This is a parable which is most frequently quoted out of context. Let us state at the outset that it is a parable like all other parables - a story with a hidden meaning. Let us remind ourselves of the details;

"There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores." (Luke 16:19-21)

The first thing that we note is that the story is vivid in its description of the two characters. They are described as being at either end of the social scale - the very epitome of riches and poverty but they are not actual, living people - the descriptions are instead, caricatures of real people. The next stage of the drama is even more interesting.

"So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man died and was buried. And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off and Lazarus in his bosom. Then he cried and said, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.' And Abraham said, 'Son remember that in your lifetime you received your good things and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. And besides all this, between us there is a great gulf fixed, so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us." (Luke 16:22-26)

In keeping with all the other parables that we have considered, we need to realise that this is a story which should not be taken literally. There is no actual existence after death. There is no literal place of fire where dead people are punished. Equally there is no literal 'Abraham's bosom' or even a 'heaven' where such a person could continue to exist after death. Neither is there is a great chasm between two such locations - No!

The whole story is a vivid description of a fictional scene in order to convey a message - once dead you cannot change what has been done or not done in this life!

However, the real point of the parable is regarding the lack of response by the Jewish hearers to the preaching of Jesus - he who had been preaching consistently that the Old Testament (The Jewish Bible) taught about Himself and that if only people would respond to his message. God would hear and forgive them. (See the parable of the Lost Son)

The final part Of the parable makes this last Comment pefectly clear;

"Then he (the rich man) said; 'I beg you therefore, father, that you would send him to my father's house, for I have five brothers, that he should testify to them, lest they also come to this place of torment.' Abraham said to him. 'they have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.' And he said, 'No Father Abraham; but if one rise from the dead, they will repent.' But he said to him, 'If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead." (Luke16:27-31)

The parable is really about two types of people; those who are rich in this world's goods, self-sufficient and self-satisfied, like the Pharisees and the nation of Israel at the time of Christ, and the poor of this world - aware of their poverty, dependent upon God and therefore, rich in faith. Of course the parable is a caricature, a comparison of stereotypes, a description of extremes in order to make a point - that: repentance now is vital, tomorrow may be too late!

"... exhort one another daily, 'while it is called Today', lest any of you be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin." (Hebrews 3:13)

What then about the description of fire and punishment, is there no significance to this descriptive scene? Surely there is an allusion to heaven and hell of popular mythology, I hear you ask? What about the names of the people concerned and the overall picture portrayed - surely these mean something?

Let us answer these points in turn; the idea of fire as a form of punishment is only used in this passage and in pictures of that which will follow the final judgement at the return of Jesus. There are no references to 'hell fire torment' at the time of death anywhere in the Bible - this idea was purely the invention of medieval priests to obtain the submission of the serfs to their rules of morality! Secondly one only sees allusions to hell-fire torments when one has been brought up to believe in such things - its very much a case of seeing what one wants to see! Thirdly, the use of the names is of course partly significant; Abraham was the name of the famous Jewish ancestor - highly esteemed by all as a good man, Lazarus was just a well-used name at the time of Christ.

In fact, this actual story was part of popular Jewish mythology at the time, used to justify other ideas - Jesus used it to illustrate a point of his teaching not to explain what happens after death!

We can see therefore, that popular conceptions need some- times to be challenged - not everything is what it appears to be. A parable that many people use to confirm their belief in hell fire is seen to be really a challenge to procrastination - do not put of until tomorrow what you ought to do today!

Respond to the Gospel today - repent and be baptised - become disciples of Jesus Christ before it is too late!