WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:03.600 Well, this morning we're continuing our way through the Gospel of Luke. 00:00:04.120 --> 00:00:07.480 If you have your Bible, please open it up to Luke chapter 16. 00:00:08.200 --> 00:00:12.320 And if you forgot your Bible, then there's always those pew Bibles. 00:00:12.939 --> 00:00:21.100 These aren't really pews, but just in the seat in front of you, there's a black book there that you can use because the words won't be on the screen this morning. 00:00:22.100 --> 00:00:28.320 So we're in Luke chapter 16, and we're picking it up in verse 19. 00:00:28.320 --> 00:00:38.679 This is another teaching moment of Jesus, and it's also a difficult teaching of Jesus for a couple reasons. 00:00:39.500 --> 00:00:45.379 First, what we're about to hear raises all sorts of questions for us. 00:00:45.879 --> 00:00:50.159 And some of those questions may be answered in the passage and some not so much. 00:00:51.420 --> 00:00:56.299 Second, it's a difficult teaching of Jesus because of what it's about. 00:00:56.299 --> 00:00:59.140 A topic that's uncomfortable. 00:01:00.619 --> 00:01:07.259 Well, let's let Jesus do the talking first, and I'm just going to read the whole thing, starting in verse 19. 00:01:07.260 --> 00:01:16.760 There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 00:01:17.900 --> 00:01:27.939 At his gate was laid a beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores and longing to eat what fell from the rich man's table. 00:01:29.240 --> 00:01:31.740 Even the dogs came and licked his sores. 00:01:31.739 --> 00:01:39.359 The time came when the beggar died, and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. 00:01:40.659 --> 00:01:43.819 The rich man also died and was buried. 00:01:45.099 --> 00:01:54.079 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. 00:01:54.079 --> 00:01:56.420 So he called to him, 00:01:57.599 --> 00:02:04.900 Father Abraham, have pity on me and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, 00:02:05.480 --> 00:02:07.980 because I'm in agony in this fire. 00:02:09.979 --> 00:02:11.579 But Abraham replied, 00:02:11.580 --> 00:02:20.960 Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things. 00:02:21.920 --> 00:02:27.020 But now he is comforted here, and you are in agony. 00:02:28.420 --> 00:02:33.140 And besides all this, between us and you, a great chasm has been set in place, 00:02:33.139 --> 00:02:41.719 so that those who want to go from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us. 00:02:43.579 --> 00:02:44.539 He answered, 00:02:45.339 --> 00:02:50.619 Then I beg you, Father, send Lazarus to my family, for I have five brothers. 00:02:51.379 --> 00:02:54.919 Let him warn them so that they will not also come to this place of torment. 00:02:57.219 --> 00:02:58.339 Abraham replied, 00:02:58.340 --> 00:03:01.819 They have Moses and the prophets. 00:03:02.620 --> 00:03:04.060 Let them listen to them. 00:03:05.599 --> 00:03:07.960 No, Father Abraham, he said. 00:03:08.360 --> 00:03:11.439 But if someone from the dead goes to them, they will repent. 00:03:12.960 --> 00:03:14.020 He said to him, 00:03:14.420 --> 00:03:17.960 If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, 00:03:18.480 --> 00:03:22.460 they will not be convinced, even if someone rises from the dead. 00:03:28.340 --> 00:03:29.740 This is quite a shocking story. 00:03:31.439 --> 00:03:34.860 Jesus tells us this story of two men who die, 00:03:35.460 --> 00:03:38.460 and what happens to them after they die. 00:03:39.939 --> 00:03:41.640 One goes to the good place, 00:03:42.219 --> 00:03:44.200 and the other goes to the bad place. 00:03:44.980 --> 00:03:51.039 And then there's this heart-wrenching conversation that takes place. 00:03:52.900 --> 00:03:56.620 I think the first thing that we need to settle is what this story is. 00:03:56.620 --> 00:04:02.259 Most, I think, understand this to be another of Jesus' parables. 