Eternal Perspectives: The Rich Man and Lazarus

Devotional

Day 1: The Great Reversal—Earthly Status vs. Eternal Reality

The parable of the rich man and Lazarus presents a striking contrast between two lives: one of luxury and one of suffering. Yet, in death, their situations are completely reversed—Lazarus is comforted at Abraham’s side, while the rich man is in torment. This reversal challenges the assumption that earthly blessings or hardships are indicators of God’s favor or disfavor. Instead, it calls us to examine what truly matters: our relationship with God and the state of our hearts, not our material circumstances. The story urges us to look beyond the surface and consider the eternal consequences of how we live and whom we trust. [25:24]

Luke 16:19-22 (ESV)
“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. The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried.”

Reflection: In what ways do you let your current circumstances—whether comfort or hardship—shape your view of God’s love and your priorities for eternity?

Day 2: The Finality of Death—Eternal Destinies Are Set

The parable makes it clear that after death, there is no opportunity to change one’s eternal destiny. The choices made in this life have lasting consequences, and the “great chasm” fixed between heaven and hell cannot be crossed. This sobering truth is not meant to instill fear, but to awaken us to the urgency of living with eternity in mind. Each day is a gift and an opportunity to draw near to God, to trust in Christ, and to invest in what truly lasts. [37:43]

Luke 16:23-26 (ESV)
“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. 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.’”

Reflection: If you knew today was your last, what would you do differently to ensure your life is aligned with God’s eternal purposes?

Day 3: The Sufficiency of God’s Word—No Greater Sign Needed

When the rich man pleads for a miraculous sign to warn his family, Abraham responds that “Moses and the prophets” are enough. The parable teaches that God’s Word is sufficient to reveal the truth about salvation, eternity, and the way to life. Miracles and signs, while powerful, cannot change a heart that refuses to listen to God’s revealed truth. The call is to take Scripture seriously, to listen, and to respond in faith and repentance, rather than waiting for extraordinary proof. [53:00]

Luke 16:27-31 (ESV)
“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.’ 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.’”

Reflection: How seriously do you take the Word of God as your guide for life and eternity, and what is one way you can deepen your engagement with Scripture this week?

Day 4: True Riches—Having Christ Is Having Everything

The message is clear: earthly wealth or poverty is insignificant compared to the surpassing worth of knowing Christ. If you have Christ, even in the midst of suffering, you possess the greatest treasure and are truly rich. Conversely, a life full of comfort and pleasure but without Christ is ultimately empty and pitiable. The hope and comfort for believers is that present sufferings are nothing compared to the glory and joy that await in eternity with Jesus. [56:00]

Philippians 3:8 (ESV)
“Indeed, I count everything as loss because of the surpassing worth of knowing Christ Jesus my Lord. For his sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ.”

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you are tempted to find your worth or security apart from Christ, and how can you surrender it to Him today?

Day 5: Living with Eternity in View—Investing in What Lasts

The parable calls us to live each day as if eternity is real and near. It is a call to invest our time, resources, and energy not in fleeting pleasures, but in what has eternal value—loving God, serving others, and sharing the hope of Christ. The reality of judgment and the brevity of life should not paralyze us with fear, but motivate us to live purposefully, joyfully, and with a heart set on things above. [58:48]

Colossians 3:1-2 (ESV)
“If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth.”

Reflection: What is one practical step you can take today to invest in something of eternal significance rather than temporary gain?

Sermon Summary

Today’s reflection centers on the parable of the rich man and Lazarus from Luke 16:19-31, a story that Jesus told to challenge our assumptions about life, death, and eternity. The parable presents a striking contrast between two men: one who enjoyed every luxury and comfort in life, and another who suffered in poverty and sickness. Yet, in the life to come, their situations are completely reversed. The rich man, who had everything, finds himself in torment, while Lazarus, who had nothing, is comforted at Abraham’s side. This “great reversal” is not simply about wealth or poverty, but about the state of our hearts and our relationship with God.

The story compels us to ask: What are we living for? Who are we living for? It is a warning against living as if this life is all there is, forgetting that eternity awaits each of us. The rich man’s tragedy was not his wealth, but his blindness to the needs around him and his disregard for God. Lazarus, whose very name means “God is my helper,” had nothing in this world but found his hope and help in God alone.

Death, the great equalizer, reveals the true value of our lives. The parable makes it clear that our choices and priorities now have eternal consequences. Once our earthly life ends, our eternal destiny is fixed; there is no crossing from one side to the other. Jesus is not teaching that poverty guarantees heaven or wealth ensures hell, but that only a genuine relationship with God, through faith in Christ, secures our place in eternity.

The rich man’s plea for a miraculous warning for his family is met with a sobering truth: God’s Word is sufficient. If we will not listen to the Scriptures, even the most spectacular miracle will not change our hearts. This is a call to take seriously the revelation God has already given us, to invest our lives and resources in what is eternal, and to live each day in light of the reality of God, judgment, and eternity.

If you have Christ, no matter your circumstances, you are truly rich. If you lack Him, no matter your earthly gains, you are truly poor. Let us not be distracted by the fleeting pleasures of this world, but live with eternity in view, confident in the hope and riches we have in Jesus.

