{"id":10753,"date":"2025-09-24T08:40:37","date_gmt":"2025-09-24T13:40:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/faithlens\/?p=10753"},"modified":"2025-09-23T18:38:42","modified_gmt":"2025-09-23T23:38:42","slug":"september-28-2025-lessons-from-lazarus-brothers","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/blogs.elca.org\/faithlens\/september-28-2025-lessons-from-lazarus-brothers\/","title":{"rendered":"September 28, 2025 – Living as the Rich Man\u2019s Brothers"},"content":{"rendered":"

Prepare<\/b> (This section is preparation for the leader, not content meant for the whole group.)<\/span><\/em><\/h4>\n

Narrative context helps shed light on this parable. In the short passage between last week\u2019s parable and this one, we learn that the Pharisees are among Jesus\u2019 primary audience (Luke 16:14). The problem Jesus addresses here is the love of money.<\/span><\/p>\n

In the larger narrative, Jesus has been telling stories about great reversals. In chapter 14, he teaches that when throwing a party, we should not invite those who can repay the favor. Then in chapter 15, we hear three parables about how, against all odds, the lost are found. Finally in chapter 16, we encounter the tangled story of a shrewd manager who is seemingly praised for his dishonest use of money and power. Today\u2019s parable belongs in that same category of great reversals.<\/span><\/p>\n

Some readers may feel discomfort with the portrayal of heaven and hell in this story. It is important, however, not to resolve that discomfort too quickly. As Lutherans, we may be tempted to jump immediately to the reminder that we are saved by grace and not by works. This parable does not challenge that central belief. But it does urge readers to pause, remember the witness of Scripture\u2014\u201cMoses and the prophets\u201d\u2014and to \u201clisten to them\u201d (Luke 16:29).<\/span><\/p>\n

Finally, the use of the name \u201cLazarus\u201d is significant. He is the only character Jesus ever names in a parable. This is not the same Lazarus whom Jesus raised from the dead. Since this parable is not referring to an actual person, there must be a reason Jesus chose the name. Lazarus is the Greek version of the Hebrew name Eliezer, which means \u201cGod has helped\u201d or \u201cGod is my help.\u201d Your group might consider whether this name is fitting or ironic.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Opening Exercise: <\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n

Think of a time when you encountered someone asking for money, help, or who was clearly in need. How did you respond? How did you feel about your response afterward? What might you do differently next time? Is there something you wish you could have done, but couldn\u2019t?<\/span><\/p>\n

Text Read Aloud<\/b>:<\/span><\/h4>\n

Luke 16:19-31\u00a0<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Living as the Rich Man\u2019s Brothers<\/h4>\n

A common way to approach a parable is to try to identify who represents whom in the story. <\/span>For<\/span><\/p>\n

example, readers often look for the God figure or the hero on one side, and someone opposing God as<\/span><\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>

Lazarus waits on the margins. And so do we his siblings.<\/p><\/div>\n

a kind of foil on the other. This approach can help peel back the densely packed layers of Jesus\u2019 teachings\u2014but it can also lead us astray, like when we mistakenly identify a cruel king or landowner as the God figure.<\/span><\/p>\n

The story of the rich man and Lazarus offers multiple points of entry for readers. Some might identify with the rich man, while others might identify with Lazarus. These two perspectives lead to very different reactions. Those who see themselves in the rich man may feel indicted, fearful, or guilty. Those who identify with Lazarus may feel comforted or justified. Yet, these are not the only options. There is a third character we might see ourselves in: the rich man\u2019s brothers (Luke 16:28).<\/span><\/p>\n

The brothers represent many of us, or at least many in our churches. Consider how many people know the teachings of Moses, the prophets (Luke 16:29), and Jesus, but do not follow them. How many people know what is being asked of them in order to be faithful but are not willing to do it? Or how many know that they are not going the right way but refuse to turn around and repent? And how many of us are looking at one of the brothers when we look in the mirror?\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

This raises a deeper question: what would it take for us to truly repent? Are the teachings of Jesus alone not enough? What if someone returned from heaven or hell to warn us? Would we change then? What about a mountain-top experience, a mission trip, or a close call? Would any of these experiences transform our hearts for good? What does your own faith story reveal?<\/span><\/p>\n

This story is not meant to leave us feeling hopeless, as if repentance or salvation is impossible. Rather, it calls us to recognize that we already have what we need to live a holy life based on Scripture. The unspoken truth, however, is that we cannot guilt or hustle ourselves into perfect righteousness. We will always need Jesus in order to be made right with God and our neighbors. And this trust in God does not come from being intellectually \u201cconvinced\u201d (Luke 16:31); it is a gift, freely given.<\/span><\/p>\n

Reflection Questions <\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/h4>\n