00:04:03.780 --> 00:04:09.500 But there are some who believe that this is a real account that actually took place. 00:04:09.680 --> 00:04:13.060 That there was a rich man, that there was a guy named Lazarus, 00:04:13.180 --> 00:04:16.720 that both of them died and found themselves in the afterlife, 00:04:17.259 --> 00:04:22.920 and that this conversation between Abraham and the rich man really took place. 00:04:22.920 --> 00:04:29.340 And those who believe that it really happened usually point to two things. 00:04:30.340 --> 00:04:34.879 First, Jesus uses names in this telling, 00:04:35.300 --> 00:04:38.439 but he doesn't use names in any of his other parables. 00:04:39.920 --> 00:04:43.080 We hear about Lazarus and Abraham and Moses. 00:04:43.079 --> 00:04:49.039 And second, Jesus doesn't introduce this as a parable, 00:04:49.319 --> 00:04:52.279 or give any application or lesson at the end, 00:04:52.699 --> 00:04:55.060 like he does in some of the other parables. 00:04:56.500 --> 00:05:00.919 But I think if we look carefully at Jesus' other parables, 00:05:01.039 --> 00:05:07.399 we notice that they may not be as rigid in their presentation as we might expect. 00:05:07.399 --> 00:05:13.599 There are other parables that the gospel writers put before us without first saying, 00:05:14.219 --> 00:05:15.599 then Jesus told a parable. 00:05:16.399 --> 00:05:21.299 In fact, if we look back just up the page to the very first verse of this chapter, 00:05:22.519 --> 00:05:24.339 Jesus told his disciples, 00:05:25.179 --> 00:05:29.199 there was a rich man whose manager was accused of wasting his possessions. 00:05:29.199 --> 00:05:34.500 And two weeks ago, we looked at that parable of the shrewd manager, 00:05:34.500 --> 00:05:37.839 and we sort of all recognized it as a parable. 00:05:38.979 --> 00:05:42.759 And this account starts in the exact same way. 00:05:43.699 --> 00:05:46.639 The first several words are exactly the same. 00:05:47.019 --> 00:05:52.399 There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and lived in luxury every day. 00:05:52.399 --> 00:06:01.000 And we should also notice, too, 00:06:01.079 --> 00:06:04.539 that Jesus doesn't always give an explanation at the end of his parable. 00:06:04.659 --> 00:06:08.939 Some of them are just sort of left hanging for people to chew on. 00:06:10.679 --> 00:06:14.500 This story of the rich man and Lazarus starts like a parable. 00:06:15.019 --> 00:06:17.659 It kind of reads and feels like a parable. 00:06:17.660 --> 00:06:23.939 And we kind of know with how it ends that Jesus is using it to make a very specific point, 00:06:24.020 --> 00:06:25.680 or perhaps more than one. 00:06:27.800 --> 00:06:31.720 And just because Jesus doesn't normally put names in his parables, 00:06:31.840 --> 00:06:36.379 I don't think that means that he can't do that in this one case. 00:06:38.280 --> 00:06:43.760 In fact, others have noticed that the names that are chosen are especially significant. 00:06:43.759 --> 00:06:50.139 One final reason I think it should be understood as a parable is that if it's not a parable, 00:06:50.420 --> 00:06:53.819 then there are some really puzzling elements to this account 00:06:53.819 --> 00:07:00.159 which seem out of sync with other teachings in the Bible about what happens after we die. 00:07:01.699 --> 00:07:06.899 For example, the Bible seems to teach that there will be a future bodily resurrection 00:07:06.899 --> 00:07:09.839 of both the wicked and the righteous. 00:07:09.839 --> 00:07:15.060 And prior to that event, the Bible teaches that if we die, 00:07:15.199 --> 00:07:20.299 our souls, our spirits leave our earthly physical bodies. 00:07:21.219 --> 00:07:26.039 And if we belong to Jesus, then our spirit goes to be with him. 00:07:26.159 --> 00:07:32.839 And if we do not, it goes to another place while we wait for that future bodily resurrection. 