Bible Verse (NIV)
“The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away, with Lazarus by his side. So he called to him, ‘Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, because I am in agony in this fire.’” — Luke 16:22–24
Reflection
This parable that Jesus told teaches us a deep truth about eternity and our responsibility while living. The rich man had everything, comfort, luxury, and status. But he ignored the suffering man right outside his gate.
Lazarus, covered in sores and hungry, was never helped. But in death, their situations were reversed. Lazarus was comforted in God’s presence while the rich man suffered in torment.
Jesus wasn’t saying all rich people go to hell, but our actions determine how we love, give, and show compassion towards others. This story speaks to us, too. If we have resources, we’re accountable for how we use them. It’s a reminder to consider how to show Christ-like love to others in our daily lives.
We live in a world where success is often measured by what we own. But Jesus measures our hearts. The rich man didn’t end up in hell because of his wealth, but because he failed to love others with it. He knew Lazarus, but did nothing.
This parable also shows us that our time on earth is short and our actions have eternal consequences. If we’re following Christ, we’re called to live with generosity, compassion, and purpose. Jesus reminds us that even if no one on earth sees our kindness, God does, and there’s a place of reward waiting for those who love well. Sometimes it can be difficult to maintain hope, but God is always there. There are many bible verses about hope in hard times that can give us strength.
We are also warned not to delay. The rich man wanted a second chance, but his time had passed. May we not wait to repent or to love others while we still have today.
Morning Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you for showing us what really matters. A heart full of compassion, not just a life full of comfort. Help us to see those in need to share what we have. Forgive us for the times we’ve ignored others or lived only for ourselves. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
In Other Translations
- KJV (King James Version): “And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And 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 tormented in this flame.”
- AMP (Amplified Bible): “Now it happened that the poor man died and his spirit was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s bosom (paradise); and the rich man also died and was buried. In Hades (the realm of the dead), being in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his bosom (paradise). And he cried out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; because I am in severe agony in this flame.’”
- NLT (New Living Translation): “Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to sit beside Abraham at the heavenly banquet. The rich man also died and was buried, and he went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side. The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity. Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.’”
- NASB (New American Standard Bible): “Now the poor man died and was carried away by the angels to Abraham’s arms; and the rich man also died and was buried. And in Hades he raised his eyes, being in torment, and saw Abraham far away and Lazarus in his arms. And he cried out and said, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus so that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool off my tongue, for I am in agony in this flame.’”*
- ESV (English Standard Version): “The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side. The rich man also died and was buried, and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’”
Related Verses
- Matthew 6:19–21 — “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth, where moths and vermin destroy, and where thieves break in and steal. But store up for yourselves treasures in heaven… For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
- Proverbs 14:31 — “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker, but whoever is kind to the needy honors God.”
- 1 Timothy 6:17–18 — “Command those who are rich in this present world not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God… Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous and willing to share.”
- James 2:15–16 — “Suppose a brother or a sister is without clothes and daily food. If one of you says to them, ‘Go in peace; keep warm and well fed,’ but does nothing about their physical needs, what good is it?”
- Galatians 6:9–10 — “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.”
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