guarantee the response of faith if people do not want to listen. The brothers have shown their unwillingness to listen by not heeding the Law and the Prophets, which abundantly testify to our need to repent, trust in the Lord, and live a life that honors Him (e.g., Ex. 20:1–17; Isa. 1:27). If Scripture has not convinced them, miracles will not either. They will not believe because they do not want to believe. The faithful preaching of the Word, however, will assuredly bring life to all those in whom the Spirit of God is working (John 3:1–8; 1 Cor. 2:6–16).
Coram Deo Living before the face of God
The story of the rich man and Lazarus implicitly warned Jesus’ contemporaries that they had not been following the Scriptures and needed to heed them by repenting and living a life of generosity. We may not be guilty of the same sins as those who first heard this story, but we must likewise believe what the Word of God says today. May we always be convinced by the Scriptures.
for further study
- Deuteronomy 18:15–19
- 1 Corinthians 1:18–25
the bible in a year
- Psalms 109–111
- Romans 16
- Psalms 112–115
- 1 Corinthians 1–2