00:07:32.839 --> 00:07:39.060 And yet, here in this story, the rich man and Lazarus, 00:07:39.179 --> 00:07:41.239 they already seem to have bodies. 00:07:41.379 --> 00:07:42.859 We hear of tongue and finger. 00:07:45.339 --> 00:07:48.019 It's also, many have noticed, strange 00:07:48.019 --> 00:07:53.000 that if this is the actual heaven and hell that Jesus is talking about, 00:07:53.539 --> 00:07:56.299 or even the version that existed before Christ came, 00:07:56.300 --> 00:08:02.680 it seems rather odd, doesn't it, that people can see each other across this chasm 00:08:02.680 --> 00:08:04.400 and talk to each other while there? 00:08:05.699 --> 00:08:08.439 And so for those reasons, I think this is a parable. 00:08:08.879 --> 00:08:12.660 I think it's an illustrative story that Jesus tells. 00:08:13.660 --> 00:08:16.759 But like all of his parables and illustrations, 00:08:16.980 --> 00:08:20.980 it's meant to communicate certain truths and realities. 00:08:20.980 --> 00:08:24.520 And yes, it does have to do with real outcomes, 00:08:24.939 --> 00:08:27.939 such as heaven and hell. 00:08:29.140 --> 00:08:32.300 So let's work through this, starting at the top. 00:08:33.279 --> 00:08:38.600 Jesus first sets the scene by introducing us to two of the main characters. 00:08:40.000 --> 00:08:42.200 First, there is this very wealthy man. 00:08:43.720 --> 00:08:45.779 Jesus says he's clothed in purple, 00:08:46.120 --> 00:08:47.639 which is a sign of his wealth, 00:08:47.639 --> 00:08:50.800 because purple dye was known to be very expensive. 00:08:51.759 --> 00:08:55.600 He was also wearing fine linen, says Jesus. 00:08:55.940 --> 00:08:57.940 And it doesn't really come through in English, 00:08:58.240 --> 00:09:04.440 but the sense here is that this is how he was dressing himself customarily, normally. 00:09:05.000 --> 00:09:08.220 He lived in luxury every day. 00:09:10.080 --> 00:09:13.700 The second character in this story is the complete opposite, 00:09:15.279 --> 00:09:16.039 a beggar. 00:09:16.039 --> 00:09:21.399 He is not living in luxury at all, but is suffering. 00:09:22.779 --> 00:09:25.159 His body is all covered with sores. 00:09:26.699 --> 00:09:27.679 He's starving. 00:09:27.679 --> 00:09:34.379 He's longing to eat the leftover scraps from the rich man's table. 00:09:36.099 --> 00:09:40.279 And he was laid at the gate of the rich man, says Jesus. 00:09:40.279 --> 00:09:46.519 Perhaps it means that he was crippled and had to be laid there by others, 00:09:46.519 --> 00:09:53.220 or else that he was just too weak to move himself around and had to be carried and laid there. 00:09:53.220 --> 00:10:00.100 Even that the rich man has a gate is evidence of his great wealth. 00:10:00.519 --> 00:10:08.139 According to one commentator, that word for gate that's used there was typically used of a certain type of high ornate gate, 00:10:08.139 --> 00:10:15.379 like the kinds that would be at the entrances to a city or a palace or a temple or a mansion. 00:10:17.059 --> 00:10:21.720 And so this is probably not the gate to his house, but the gate to his very large estate. 00:10:23.580 --> 00:10:24.919 Well, back to the beggar. 00:10:25.939 --> 00:10:29.000 His name, Jesus says, was Lazarus. 00:10:29.000 --> 00:10:35.779 In Hebrew, it's the name Eliezer, which means God helps. 00:10:38.059 --> 00:10:40.659 And that name really seems to fit his situation. 00:10:42.039 --> 00:10:44.820 The rich man won't help him. 00:10:46.120 --> 00:10:50.279 And so it is God that he must look to and rely on for help. 00:10:52.559 --> 00:10:57.460 Not only that, but at the end of this story, as we read, we'll see that God does help him. 00:10:57.460 --> 00:11:01.879 God does comfort him and bring him out of his affliction. 00:11:04.000 --> 00:11:09.840 The last detail we get about the beggar is that the dogs licked his wounds. 