The rich man and Lazarus Luke 16:19-31

Introduction This is cited by many religious groups to prove that souls of the departed go to torment in hell or bliss in heaven at death. As Christadelphians we believe : ◦ this to be a parable ◦ Hell is a word that speaks of the grave ◦ That no man has ascended to the Heavens ◦ See John 3:13; 1 Tim. 6:16

Outline What is a parable? Literal? Historical language Why would Jesus use false teachings? Teachings of heaven and hell What the parable means The origins of the parable Conclusions

What is a parable? "... Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God; but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand... " (Mark 4:11,12). "But without a parable spake he not unto them: and when they were alone, he expounded all things to his disciples." (Mark 4:34).

Is it literal? Bodies not souls Immaterial? A great gulf? Conversations between heaven & hell? Abraham’s bosom

Absurdities of a literal interpretation Prior to Abraham? A reward for righteousness? Conversation over a great chasm? A drop of water? Is Lazarus stupid? How did Abraham read Moses and the prophets?

Historical language Stress is often placed upon words "there was a certain rich man" to emphasize the historical character of the language used. But in Luke 16:1 the parable of the unjust steward commences with the same language. Similar language is used in other parables - see Luke 12:16

Would Jesus use... False teaching? Sarcasm? Parody?

Why would Jesus speak in this way? Further objection to reading this passage as a parable is argued on the grounds that Jesus did not definitely call it a parable. This objection is not valid since only 11 of the 26 parables recorded in Luke's gospel are actually named parables

Teachings of heaven and hell Disbelievers – hell Idol worshippers – lake of fire Abraham’s family worshipped idols

Teachings of heaven and hell Do bodies go to hades? Acts 2:27, 31 Psalm 16:10 Parallelism

What the parable means vs. 14,15 - The Pharisees deride Jesus after his attack on materialism. vs Jesus pointed out their covetous designs They had taken away the key of knowledge. (Luke 11:52,46). vs. 17 "bring forth therefore fruits meet for repentance." (Matt. 3:2, 7-10). vs. 18--Jesus cites the teaching of the law on adultery as an example

What the parable means vs "Which was clothed“ Purple is for kings and priests Caiaphas is likely the unnamed rich man. vs. 20 – Lazarus vs Lazarus was typical of all Jews of this day.

What the parable means vs Lazarus dies and in the parable, the premature death of Caiaphas is made to follow. The five brothers are the five brothers-in- law of Caiaphas, the Sadduceean High Priest. The resurrection of Lazarus further incensed the Pharisees.

The origins of the parable "In this parable, Jesus was using a familiar folk-tale and adapting it to a new purpose by adding an unfamiliar twist to the end of it.“ G. B. Caird, The Gospel of St. Luke (Penguin Books), p "This parable is not theology. It is a vivid story, not a Baedeker's guide to the next world. Such stories as this were current in Jesus' day. They are found in rabbinical sources, and even in Egyptian papyri.” The Interpreter's Bible - Volume VIII (New York: Abingdon Press) p. 290.

Conclusions In summary: The parable condemns Caiaphas The parable is a further indictment of the Sadducees The parable is presented in terms of the popular belief of the Pharisees about the death state.