33 lines
1.6 KiB
Markdown
33 lines
1.6 KiB
Markdown
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title = "Luke 16:19–31"
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date = "2023-01-05"
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### [Read the passage.](https://biblia.com/bible/esv/Lk16.19-31)
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Because it is true that the Law and the Prophets (i.e., the Old Testament) will
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established forever, Jesus tells another parable that explains the importance
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of believing them. In it, the lives and deaths of a rich man and a poor man
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named Lazarus are contrasted. The rich man goes to a place of torment after he
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dies, but Lazarus is comforted at Abraham's side. Amazingly, the rich man is
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still arrogant enough that he asks for comfort from Abraham through Lazarus.
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Abraham tells him it is impossible because of the judgement placed on him and
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on the vast chasm between them.
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The rich man doesn't give up. He is concerned for his five brothers, who
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probably live the same selfish lifestyle, and he doesn't want them to be
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tormented like he is. He begs Abraham to send Lazarus to warn them. Abraham
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refuses again, saying the living have Moses and the Prophets warning them of
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judgement to come. The rich man argues that a miracle like someone coming back
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from the dead would convince them. But no, if they ignore God's Word already,
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not even a dead man speaking to them will convince them to hear it.
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From our vantage point in history, we know that Jesus's story is prophetic. The
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Jews asked Him for signs and wonders to authenticate His ministry, despite the
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fact that He performed some without their asking. And later, when His ultimate
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sign, His death and resurrection, was before them, many still didn't believe.
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* * *
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Even our faith is a free gift of Your grace. Help us believe Your Word.
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