00:11:11.100 --> 00:11:15.620 And there are a few people that see that as sort of a kindness given by the dogs. 00:11:16.000 --> 00:11:21.580 But most point out that these dogs were not your typical sweet puppy dog kind of dogs. 00:11:21.580 --> 00:11:27.620 No, the word used here is that of your mangy, wild, dirty street dog. 00:11:28.320 --> 00:11:33.540 And almost everywhere that dogs are mentioned in the Bible, it's a negative. 00:11:33.840 --> 00:11:35.060 They're a negative thing. 00:11:35.900 --> 00:11:40.940 And so not only is Lazarus completely neglected and ignored by the rich man, 00:11:40.940 --> 00:11:45.780 not only is he suffering with sores and some form of immobility perhaps, 00:11:46.100 --> 00:11:52.680 but he's harassed by the dirty creatures of the streets who poke and lick at him. 00:11:55.200 --> 00:11:57.980 Well, next comes the death of both men. 00:11:57.980 --> 00:12:01.899 Jesus says, verse 22, 00:12:01.899 --> 00:12:07.460 The time came when the beggar died, and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. 00:12:08.860 --> 00:12:12.960 The rich man also died and was buried. 00:12:14.340 --> 00:12:22.519 In Hades, where he was in torment, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. 00:12:22.519 --> 00:12:29.279 So Lazarus, the beggar, is carried to Abraham's side. 00:12:30.179 --> 00:12:32.399 Quite literally, Abraham's bosom. 00:12:33.439 --> 00:12:42.939 And it has been taught in the past that this was a technical term for the place that righteous saints of the Old Testament went to when they died. 00:12:43.740 --> 00:12:45.539 But actually, that's not accurate. 00:12:46.360 --> 00:12:51.120 This is the only mention of Abraham's bosom in the whole Bible. 00:12:51.120 --> 00:12:55.399 The bosom, of course, is the chest of a person. 00:12:56.220 --> 00:13:01.620 And so it carries with it that feeling of closeness and intimacy, 00:13:02.700 --> 00:13:05.220 of family or a close friend, 00:13:05.840 --> 00:13:07.720 of a hug, 00:13:08.700 --> 00:13:14.419 or an image of a head of a child resting on the chest of a father. 00:13:14.419 --> 00:13:23.179 I believe Jesus is using a metaphor when he says Abraham's bosom or Abraham's side. 00:13:23.519 --> 00:13:30.659 And the most important part of this metaphor is the name whose bosom or side Lazarus is carried to. 00:13:32.019 --> 00:13:33.319 And it's Abraham. 00:13:33.320 --> 00:13:33.400 Abraham. 00:13:34.920 --> 00:13:39.879 Just like with the name of Lazarus, Abraham is very significant here. 00:13:40.740 --> 00:13:43.980 Jesus could have just used another word for heaven. 00:13:44.740 --> 00:13:48.600 He will later use the word paradise with the thief on the cross. 00:13:48.600 --> 00:13:52.560 But what Jesus is saying is more than that. 00:13:53.560 --> 00:13:58.259 Not just that Lazarus went to the good place of the afterlife, 00:13:58.659 --> 00:14:02.700 but that he went to the same place as Abraham did. 00:14:03.840 --> 00:14:05.420 To Abraham's place. 00:14:05.500 --> 00:14:07.460 Even to Abraham's bosom. 00:14:07.460 --> 00:14:16.780 In other words, Lazarus is welcomed as a true son of Abraham in the same place that Abraham went to. 00:14:18.000 --> 00:14:19.940 And we know if we look back in the story, 00:14:20.100 --> 00:14:24.600 Abraham was counted as righteous because of his faith in God. 00:14:24.800 --> 00:14:28.580 He was promised all kinds of blessing from God. 00:14:29.379 --> 00:14:36.000 And so the point, I think, is that Lazarus is now receiving his share in that inheritance, 00:14:36.000 --> 00:14:40.440 that blessing like a true son of Abraham. 00:14:41.460 --> 00:14:45.259 He is there with Abraham in the place of the righteous, 00:14:45.500 --> 00:14:47.620 the place of those who are blessed by God. 00:14:50.419 --> 00:14:54.620 But the rich man does not go to Abraham's side. 00:14:55.559 --> 00:14:58.320 He finds himself in Hades. 