Key Takeaways

1. The Great Reversal: Earthly status and comfort are not indicators of eternal destiny. The parable’s shocking reversal reminds us that what matters most is not what we possess, but who possesses our hearts. Death reveals the true riches or poverty of our souls, and eternity will expose the real value of our lives. [25:24]
2. The Sufficiency of Scripture: God has already given us all we need to know Him and secure our eternity through His Word. The desire for signs and miracles often masks a deeper unwillingness to submit to God’s truth. If we ignore the clear teaching of Scripture, no miracle will convince us otherwise, for the problem lies not in evidence but in the heart’s posture toward God. [54:10]
3. The Finality of Death: Once this life ends, our eternal state is unchangeable. There is a fixed chasm between heaven and hell, and no opportunity for repentance or change after death. This reality should sober us and move us to take seriously the call to repentance and faith while there is still time. [37:43]
4. True Riches in Christ: Having Christ is the only true wealth. Even if life is marked by suffering, lack, or loneliness, possessing Christ means possessing everything. Conversely, a life full of pleasure and abundance but devoid of Christ is ultimately empty and pitiable. [48:10]
5. Living with Eternity in View: Every day, our choices and investments shape our eternal future. We are called to live as if God is real, judgment is certain, and eternity is at stake. Let the reality of eternity shape your priorities, your generosity, and your devotion, so that when this brief life ends, you will be found rich toward God. [44:30]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[25:24] - Introducing the Parable: The Great Reversal
[28:17] - The Rich Man and Lazarus: Contrasts in Life
[29:56] - The Meaning of Lazarus’ Name and His Condition
[32:29] - The Pharisees’ Perspective and Cultural Assumptions
[35:12] - Death Comes to Both: Earthly Endings
[36:04] - Abraham’s Side: The Jewish Understanding of the Afterlife
[37:43] - Eternity Fixed: No Second Chances
[41:05] - Hades, Hell, and the Reality of Judgment
[42:44] - The Rich Man’s Plea and Abraham’s Response
[44:30] - The Call to Live for Eternity
[48:10] - The True Measure of Riches
[54:10] - The Sufficiency of Scripture and the Demand for Signs
[58:48] - Closing Challenge and Benediction

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

In the parable, what are some of the main differences between the lives of the rich man and Lazarus while they were alive? What details does Jesus use to highlight their contrast? [28:17]
What happens to both men after they die? How does Jesus describe their experiences in the afterlife? [36:04]
What request does the rich man make to Abraham after his death, and how does Abraham respond? [42:44]
According to the parable, what is the significance of the “great chasm” mentioned by Abraham? [37:43]

Interpretation Questions

Why do you think Jesus chose to name the poor man “Lazarus” but left the rich man unnamed? What might this tell us about what God values? [29:56]
The sermon says the “great reversal” is not just about wealth or poverty, but about the state of our hearts and our relationship with God. How does the parable illustrate this truth? [37:43]
Abraham tells the rich man that his brothers “have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.” What does this reveal about the sufficiency of Scripture and people’s willingness to listen? [54:10]
The rich man asks for a miracle to warn his family, but Abraham says even a resurrection wouldn’t convince them if they ignore God’s Word. What does this teach us about the role of miracles versus the role of God’s Word in bringing people to faith? [54:10]

Application Questions

The rich man’s tragedy was not his wealth, but his blindness to the needs around him and his disregard for God. Are there people in your life whose needs you might be overlooking? What is one practical way you can show compassion this week? [28:17]
The parable warns us not to live as if this life is all there is. What are some ways you find yourself living for temporary things rather than for eternity? Is there a specific area where you feel challenged to shift your priorities? [44:30]
The “great chasm” shows that our choices now have eternal consequences. Is there a decision or habit in your life that you sense has eternal significance? What step could you take to align your life more closely with God’s purposes? [37:43]
The sermon says, “If you have Christ, no matter your circumstances, you are truly rich.” When have you experienced the richness of knowing Christ, even in hard times? How can you remind yourself of this truth when life is difficult? [48:10]
Abraham says that God’s Word is enough for us to know Him and secure our eternity. How seriously do you take the Bible’s teaching in your daily life? Is there a specific command or promise from Scripture you need to trust or obey right now? [54:10]
The rich man wanted a miraculous sign for his family, but Abraham said it wouldn’t help if they ignored Scripture. Are there ways you find yourself waiting for a “sign” from God instead of responding to what He’s already revealed? What would it look like to act on what you already know? [54:10]
The sermon challenges us to “live with eternity in view.” What is one change you could make this week to invest more in what is eternal—whether in your time, resources, or relationships? [44:30]

Sermon Clips

This is not some sort of intermediary place, or as some people would call purgatory. It is not a preparation place or a temporary place before eternity. No, because notice that what happens next, as soon as both of these people died, there was no possibility of change in their situation. Once they got where they ended up, that's it. There was no possibility of change. Their lives, their limited lives on the earth during their lives when they lived, prepared their eternity. [00:37:16] (38 seconds)

There is, beloved, only one way, and you have heard it said here this morning as well, that anyone could go into eternity, into heaven, at the right side, together with Jesus Christ, is by having a real relationship with the living God and found in the person of Jesus Christ. [00:38:09] (17 seconds)

Beloved the word of god the sufficiency of scripture this is what we teach all the time right over here is enough for everyone to know about god what is to be known about him to know who he is what he's all about to know about our dire situation that we find ourselves in sin and needing redemption to know the path towards salvation to know the gospel the good news to know about jesus to know how we should respond to that to have a guide in a direction how to live our lives to be sanctified until we be glorified to receive hope and confidence for things to come. [00:55:56] (43 seconds)

Please friend don't go home today and just forget about these words don't let this world and the things of this world and our own desires and heart distract you i don't know tomorrow at work or at school or um don't let your entertainment and licentious tv and media social media numb you to the reality that there is a god that he is holy and that you are a sinner that you have a short life and you have an opportunity to submit yourself to him to repent to ask for forgiveness because guess what death will come and eternity awaits and every single one of us will be held accountable for every word and deed that we said or did. [01:02:01] (50 seconds)

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