Bethel Ontario 28September2025

Today’s gathering invited us to reflect deeply on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus from Luke 16. This story, often interpreted as a warning about the afterlife, is better understood as a call to action in the present. The chasm described between the rich man and Lazarus is not just a metaphor for heaven and hell, but a vivid illustration of the divides we create in our own world—between wealth and poverty, privilege and oppression, comfort and suffering. These chasms are not fixed by fate; they are built and maintained by human choices, and they can be bridged by human compassion.

We are reminded that our faith calls us to be co-creators with God, actively participating in the ongoing work of repairing and renewing the world. This is especially poignant as we find ourselves between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, a season in the Jewish tradition dedicated to repentance, restitution, and making things right. The parable challenges us to examine the barriers we have erected—whether social, economic, or even environmental—and to ask how we might build bridges instead of walls.

Bridges, both literal and metaphorical, connect what has been separated and make possible what once seemed impossible. In our context, building bridges means reaching out to those in need, sharing our resources, and refusing to ignore the suffering at our own gates. The story of Lazarus and the rich man is not just about individuals, but about entire communities and systems. It is a prophetic word for our time, especially as we face global crises like climate change, which disproportionately affect the poor and vulnerable.

We are called to resist the temptation to retreat into comfort and privilege, and instead to embrace a politics and a way of life that seeks justice, mercy, and healing for all. The only way our communities, nation, and world will heal is by working together, building bridges, and sharing the blessings we have received. May we be rich in good works, generous with our lives, and attentive to the needs of others, so that the goodness of God may flow through us and bring hope to the world.

Key Takeaways

• 1. The chasm between the rich man and Lazarus is not a fixed, eternal divide, but a human-made barrier that can be bridged through compassion and action. We are responsible for recognizing the suffering at our gates and responding with empathy, rather than indifference or self-congratulation. [29:30]
• 2. The parable is not a literal description of the afterlife, but a story meant to provoke us into action here and now. Jesus uses this exaggerated tale to challenge us to examine the divides in our own lives and communities, and to ask what it would take to bridge them. [34:10]
• 3. Building bridges is both a metaphor and a mandate for Christian living. Just as physical bridges connect separated places, we are called to connect across divides of wealth, class, culture, and belief, making possible relationships and healing that would otherwise be out of reach. [35:40]
• 4. The story speaks powerfully to contemporary issues like climate change and global inequality. The wealthy have the means to shield themselves from many hardships, while the poor suffer disproportionately. Our response must be to build bridges of support, advocacy, and shared responsibility, rather than reinforcing walls of privilege. [41:39]
• 5. True healing and transformation come when we work together for the common good, sharing our blessings and building the beloved community. The call is not just to charity, but to justice—to create systems and relationships that reflect God’s inclusive love and care for all. [45:20]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [01:24] - Call to Worship and Opening Prayer
• [03:01] - Opening Song: On Eagle’s Wings
• [06:56] - Greetings and Announcements
• [13:19] - Reflections on Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur
• [14:43] - Kol Nidre: Music for Yom Kippur
• [22:06] - Gloria and Scripture Preparation
• [26:39] - Gospel Reading: The Rich Man and Lazarus
• [28:58] - Understanding Parables and Their Purpose
• [29:30] - The Chasm: Wealth, Privilege, and Responsibility
• [35:40] - Building Bridges: Metaphors and Realities
• [41:39] - Climate Crisis and Global Inequality
• [44:30] - Living the Parable Today
• [46:22] - Prayers for Transformation and New Life
• [53:20] - Offering and Ministry Updates
• [56:54] - Sister Church in Karachi, Pakistan
• [58:24] - Closing Song and Benediction
• [63:31] - Blessing and Sending Forth

Bible Reading

Luke 16:19-31 (ESV) — 19 “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.
20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,
21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried,
23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side.
24 And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’
25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.
26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’
27 And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house—
28 for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’
29 But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’
30 And 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 hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”

Observation Questions

1. In the parable, what physical and social differences are described between the rich man and Lazarus?
2. What is the “great chasm” mentioned in the story, and who does Abraham say fixed it? ([28:00])
3. According to the sermon, what is the purpose of Jesus telling this parable—does it focus more on the afterlife or on life here and now? ([34:10])
4. What does the rich man ask Abraham to do for his family, and what is Abraham’s response? ([28:27])

Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon suggests the chasm between the rich man and Lazarus is not just about the afterlife, but about real divides in our world. What kinds of “chasms” might exist in our community today? ([29:30])
2. The parable is described as a call to action, not just a warning. What actions does the story seem to encourage from those who hear it? ([34:10])
3. The sermon connects the parable to the season between Rosh Hashanah and Yom Kippur, a time of repentance and making things right. How might this context deepen our understanding of the story’s message? ([31:52])
4. The sermon mentions that building bridges is both a metaphor and a mandate for Christian living. What does it mean to “build bridges” in practical terms? ([35:40])

Application Questions

1. The sermon says the chasm between rich and poor is “built and maintained by human choices.” Are there any divides in your own life—social, economic, or otherwise—that you have ignored or accepted as “just the way things are”? What would it look like to start bridging one of those divides? ([29:30])
2. The story challenges us to notice “the suffering at our own gates.” Who in your daily life or neighborhood might be like Lazarus—someone in need whom you tend to overlook? What is one step you could take to reach out? ([29:30])
3. The sermon connects the parable to issues like climate change and global inequality, where the wealthy can shield themselves while the poor suffer more. How might you use your resources, voice, or influence to help bridge these larger divides? ([41:39])
4. The idea of being “co-creators with God” means we have a role in repairing and renewing the world. What is one area—at home, work, church, or community—where you feel called to help make things right? ([13:41])
5. The sermon warns against retreating into comfort and privilege. Are there ways you have chosen comfort over compassion? What would it look like to choose differently this week? ([44:09])
6. “Building bridges” can mean sharing resources, but also building relationships across differences. Is there someone you disagree with or don’t understand well? What is one way you could take a step toward connection or understanding? ([35:40])
7. The closing prayer asks that we be “rich in good works, generous with our lives, and attentive to the needs of others.” What is one specific act of generosity or service you can commit to this week? ([46:01])