00:14:59.580 --> 00:15:04.460 Now there's some discussion over whether Hades just means the realm of the dead 00:15:04.460 --> 00:15:08.240 and whether it refers to sort of both places. 00:15:09.639 --> 00:15:14.860 And there's also discussion of whether maybe Hades is just the bad place 00:15:14.860 --> 00:15:21.100 where the rich man went to and Abraham's side is the name for the other place. 00:15:22.120 --> 00:15:28.420 Whatever the case, it's clear that the rich man suddenly finds himself in a hell-like situation. 00:15:28.419 --> 00:15:33.379 In Hades, where he was in torment, 00:15:34.379 --> 00:15:39.519 he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side. 00:15:41.120 --> 00:15:42.459 So he called to him, 00:15:42.899 --> 00:15:44.979 Father Abraham, have pity on me 00:15:44.979 --> 00:15:49.159 and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water 00:15:49.159 --> 00:15:53.199 and cool my tongue because I'm in agony in this fire. 00:15:53.200 --> 00:16:01.420 And so the rich man is now in the place of agony, 00:16:01.580 --> 00:16:02.620 the place of torment, 00:16:02.620 --> 00:16:06.440 and the awfulness of his situation comes out again and again 00:16:06.440 --> 00:16:08.879 in the way that Jesus tells this. 00:16:09.520 --> 00:16:11.020 We see it in verse 23. 00:16:11.200 --> 00:16:13.000 In Hades, he was in torment. 00:16:13.960 --> 00:16:16.259 We hear it in his own words. 00:16:16.660 --> 00:16:18.060 Have pity on me. 00:16:19.360 --> 00:16:22.720 Cool my tongue because I'm in agony in this fire. 00:16:22.720 --> 00:16:25.399 Later on in verse 27, 00:16:25.600 --> 00:16:30.259 let Lazarus warn them so that they will not come to this place of torment. 00:16:32.519 --> 00:16:34.200 And back up in verse 25, 00:16:34.379 --> 00:16:36.680 I think these are some of the most haunting words of all. 00:16:37.740 --> 00:16:38.740 Abraham replied, 00:16:39.200 --> 00:16:43.040 Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things 00:16:43.040 --> 00:16:46.200 while Lazarus received bad things. 00:16:46.200 --> 00:16:52.639 But now he is comforted here and you are in agony. 00:16:52.720 --> 00:16:58.120 And here in these words of Abraham, 00:16:58.279 --> 00:17:02.060 I think we get the first big point of this parable 00:17:02.060 --> 00:17:06.579 and it's that the great reversal has come. 00:17:09.319 --> 00:17:10.640 And we've talked about this. 00:17:10.720 --> 00:17:12.279 We've heard Jesus talk about this. 00:17:12.380 --> 00:17:13.940 The great reversal is coming. 00:17:13.940 --> 00:17:18.920 We heard it back in the sermon in Luke chapter 6. 00:17:19.539 --> 00:17:21.240 Blessed are you who are poor, 00:17:21.779 --> 00:17:23.920 for yours is the kingdom of God. 00:17:24.840 --> 00:17:26.700 But woe to you who are rich, 00:17:26.960 --> 00:17:28.840 for you've already received your comfort. 00:17:30.920 --> 00:17:32.700 Blessed are you who hunger now, 00:17:33.240 --> 00:17:34.700 for you will be satisfied. 00:17:34.700 --> 00:17:38.160 And woe to you who are well fed now, 00:17:38.840 --> 00:17:40.340 for you will go hungry. 00:17:43.440 --> 00:17:45.299 Jesus declared that. 00:17:45.420 --> 00:17:47.660 The great reversal is coming. 00:17:49.160 --> 00:17:51.940 And really this parable of the rich man and Lazarus 00:17:51.940 --> 00:17:54.580 is Jesus giving us a very personal feel 00:17:54.580 --> 00:17:58.680 through story of what that reversal will be like 00:17:58.680 --> 00:18:00.440 when it happens. 00:18:00.440 --> 00:18:07.480 Those who had everything self-indulgently living for themselves 00:18:07.480 --> 00:18:10.220 and who ignored the suffering and affliction 00:18:10.220 --> 00:18:11.680 of others around them 00:18:11.680 --> 00:18:13.100 and refused to show mercy 00:18:13.100 --> 00:18:15.200 or to give to the needy, 00:18:15.279 --> 00:18:18.279 they will find themselves now suffering 00:18:18.279 --> 00:18:21.840 and afflicted in agony, 00:18:23.000 --> 00:18:26.019 wishing that God would take pity on them, 00:18:26.019 --> 00:18:29.160 but instead he will give to them what they deserve. 