Stories of the Kingdom: The Parables of JesusНамуна

Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus

Jesus tells a story about a rich man who lived luxuriously and a poor beggar named Lazarus who lay at his gate, covered in sores and longing for scraps from the rich man's table. Both men die, and angels carry Lazarus to Abraham's side in heaven while the rich man is tormented in Hades.

From his place of torment, the rich man sees Abraham and Lazarus in comfort and begs Abraham to send Lazarus to dip his finger in water and cool his tongue. Abraham reminds the rich man of the stark contrast in their situations during their earthly lives and explains that a great chasm prevents anyone from crossing between Heaven and Hades.

The rich man pleads with Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his five brothers so they would not also come to this place of torment. Abraham responds that they have Moses and the prophets, and if they do not listen to them, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.

What is the significance of the great chasm mentioned in the parable?