June 27, 2025
The Rich Man and Lazarus - Part 5
Luke 16:30-31
06/27/2025
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.'' (ESV)
This week, as we studied the Rich Man and Lazarus, we asked
three questions. First, what is the Church? The Church is the
people who trust in God's grace and mercy who are gathered around
God's Word and the sacraments. How are we saved from sin and
death? We are redeemed by God's grace, because Jesus Christ bore
the guilt of our sins upon the cross, dying in our place, and
rising again to give us eternal life. Finally, what is the role
of good works in our salvation? Good works show a living faith.
The rich man is arguing with Abraham. First, he demanded
Abraham send Lazarus from heaven to Hades to give him drink of
water. When that failed, he demanded that Lazarus be sent to
warn his brothers about the fate of those who trust in wealth and
power. Now he contradicts Abraham who directed the brothers to
truly listen to Moses and the prophets.
And [the rich man] said, ``No, father Abraham, but if
someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.''
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.''
Jesus has risen from the dead. That truth has not convinced
anyone to join the Church, to hear of God's love. If you desire
the comfort and hope of God's grace, love, and mercy, you will
want to study God's Word. Please join us at Trinity Lutheran
Church each Sunday morning at 9:00 a.m. to learn of the Father's
love and the gift of the forgiveness of sins for the sake of
Christ Jesus.
May our Lord grant us the wisdom to hear Moses and the
prophets. Amen.