Luke Part 2 Week 33

Day 1 

RECEIVE 

Luke 16:25-26 

²⁵ “But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. ²⁶ And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.’” 

This was Abraham’s answer when the rich man was in agony and wanted Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and bring it to him to cool his tongue. Abraham told the rich man this was impossible. The rich man and the beggar had their situations switched in eternity. Their decision about Jesus in their lifetimes determined where they would spend eternity.  

REFLECT 

Does this account that Jesus told help you to be more serious about praying for loved ones to decide for Jesus in this lifetime? 

RESPOND 

Join with a friend in praying for loved ones who need to make a decision for Jesus in their lifetime. Once they pass from this life it will be too late to make a decision for Jesus. See Hebrews 9:27. See also Philippians 2:9-11 that reveals those who don’t bow to Jesus in this life will be forced to in the next. Be willing to ask others “Are you ready to meet Jesus face to face?” 

Day 2 

RECEIVE 

Luke 16:27-28 

²⁷ “Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home. ²⁸ For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.’” 

The man who was not concerned about his future destiny during his lifetime is now concerned for his five brothers and their destiny. He wanted Lazarus to go warn them not to come to the place of torment he was in. This could be a funeral message for a known unbeliever who openly rejected Jesus. Here is what he would say if he were here today. 

REFLECT 

Think how terrible this situation would be for a person where the rich man was. Can you imagine a loved one being there? 

RESPOND 

No one ever needs to go to this place of torment. What is necessary is to believe in the Lord Jesus Christ who died and paid for the sin of each person. This is the good news (gospel) referred to in 1 Corinthians 15:1-9. This tells of the death, burial and resurrection of Jesus. It is verified by over 500 who saw Him after his resurrection. Believe the eyewitnesses and trust in Jesus as your Savior. 

Day 3 

RECEIVE 

Luke 16:29 

²⁹ “But Abraham said, ‘Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read what they wrote.’” 

To the rich man’s request, Abraham answered that the Jews had the Old Testament to read. The rich man’s brothers should read and believe what these Scriptures said. They needed to believe in God as Abraham did and the Lord counted him as righteous because of his faith (see Genesis 15:6). 

REFLECT 

Do you realize the Old Testament tells you what you must do to become right with God? 

RESPOND 

Join with a friend and talk about how the apostle Paul witnessed to the Jewish people after his conversion. Acts 17:1-3 reveals he was using the Scriptures, which were only the Old Testament at that time. From those Scriptures he argued that Jesus was the Messiah.  

Day 4 

RECEIVE 

Luke 16:30 

³⁰ “The rich man replied, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.’” 

The rich man disagreed with Abraham. He thought if someone went back from the dead it would convince his brothers to change their minds and turn to God in faith. The rich man was in no position to be arguing with Abraham. 

REFLECT 

Have you heard some tell you they would believe if they saw a miracle? The Scriptures and history prove this is not true. 

RESPOND 

Visit with a friend about how to be ready to answer those who would say they would believe if someone rose from the dead. Use the material you are reading that will help you. Remember, you can only witness; only God can convert a soul.  

Day 5 

RECEIVE 

Luke 16:31 

³¹ “But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.’” 

The rich man was thinking as many still do today. If people could see a miracle, such as one rising from the dead, they would change their minds and turn to God in faith. The religious leaders themselves proved that was not true. They were not convinced after another Lazarus was raised from the dead (see John 12:9-11). Even though there were many witnesses to the resurrection of Jesus, many do not believe today.  

REFLECT 

Think about the rich man representing what the Pharisees were like. They were using the same arguments. 

RESPOND 

What is said in Luke 16 about the rich man and Lazarus is a reference to the place called hades. This is a place of the dead. Those who go there are those who have not believed in Jesus for salvation in this life. Eventually, everyone in hades will be thrown into the lake of fire. Revelation 20:11-15 tells about the awful time of judgment of unbelievers at the great white throne.