This week's Gospel lesson comes from Luke 16:19-31. It is one of Jesus' hardest teachings about the purpose of wealth in this world. When read with Matthew 25:31-46, we receive a full picture of what it means to live as Jesus' disciples. We cannot merely say, "Lord, Lord," we must live our lives as the Lord Jesus wants us to live.
Questions for reflection and comment: Who are the beggars at your gates? How have you responded? Have you ever been a beggar at a rich person's gate? How did that person respond? What does Jesus mean in verse 31: "If they do not listen to Moses and the Prophets, they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead"? What will it take to convince you that Jesus means what he says about the moral obligation of those who have much to help those who have little? Does Jesus tell us anything about Lazarus' moral character in this parable? Does Jesus make a distinction between "the deserving poor" and "the undeserving poor"? Does he tell us how Lazarus became a beggar -- through poor choices or through no fault of his own -- or does that simply not matter to Jesus?
What do you know about Abraham, Moses and the prophets in the Old Testament?
For further study: Abraham's story is told in the Book of Genesis. Moses' story is told in the Book of Exodus. For prophetic references read Amos: 5: 21-24, 8:4-12; and Micah 6:6-8. How are these scriptures reflected in Jesus' parable of the rich man and Lazarus?
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