Bible ReadingLuke 16:19-31 “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores.”
[09:55]“The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 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.’ 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.’”
[10:55]“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.”
[22:05]“And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house— for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’”
[24:57]“But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 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.’”
[25:23]Hebrews 9:27 “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment,”
[23:15]Hebrews 12:15 “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God; that no ‘root of bitterness’ springs up and causes trouble, and by it many become defiled;”
[33:20]Matthew 5:14 “You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden.”
[31:41]Observation questions- What details in Luke 16 show the sharp difference between Lazarus’s life and the rich man’s life before they died?
- What words does the rich man use to describe his condition in Hades, and what does he ask Abraham to do for him? [14:47]
- According to Abraham, what prevents anyone from crossing from one side to the other after death? [22:05]
- What does Abraham say the rich man’s five brothers already have, and why does he say even a resurrection would not convince them? [25:38]
Interpretation questions- Lazarus is comforted and the rich man is in anguish, but neither poverty nor wealth is presented as the basis for their final destination. What does the passage show about the deeper difference between these two men? [09:02]
- Why does the “great chasm” make Hebrews 9:27 especially urgent? What does it mean that death is followed by judgment rather than another chance to respond? [22:54]
- The rich man believes a spectacular miracle would persuade his brothers, but Abraham points them back to Scripture. What does this reveal about the problem of unbelief: is it always lack of evidence, or can it be resistance to the truth already received? [27:32]
- Jesus calls His people “the light of the world.” How does Christ’s rescue from sin and judgment give believers both hope and a reason to care about people who do not yet trust Him? [31:03]
Application questions- Is there any area where you have been putting off a response of faith, obedience, confession, or repentance because you assume there will always be more time? What would it look like to respond to God today? [24:11]
- Who are one or two people in your family, workplace, school, neighborhood, or friend circle who are far from Christ? What is one specific way you could show them the light of Jesus this week? [32:39]
- The rich man became concerned for his five brothers only after realizing the seriousness of eternity. How can concern for people close to you become more loving, prayerful, and purposeful now rather than fearful or pushy?
- Scripture is sufficient to call people to faith, even when hearts resist it. How can you grow more confident in sharing a Bible passage, your testimony, or the gospel rather than waiting for the perfect argument or dramatic moment? [26:17]
- Jesus rescues sinners by grace through His death and resurrection. How does remembering that you were rescued by grace change the way you speak to someone who is skeptical, indifferent, or openly resistant to faith? [31:03]
- Hebrews 12:15 says, “See to it that no one fails to obtain the grace of God.” What practical role could this group play in encouraging one another to pray for, care for, and speak with people who need Christ? [33:20]
- What might it look like for you to “double down” on being the light of the world in this season—through prayer, hospitality, serving, giving, sharing the gospel, or considering a mission opportunity? [32:07]
