Jesus begins by contrasting two different people: 1) a rich man who is dressed very nicely and eats very well each day, and 2) the poor man named Lazarus who is lying down at the rich man’s gate. (Luke 16:19-20)
Lazarus is covered with sores, and Jesus illustrates his tragic condition by saying Lazarus longed to eat whatever fell from the rich man’s table and even the dogs licked his sores. (Luke 16:21)
Both of these men die. Just as it was in life, there is again a huge contrast between them after death. The poor man is carried off by angels to be with Abraham, whereas the rich man is buried and ends up in Hades. (Luke 16:22-23)
While being tormented, the rich man calls out to Abraham and Lazarus, who can both be seen far away. The rich man says that he is tormented in flames and he wants Lazarus to dip even just the tip of his finger in water, in order to cool his tongue. (Luke 16:24)
Abraham responds to the rich man saying that he lived in great comfort while on earth, while Lazarus lived in agony, so now the opposite is true and Lazarus is comforted. (Luke 16:25)
Abraham then tells him that no one can cross between the two places, because a great chasm separates them. (Luke 16:26)
The rich man then begs Abraham to send Lazarus back to earth, so that he can warn the rich man’s brothers in hopes that they will not have to come to the place of torment that the rich man is in. (Luke 16:27-28)
However,Abraham responds by saying that the rich man’s five brothers already have Moses and the prophets, and that the brothers should listen to them. (Luke 16:29)
The rich man still insists that his brothers will repent if someone comes back from the dead, but Abraham responds that if the five brothers “do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.” (Luke 16:30-31)
In the parable, we can see how it turns out for those who love money and live well, while others remain poor and suffer.
As Jesus tells the Pharisees in Matthew 23:23, they love their money and neglect the important matters of the law, such as justice, mercy, and faith.
The story also illustrates how God has already warned everyone through Moses and all the prophets by: 1) giving us His law, and 2) Warning us to obey it
According to the story, this evidence of the law and prophets is sufficient enough that:
1) Those who would listen, do listen, and
2) Those who don’t listen, wouldn’t listen even if someone was raised from the dead.
