A Parable or a Memory

Has anyone noticed that of the 46 parables that Jesus taught, He never uses someone’s name. He would always use words like, a man, a traveler, a king, etc whenever He described an individual in His story. But there is one exception. It is the story of Lazarus. Not the Lazarus that Jesus called out of the tomb, but the beggar in the story found in Luke 16:19-21. Jesus begins His tale this way.

““There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man’s table.”  (Luke 16:19-21)

This is a story that many of us are familiar with. Jesus continues as if recalling a memory. “The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’” (Luke 16:22-24)

Our Lord continues: “But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been set in place, so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.’ “He answered, ‘Then I beg you, father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. Let him warn them, so that they will not also come to this place of torment.’ “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’ “‘No, father Abraham,’ he said, ‘but if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent.’  “He said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’” (Luke 16:25-31)

As with other stories found throughout scripture, it is as if God is giving us a glimpse beyond the veil. Letting us see a bit of what is found on the other side of this life. 

So, what do we do with this insight? We cherish it and believe that what Jesus is telling us is not so much a parable but a recollection of what He has seen. We learn from it as we reach out beyond ourselves to touch the lives of others in the name of Jesus. We use the good things that we have to help those who are in need and we live a life that shows others the way, the truth and the life that is only found through Christ.

Let us pray that the Holy Spirit softens our heart and that we see others through the eyes of Jesus.

Pray that we give willingly from all that we have been blessed with, not for our own recognition, but for the glory of the one who owns it all.

This life will end one day, and when that day comes, we will be carried by angels into the presence of our Lord and Savior. Until that day comes, let our life be a testimony to the love that Jesus shows us every day. May we share the Gospel with others through our words and our actions and let us pray for those who have not yet given their lives to Jesus.