A Tale of Two Lives — What Really Matters in the End (Luke 16:19-31)
Jesus told many stories to help people see things from God’s perspective. One of His most powerful stories is about two very different men—one rich, one poor—and what happened to them after they died. It’s a story that goes beyond money. It’s about compassion, choices, and what matters most in life.
Let’s walk through this story and see what we can learn.
Two Men, Two Very Different Lives
Jesus begins by describing a rich man. He wore the finest clothes and lived in luxury every single day. Everything he wanted, he had. He probably had a beautiful home, plenty of food, and lots of comfort.
Outside his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus. He was covered with sores and had nothing. He was so hungry that he longed to eat the scraps that fell from the rich man’s table. No one helped him—only the dogs came and licked his sores.
It’s a painful picture. One man had more than enough, and the other had nothing. But the story doesn’t end there.
What Happened After They Died
Eventually, both men died. Lazarus, the poor man, was carried by angels to a place of peace and comfort, beside Abraham—a sign of great honor and blessing. The rich man also died, but he ended up in a place of suffering.
From where he was, the rich man could see Lazarus far away, resting peacefully. In pain, he called out and asked Abraham to send Lazarus to dip his finger in water and cool his tongue. But Abraham gently explained that the rich man had his good things during life, while Lazarus had nothing. Now, things had changed.
There was also a deep gap between them—one that couldn’t be crossed.
A Plea for His Family
Realizing he couldn’t help himself, the rich man begged Abraham to send Lazarus to his family—to warn his five brothers so they wouldn’t end up like him. But Abraham said, “They already have the teachings of Moses and the prophets. They should listen to them.”
The rich man argued, “But if someone came back from the dead, they would believe!” Abraham replied, “If they won’t listen to God’s word, they won’t be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.”
What Does This Mean for Us?
This story isn’t just about two men from long ago. It’s a message for all of us. Here are a few things to think about:
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How we treat others matters. The rich man didn’t go to the bad place because he was rich. He went because he ignored someone in need who was right in front of him.
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We already know what God wants. The Bible shows us how to live with kindness, love, and generosity. We don’t need a special sign—we just need to listen and obey.
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Now is the time to choose. The rich man waited until it was too late. Jesus wants us to live wisely and lovingly today, while we still have time to make a difference.
Final Thought
This story reminds us that true riches aren’t found in money, clothes, or comfort—but in love, compassion, and a heart that listens to God. We may not have the power to change the whole world, but we can care for the people right outside our own doors.
Who around you might need a kind word, a helping hand, or a little attention? Jesus calls us not just to believe—but to act with love.
Luke 16:19-31 (WEB)
16:19 “Now there was a certain rich man, and he was clothed in purple and fine linen, living in luxury every day. 20 A certain beggar, named Lazarus, was taken to his gate, full of sores, 21 and desiring to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man’s table. Yes, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 The beggar died, and he was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. 23 In Hades, he lifted up his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far off, and Lazarus at his bosom. 24 He cried and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue! For I am in anguish in this flame.’25 “But Abraham said, ‘Son, remember that you, in your lifetime, received your good things, and Lazarus, in the same way, bad things. But here he is now comforted and you are in anguish. 26 Besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed, that those who want to pass from here to you are not able, and that no one may cross over from there to us.’27 “He said, ‘I ask you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father’s house— 28 for I have five brothers—that he may testify to them, so they won’t also come into this place of torment.’29 “But Abraham said to him, ‘They have Moses and the prophets. Let them listen to them.’30 “He said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if one goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’31 “He said to him, ‘If they don’t listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded if one rises from the dead.’ ”