The story of Lazarus and the rich man is such a vivid lesson in how I should treat my fellow travelers in this life. I have always felt sad for the rich man with his fine clothes and hearty meals – and confused by how he could so callously ignore poor Lazarus starving at his gate. I remain confused today when I read about the careless and cruel ways that we continue to treat the most vulnerable among us.

It is a trap to think that because I am comfortable that I can insulate myself from the sorrow and needs of others. Modern media doesn’t allow this to happen. The lesson of this reading doesn’t allow this to happen.

If I had been the rich man appealing to Abraham, I also would have argued to have him send Lazarus to warn my brothers and sisters about the place that awaited them. For the rich man, it is the light of hindsight shining through. As Abraham points out, they have had Moses and the prophets warning them for generations, why would they now listen to the man who died at their gate?

As a child, these verses were scary and convincing that I should care for the needy because there was an unpleasant and unacceptable consequence waiting for me, if I didn’t. As an adult, I am reminded that compassion and caring for others are part of Christ’s life instruction for me. These are directions for how to behave towards one another — not because of the dire consequences, but because this is the way that God wants me to live.

Because God’s unconditional love is for all His children, not just the ones “in purple and fine linen.”

Read the story of Lazarus and the Rich Man in Luke 16:19-31

Terri (Originally posted in June 2019)