Upside-Down Christmas: Luke 16

Luke 16

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Welcome back to our Upside-Down Christmas podcast where we’re looking at how Jesus turns things on their heads throughout his life and ministry, and in his teaching, as well. And today, we’re in Luke 16. Now Jesus has been telling a lot of parables in these last chapters, and today’s is no exception. This one we usually call the parable of the rich man and Lazarus.

Now the story goes that there were two men—Lazarus, who was poor and lived at the gates of the second man, the rich man. Both die. One goes to heaven, the other to hell. But it’s not how you would think. The rich man who looked so blessed in this life, he ends up in hell. But Lazarus, who looked like he was totally forgotten by God—he ends up in heaven, to Abraham’s bosom, as it’s said.

And this matters because it points to the fact that we often get it exactly backwards. That is, we look at the lives of people, and when we see people who are materially blessed—with nice cars and homes, or good jobs, or these wonderful travel opportunities or something like that—we say, How blessed are they!

But when we see the poor and the outcast, we often imagine that maybe they’re being punished by God for their bad choices. Or maybe, if we’re really cynical, we imagine that they’re forsaken by God, like God’s just not there for them.

But then the whole picture gets turned upside down. But Abraham said, “Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish.” (Luke 16:25)

Now, as the parable goes on we see that those who horde wealth to themselves without caring for their neighbor in need—they are the “rich men without names,” as it were, who receive their reward now. But the point is that the ones who look like they’re blessed now may not turn out to be all that blessed after all. And those who look like they’re forgotten by God turn out to be closest to him.

And that really means two things. For those who have means and who are successful in life, who are blessed with riches and all of that—of course it’s a warning. If you horde wealth and goods for yourselves and do not share with your needy neighbor, you will end up on the outside of God’s kingdom begging for a drop to cool your tongue as Lazarus was outside the rich man’s gate begging for crumbs from his table. Be warned and repent!

But if you’re poor and needy, the parable is meant to inspire you, to comfort you. God has not forgotten you, indeed. So take heart. One day, you will receive from God those good things your soul has longed for.

Let’s pray. Father, forgive us for taking wealth and other goods to ourselves without having regard for the needs of others. Please teach us to be generous before it’s too late. And remind us, too, Lord, we who have little, that you have not forgotten us. Comfort us with your presence and grant us hope. In Jesus, name we pray. Amen.

Family Devotional:

Read Luke 16:19-31

We learn from Jesus that we should be putting God first NOW, not later. We do this by showing compassion and using resources wisely. Jesus warns us not to put off serving God for later, because neglecting mercy closes our hearts to Him. The rich man only cared for himself, ignoring poor Lazarus at his gate. But after death, Lazarus went to heaven (comforted by Abraham) while the rich man suffered. We learn that we should listen to scripture without needing a dramatic sign to follow God’s Word.

Who lived near the rich man’s house?

What did the rich man have a lot of? What did Lazarus need?

Did the rich man help Lazarus? What should the rich man have done instead?

Does Jesus want us to help people who need things? How can you help someone who needs something this week?