#1 Most Difficult Parable of All – Can You Handle It?Sample

The parable of the rich man and Lazarus is a powerful reminder that the choices we make on earth determine our eternal destiny, and that we as Christians should bring the good news of the gospel to others, before it’s too late. That much we saw in the last reading. But there is a more powerful message behind this parable, one so powerful that most of us might not want to hear it. Remember the story of the Good Samaritan? The man who helped the injured Jew even though Jews looked down on Samaritans, and even though both the priest and the Levite walked right by that same situation. In that story, the Samaritan looked past the social norms of the day to step out and help one who might otherwise insult or abuse him. Jesus’ message there was that everyone is a neighbor, and that we should help any fellow man – not just those who look like us, live where we do, or are of the same social standing. Those were powerful words, but Jesus shares an even more powerful message in the parable of the rich man and Lazarus. That message is this: if you are blessed with abundance in this life, then you must share it with others, even if they are not like you. Think about that again… The rich man lived a fine life, well-dressed and eating well. He was well off, maybe like you & I. But right outside his house – his gated community, his neighborhood, town or country – was a very poor man with rags for clothes and nothing for food. Someone at the bottom of society. The rich man likely saw Lazarus on a regular basis, but avoided him and didn’t even give him scraps off his table to help. Now think about the poverty that you might see on a regular basis – outside your gated community, outside your neighborhood, town or country. Maybe you see them on TV or read about them online. Other people far less fortunate, far less blessed – much more sick or hungry – than you might ever be. People you might rather not know. Lazarus is their name, and you have seen them. The message of this parable is not just one of sharing the gospel, but also sharing out of the abundance of what God has given you. The consequences of not doing so are extreme. Even professing the name of Jesus may not save you on that one: > “ Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven .” – Matthew 7:21 Or, as James the brother of Jesus writes: > Faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead .– James 2:17b Tough teaching, isn’t it? It really might be the #1 most difficult among parables. And no wonder we don’t hear about it or talk about it much…. Pray that God gives you strength & courage to help those less fortunate than you which He shows you. They are there for you. Can you be there for them? Further reading: Matthew 25:31-46 =========== We hope that this reading plan helps clarify God’s plan for your life. For more readings like this, please [ visit our website ](https://www.godandwork.org/youversion) or search for other plans authored by " Roland Heersink " in the YouVersion app. Or, if you're motivated to help others, but don't know how, then google "Christian Business Angels" to see how you might help others with what God has given you!