Lazarus and the Rich Man | Luke 16:19–31 | Lectionary Bible Verse Graphic (Tissot)

Luke 16:19–31 | Proper 21 (Series C)

19 “There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 21 who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover, even the dogs came and licked his sores. 22 The poor man died and was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side.6 The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and in Hades, being in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. 24 And he called out, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame.’ 25 But Abraham said, ‘Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us.’ 27 And he said, ‘Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father’s house— 28 for I have five brothers—so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment.’ 29 But Abraham said, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them.’ 30 And he said, ‘No, father Abraham, but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.’ 31 He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’ ”

In this Sunday’s Gospel reading, Jesus gives the parable of a rich man and Lazarus. The rich man neglected Lazarus keeping him out of his focus even though he sat at his gate. Yet, when both men died, the Lazarus was carried to Abraham’s side and the rich man descended into Hades. The rich man’s neglect of Lazarus was symptomatic of his overall neglect of the Lord’s Word. The Lord has given us everything that we need so that we might believe and receive eternal life. Christ Jesus has suffered and died to bring us forgiveness and life. Because of this gift, our eyes through the lens of Christ’s cross are also opened to see the suffering in our midst with clarity and to show mercy.

This is a Graphic Design reworking of James Tissot's painting. 

Image: James Tissot (French, 1836-1902). The Poor Lazarus at the Rich Man's Door (Le pauvre Lazare à la porte du riche), 1886-1894. Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray wove paper, Image: 10 3/4 x 6 11/16 in. (27.3 x 17 cm). Brooklyn Museum, Purchased by public subscription, 00.159.127 (Photo: Brooklyn Museum, 00.159.127_PS2.jpg)