THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS  
Luke 16: 19-31

I. Background
   A. The Pharisees, who loved money , said they did believe in his teachings - vs. 14
   B. The Lord told this story - but he did not call it a parable
   C. If it is a parable , it is the only one with names ( Lazarus - meaning God is his helper and Abraham )
   D. Even if parable has one key point everything in the parable is still correct

II. The Story Of A Man Who Could Not See Others Because Of His Wealth
   A. He is very rich
      i) purple dye came from an animal that gave one drop
      ii) linen from Egypt was worth twice as much as gold by weight
      iii) he ate large meals every day
      iv ) his house was surrounded by large fences and gates to keep the poor out
      v) Jesus did not honor him with a name
   B. The beggar Lazarus was very poor
      i) beggar means one who crouches
      ii) he is " laid " at the rich man's gate hoping that as he passes he will give him food
      iii) he is sick with sores on his body - the dogs licked them for healing
      iv) the crumbs / scraps were  pieces of bread wasted at the table thrown on the floor for dogs
      v) with all the waste the rich man still gave him nothing
   C. They both die
      i) Lazarus was carried by angels into Abraham's bosom ( Paradise unseen world for righteous awaiting judgment )
      ii) the rich man had a fine funeral but went to Hades ( unseen world for condemned awaiting the judgment )

III. Prayer Meeting In Hell
   A. Being in torment the rich man asked for Lazarus to give water because of his suffering
      i) Father Abraham reminded him of the good things he has on Earth and how evil Lazarus was treated
      ii) Also the great gulf between them could not be crossed
   B. The rich man asked , could Lazarus go back from the dead and warn his 5 brothers
      i) Father Abraham said they have Moses and the prophets let them hear them
      ii) Even if one come back from the grave , if they don't believe God's word they won't believe the resurrection

IV. Take Homes
   A. Everyone will die ( unless Jesus returns ) and face the judgment ; Heaven & Hell are real !
   B.  How we deal with others and use the goods Jesus gives us - impacts our reward
   C. Faith in God's word is the only rock that will stand
   D. Every soul will pray to God for mercy - many too late!