Luke 16:19-31 (NRSV)
Read Luke 16:19-31 on biblegateway.com
Verse 19"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. Verse 20And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, Verse 21who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores. Verse 22The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried. Verse 23In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. Verse 24He called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.' Verse 25But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. Verse 26Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.' Verse 27He said, 'Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house- Verse 28for I have five brothers-that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.' Verse 29Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.' Verse 30He said, 'No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.' Verse 31He said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"
Devotion
I wish I could see Jesus’ face when he speaks Abraham’s final line in this story. The rich man begs Abraham to warn his brothers that sumptuous living leads to torment. They need a messenger who has already died. Jesus replies, “If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead” (v. 31).
Did Jesus say it wistfully, knowing that even after his death and resurrection, some would not believe? Did he say it in a way that hinted at a deeper meaning, more than his hearers could understand at the time?
However he said it, Jesus’ words cut to the heart. Not merely “someone,” but God’s Son has risen. What are we waiting for? Now is the time to repent of our failure to listen. Now is the time to trust that God brings life from death. Now is the time to follow Jesus.
Prayer
God of life, help us to listen. Open our ears to hear again the great news of what you have done in the death and resurrection of our Lord. Stir up your Holy Spirit in our hearts so we may be convinced of your love for us. Amen.