![]() He is nameless because he represents the danger of wealth. It pictures reality through a two-character story that mirrors life. The account is an example story, not a parable. Jesus wants disciples to see the great spiritual danger in that path. There may not be many Donald Trumps in the world, but appeals to greed and the desire for self-indulgence abound, especially in advertising. It is about much more than the dollar, yen, mark or pound. The parable of the rich man and Lazarus is not really about money. Though few people attain such wealth, many strive for it. It means self-sufficiency, independence and plenty of opportunity to enjoy material pleasures. American culture calls this "the good life," "success," "making it," "reaching the top" or "living in the penthouse." In short, the very rich person "has arrived." For many, wealth is the essence of life. Every generation has its very wealthy, those who live high. ![]() Rockefeller are among the extremely rich figures of history. As Jesus shows, wealth is not always what it is assumed to be.ĭonald Trump, Aristotle Onassis, J. The disciple is to be giving and outward in orientation, as the rich man painfully discovers through his failure. God's concern for people also becomes evident. Raising a negative example, he discusses kingdom ethics and values in caring for others. We have only done what we should do.After a brief note about kingdom values, Jesus turns back to the use of resources. So when you have done all of it, you should say, “We are not special servants. When they do that, their masters do not need to thank them. You can eat when I have finished.” 9 Servants should do what their masters tell them to do. Dress yourself properly and bring the food to me. You would say to your servant, “Prepare my meal for me. When he comes in from his work in the evening, you would not say to him, “Sit down and eat.” 8 No, you would not say that. Or you may have a servant that is taking care of your sheep. You may have a servant that is ploughing your land. Even if you only believe that little bit, you could say to this tree, “Pull yourself out of the ground and plant yourself in the sea.” Then the tree would obey you.ħ Think about this. I will not do it again.” If he does that, you must forgive him every time.’ĥ The apostles said to the Lord Jesus, ‘Help us to believe more and more in God.’Ħ The Lord replied, ‘You may believe in God only a very little bit, like a very small seed. He may turn to you each time and say, “I am sorry for what I did. 4 Your brother may do a bad thing to you seven times in one day. I will not do it again.” If he says that, you must forgive him. If your Christian brother does something wrong, speak to him. But he is telling his disciples to think very seriously: God will judge someone who causes trouble like this.ģ Be careful how you live. Your family should read them and do what they say.”ġ7:2 Jesus is not telling a person to kill another person. They will not be in great pain, as I am.”Ģ9 Abraham replied, “They have the books that Moses and God's prophets wrote. Then they will not also come here when they die. He can tell them not to do the same things as I did. 28 I have five brothers that are still alive. And nobody can cross from where you are to come here.”Ģ7 The rich man said, “If that is true, father Abraham, please send Lazarus to my family. Nobody can cross from here to where you are. There is a reason why that hole is there. Now I am taking care of Lazarus, and you are in pain. You had many good things, and Lazarus had many bad things. Then he can use the water to make my mouth cool.”Ģ5 Abraham replied, “My child, remember the time when you were alive on earth. I am in great pain because I am in a fire that burns me. 24 So he shouted out, “Father Abraham, please be kind to me. 23 He went to Hades, the place for dead people. ![]() The rich man then also died and his family buried him in the ground. They put him at the side of Abraham in heaven. 22 Then Lazarus died and God's angels carried him away. Even the dogs came and they tasted the sores on his body. He wanted to eat the bits of food that the rich man threw away. 20 There was also a poor man called Lazarus. Jesus tells a story about a rich man and a poor manġ9 Jesus then said, ‘At one time, there was a rich man who wore very expensive clothes.
0 Comments
Leave a Reply. |
AuthorWrite something about yourself. No need to be fancy, just an overview. ArchivesCategories |