First Sunday after Trinity (2024)
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Luke 16:19-31
Luke 16:19-31
My brothers and sisters in Christ, Jesus shares with his disciples today an important parable that reminds us of where our treasures ought to be. In this parable he presents a rich man, and the other a poor man. Their lives here on earth are very different, and in their deaths one is received into heaven and eternal joy, but the other finds nothing but suffering and sorrows. Let us understand what this parable is teaching, that we might not find ourselves perishing, but instead may join Lazarus at Abraham’s side at the banquet table of the Lord.
Purpose of Parables
They are easier to remember.
If you have ever tried to retell a story, there is generally a flow to it, and it can be quickly memorized and shared with our neighbors. They were common throughout the ministry of Jesus and even in the ancient world. We don’t use them as much and prefer to be more direct. We aren’t as patient in our dialogues.
Each parable has a particular meaning.
This is important because they should not be treated the same as other passages of Scripture. Throughout the Bible you will find some passages that are poetry, history, apocalyptic, genealogies, etc. These were meant to teach a point.
They were not literal.
This is important to not the difference between passages that we build teachings upon, and so some of the parts were used to teach a point. For instance outside of this passage do we have any evidence that those in hell can speak to those in heaven? No. It provides a means for the parable to unfold.
They did hide the message.
Jesus told his disicples that is why he told them. You can share the parable, and it begs us to ask, what does this mean? What’s the point? What am I supposed to do with this information?
The Danger of Mammon
There are two rich men in the parable.
It may seem at first that there is only one, the man who ends up feasting sumptuously and dressing himself in fine clothes and ending up in hell. However it is important to remember that
Abraham had great wealth.
The Lord blessed him with great flocks and servants in this life and kept him safe and him the father of many peoples.
The danger is being a lover of money.
it isn’t the money itself, one can have money, lands, possessions, and not be ruled by them. Those who were praised weren’t praised for their wealth, but they were praised for they abided by God’s commands.
Abraham was a lover of the Word of God.
The Lord spoke to him and promised that he would give him an heir, and he trusted the Lord’s promise and had Isaac when he was 100 and sarah 90. It wasn’t the wealth that was important but God’s word. This is different than the rich man.
Deafness of the World
The Rich man calls Abraham father.
The rich man shows us that he is a Jew, and thinks of Abraham as his father, and so he thought that he would be with his father, for he is of the same flesh, he was wealthy like Abraham, so why is he not with him? But we see his arrogance.
The rich man rebukes him too.
To call a man Father is to offer him high praise, but then to contradict and tell him that He is wrong. That is he certain if the poor man Lazarus returns his brothers will be spared this fate. His mistake is common.
The man seeks a miracle.
He believes that a miracle will succeed where words have failed. Abraham’s rebuke to the man is important. It also explains why Jesus didn’t perform miracles on demand for people.
The Word is enough.
For that is how God has chosen to reveal himself to Mankind and to show them His salvation, it is where the Spirit of God works, for as we hear later in Romans faith comes by hearing, and hearing the Word of Christ. What the man attempts to do hear is control God, and get God to dance to His tune. That’s not God, that’s elevating yourself above God, his arrogance persists even in hell.
The Saving Word
If you refuse to heed the Word, there is no salvation.
It is tempting to look to those things that appear miraclous as proof and evidence of God’s Love, but God continually points us back to his Word as proof of his love. A person who refuses to believe unless there is a miracle is saying that God’s word is not enough. If you promise to do something, but someone says they want collateral, what does that mean?
Miracles won’t change the heart.
How many times did Jesus perform miracles, not only in front of those who believed in Him, but also those who opposed Him. The healed the man’s arm before the pharisees, he raised lazarus, he made the blind see, and yet they still plotted to put him to death.
This happens today because people seek mammon.
Before they believe in God they want to know that their present earthly troubles will be handled, and only then will they believe. Which means that this world is still the one that is most important to them and they neglecting that which is most important.
Mammon is more than money.
We typically think of money, but it’s wealth, property, earthly treasures, and pursuing that instead of clinging to God’s Word.
God’s Word is Powerful
It has the power to change the heart.
This is impart why it is so concerning, because it changes our desires and moves them away from sin to trusting in God, and then creating love towards God, and love for your neighbor.
That is much harder than changing behavior.
When a person is forced to apologize against their desire, but because its the right thing to do, they may say it with their lips, but their heart isn’t it. You can force the body to obey by threats, but you cannot change the heart. It is only God’s Word.
It transforms hearts of stone.
The Word is an amazing thing, that transforms hardened sinners to Christians who flee from the sins that they once embraced and enjoyed. For the Word of God is a living active thing as the Spirit works through it to bring us to life. That is why Jesus continually pointed people back to the Word for there is life even for those who have fallen greatly.
Treasure the Word
The world does not endure.
It is wearing out and coming to the point of perishing. So why chase after treasures where moth and rust destroy.
The Word of God endures forever.
For Jesus tells us that the Scriptures point to Him, and so if you cling to the Word you cling to Jesus and all that He has done for you. You receive the Spirit that has been poured out upon the Church.
Abraham believed God’s Word and was declared righteous.
It is the Word that has the power to save us, for that Word became flesh and dwelt among us for our salvation. Jesus spoke words of peace and forgiveness to us. Do not seek something more or try to make God subject to your desires.
Treasure both Law and Gospel.
Know the 10 Commandments that you might abide by them and treasure them. Understand that it is through the Law that comes knowledge of Sin, but then hear the Words that Jesus has spoken for you, Father forgive them, for they know not what they do. Believe that by Jesus’ resurrection, that Jesus’ prayer for was answered and salvation is yours.
My Brothers and Sisters in Christ, Jesus points us to the Word, and again and again tells us to believe what God has spoken through the prophets and apostles. Do not look to earthly treasures, lest like the rich man you think that God’s blessing must be with you, if you have treasure, for then you would think he abandoned if they are gone. Listen to God’s Word, which says that you are a sinner for whom Jesus shed His blood that you may have eternal life. In that promise of salvation you will find peace. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
