The Rich Man and Lazarus

Luke 16:19-31

Introduction:
1) Was this a parable or a record of a true event?
2) What subject is it that Jesus was intending to illustrate?

Sermon Notes:
1. Contrast in Life
a) One man lived a bountiful life (v19)

The man lived a good life as far as material things were concerned, but it was a lost and meaningless life spiritually.

b) One man lived a burdened life (v20-21)
He lived a hard life in this world but found a real and meaningful life spiritually.

2. Contrast in Death
a.) One man died with attendants (v22a)
No one may have cared for him in this world, but God sent His angels to attend to him at his death.

b) One man died alone (v22b)
NO Angelic convoy to escort him.

3. Contrast in Eternity (v23-24)
a) One man is tormented (v23)
What is clear from our Lord’s description of the afterlife is that it is a state of conscious existence.

b) One man is Comforted (v25c)
A very interesting word “one who draws alongside, advocate, and comforter.” The same description given to the Holy Spirit.

4. The Conversation (v24-31)
Finally Jesus was killed but He rose again. With what result?
They tried to put to death all those who followed Him.

5. THE CONCLUSION
Jesus teaches here that what we experience in the afterlife is determined by what we do with Him in this life.

As we live we shall die.