IIT UBF - University Bible Fellowship at IIT

Daily Bread

The Rich Man and Lazarus

Date: Jul. 22, 2017

Passage

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.’”

Daily Bread

Key Verse: 16:26

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.’

1. The great chasm between heaven and hell (19-26)

During their lifetimes the rich man enjoyed an easy, luxurious life, while the beggar Lazarus suffered hunger and humiliation. But after these men died, their situations were reversed. Lazarus was taken to heaven to dwell in eternal joy by Abraham's side. The rich man suffered in hell. He begged Abraham to send Lazarus to him with a little water to cool his tongue, but the chasm between heaven and hell is fixed. One who, during his lifetime, puts his faith in Jesus and his hope in heaven will join Abraham there. One whose hopes are in the world will spend eternity in hell.

2. Listen to the Bible (27-31)

How could the rich man's 5 brothers escape the place of torment? They must accept God's word, repent and believe in Jesus, about whom Moses and the prophets wrote. Those who reject the Bible cannot believe in the risen Jesus.

Prayer: Lord, help me to trust in Jesus and put my hope in your kingdom.

One Word: A chasm between heaven and hell

Daily Bread

God’s Wrath and Justice

Revelation 6:1-17

Key Verse: 6:17

for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”

Read More

Intro Daily

Today's Question

What does God require from us to escape His anger and curse, which we deserve for our sin?

See answer and references