Lent: Journey According To LukeSample

RICH MEN BEWARE! DEVOTION The whole of chapter 16 is about the use and abuse of riches. Luke describes the scene of two people and contrasts their lifestyles. One lives an ostentatious life, ‘making merry’, dressed in fine linen. He is oblivious to Lazarus, his beggar neighbour. Lazarus is placed each day near the entrance to the rich man’s house but his plight and his ill health are ignored. It is interesting to note that in this parable, we know the name of the poor man, Lazarus, which means ‘God helps/has helped’. It is the only parable in the gospels where Jesus names a character. I suggest it is done deliberately to emphasize that God knows everyone, sees everyone, knows their plight and needs. In sharp contrast Lazarus, lying daily in the outer porch of the rich man’s house, is ignored by someone who could have been his benefactor. Both die. Their roles are radically reversed. In death Lazarus is retranslated to heaven in company with Abraham and the nameless rich man is constrained and tormented. This is a dramatic parable with vivid imagery, like many stories told at that time. It is not to be taken as a description of heaven and hell. Rather Jesus is challenging commonly held assumptions and calls on people to choose now a different lifestyle. FOR REFLECTION • The rich man was doing no more than living out the life of his social status. How do your life style choices and assumptions fit with God’s care for the poor of the world? • The assumption of the rich man is that if someone came back from the dead he would be believed. Luke indicates that this is not the case, but people should listen to the scriptures, which have the power to transform attitudes. How are your priorities changing? PRAYER Lord, I find my life choices challenged. Show me how to live simply, to care for those in need and commit myself to living daily by the truth and power of the Risen Christ.