Contrasts

Luke 16:19-31

Jesus was talking to people who were scoffers. They were wealthy, and self-righteous; the Bible says they were lovers of money. Finally he told them this story. It may or may not be a parable; but it is obviously told for a purpose:

I. THE PURPOSE OF THIS STORY

1. It is not obviously a parable; but if it were, what is its purpose? Why did Jesus use it in His teaching?
2. It seems to say that God 'evens things out.' The poor are more pure than the rich. But is that what it really says?
3. It says, with unmistakable simplicity, that there is a life after death; and that there will be rewards and punishments.
4. It says, too, that it is "safe" to live by God's special revelation: by Moses and the prophets— by the Bible.
5. But it says, finally, THAT THIS LIFE IS NOT ALL THERE IS TO LIVING; AND THAT WE DO WELL TO PREPARE FOR ETERNITY.

II. IT IS A STORY OF OBVIOUS CONTRASTS

Jesus was certainly not saying it was wrong to be rich; for the subjects of the two immediately preceding parables were both rich and good. But it seemed He wanted to show as much contrast as he could between the way the worldly, materialistic-minded people set their values, and the way that God sets His values. So this was a story of contrasts.

1. There were contrasts in material surroundings.

   rich vs. beggar sumptuous fare vs. longing after crumbs purple and fine linen vs. a covering of sores ...

2. There were evidently hidden contrasts in life purpose.
3. There were contrasts that became apparent in death: Oh, I'm sure that the funerals carried on the contrast.

The rich man had the mayor/flowers/car vs. just a few family to grieve a big 'obit' and pix vs. nothing in the Ledger . . .

But Jesus gives us a little insight when He says: "The angels carried Lazarus into Abraham's bosom!"

III. BUT THE FINAL CONTRASTS LIE IN ETERNAL, UNCHANGING VERITIES

[Conclusion:] The contrasts that were obvious were not necessarily the important ones: what had these men lived for? For whom had they lived?

1. THIS STORY IS A CLEAR WARNING

   What is the real "key" to this passage? Look at vv 14,15:"Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were listening to all these things, and they were scoffing at Him.

   "And He said to them, 'You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.'"

   1. It is a warning to self-sufficient men and women. This is the "text" of the story we have read!

      Hear it again: ' You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of men, but God knows your hearts; for that which is highly esteemed among men is detestable in the sight of God.'

   2. It is a reminder of the eternal perspective we all need. We must make sure our possessions are working for us, and not the other way around. We need to see if what we think is important is detestable in God's eyes.
   3. It is a healthy reminder that we can prepare NOW to die. Death is part of life, and it is not morbid to prepare well for it.
2. THIS STORY IS ALSO A SOURCE OF ASSURANCE

   No matter how insignificant or unloved, God does not forget His own people; the angels know their address— they do not die unnoticed. (Is it morbid to think on death?)

   It makes sense! We must prepare!

   But how do we prepare?

   1. WE SHALL DIE AS WE LIVE

      [Proverbs 14:32] "The wicked is driven away in his wickedness; but the righteous hath hope in his death." It is a fact we must accept; we are never really quite 'prepared' for death; it ALWAYS comes at an inconvenient time.

   2. So: WE CAN'T "GET" READY... WE HAVE TO "BE" READY!

      Some people are waiting for an unusual sign or signal before they get right with God! Dives said: 'If someone were to rise from the dead then certainly my brothers would give heed!'

      But Abraham, in Jesus' story, said, 'No- If they don't heed their everyday opportunities, they wouldn't be saved if someone came back from the dead!'

      We must LIVE in a right relationship with God.

   3. But if we are saved, and if we are walking in the light, how will we know what to do when we come to cross over?

      That's the beautiful part; we don't have special preparation! When we belong to God, it is THEN DYING GRACE IS A 'GIVEN!'

      And then: We don't have to "get" ready!

#244 (Wesley) I Do Believe!

#246 Is Thy Heart Right with God?