00:18:31.079 --> 00:18:34.680 The rich man finds himself in the position of Lazarus. 00:18:36.119 --> 00:18:41.240 And it's the punishment for his selfish, greedy, wicked life. 00:18:42.259 --> 00:18:44.319 And Lazarus, in a manner of speaking, 00:18:44.460 --> 00:18:47.200 finds himself in the position of the rich man, 00:18:47.240 --> 00:18:49.920 now having everything that he ever wanted. 00:18:50.619 --> 00:18:51.960 Blessed beyond measure. 00:18:51.960 --> 00:18:55.559 And I think it's implied 00:18:55.559 --> 00:18:58.180 that though he was poor and afflicted, 00:18:58.299 --> 00:19:00.000 he was a true son of Abraham 00:19:00.000 --> 00:19:02.539 and had faith like Abraham did. 00:19:04.420 --> 00:19:05.840 It's a powerful picture 00:19:05.840 --> 00:19:08.960 of what the great reversal will be like 00:19:08.960 --> 00:19:10.819 when God finally brings it about. 00:19:12.960 --> 00:19:14.680 But let's dig in a little more. 00:19:14.779 --> 00:19:15.720 Let's see a little more. 00:19:16.180 --> 00:19:18.779 Look at what the rich man says 00:19:18.779 --> 00:19:21.700 when he finds himself in hell. 00:19:22.779 --> 00:19:24.059 In verse 24, 00:19:24.720 --> 00:19:25.799 Father Abraham, 00:19:26.100 --> 00:19:27.779 have pity on me 00:19:27.779 --> 00:19:29.100 and send Lazarus 00:19:29.100 --> 00:19:31.279 to dip the tip of his finger in water 00:19:31.279 --> 00:19:32.240 and cool my tongue. 00:19:34.220 --> 00:19:36.360 Notice how he refers to Abraham. 00:19:36.940 --> 00:19:38.180 Father Abraham. 00:19:39.920 --> 00:19:43.380 He thinks he's on the wrong side of the chasm. 00:19:45.039 --> 00:19:48.299 He thinks of Abraham as his father. 00:19:48.420 --> 00:19:51.000 He considers himself a son of Abraham. 00:19:51.960 --> 00:19:54.620 And isn't that what many of the Jews 00:19:54.620 --> 00:19:57.799 and especially the Pharisees were guilty of? 00:19:58.660 --> 00:20:00.759 They saw themselves as heirs 00:20:00.759 --> 00:20:04.220 of all the promises that were made to Abraham 00:20:04.220 --> 00:20:07.319 simply because they were physically descended from him. 00:20:07.319 --> 00:20:12.919 But the appeal to Abraham as father doesn't work 00:20:12.919 --> 00:20:15.700 because this man proved 00:20:15.700 --> 00:20:19.200 that he was no son of Abraham 00:20:19.200 --> 00:20:20.559 in the way that he lived. 00:20:21.859 --> 00:20:23.339 He lived selfishly. 00:20:23.419 --> 00:20:24.480 He lived wickedly, 00:20:24.539 --> 00:20:27.379 without care for the needy around him. 00:20:28.899 --> 00:20:29.919 I mean, even in hell, 00:20:30.059 --> 00:20:31.639 the rich man seems to think that 00:20:31.639 --> 00:20:33.579 Lazarus should serve him. 00:20:33.579 --> 00:20:36.619 He's like, send him over to me with some water. 00:20:39.980 --> 00:20:41.960 I think the truth that comes out here 00:20:41.960 --> 00:20:43.159 is that having a parent 00:20:43.159 --> 00:20:44.819 or a grandparent 00:20:44.819 --> 00:20:47.259 or a relative with faith in God 00:20:47.259 --> 00:20:48.740 is not enough. 00:20:50.240 --> 00:20:52.179 Each of us must have our own 00:20:52.179 --> 00:20:55.720 personal relationship with God, 00:20:55.779 --> 00:20:59.000 our own personal faith in God 00:20:59.000 --> 00:21:01.200 in order to be saved. 00:21:03.079 --> 00:21:04.740 The true sons of Abraham, 00:21:05.220 --> 00:21:07.160 those who will inherit the blessings 00:21:07.160 --> 00:21:08.400 promised to Abraham, 00:21:08.799 --> 00:21:11.319 are those who have real faith 00:21:11.319 --> 00:21:14.240 in God like Abraham did. 00:21:16.319 --> 00:21:18.140 I mean, Paul says it clear as day 00:21:18.140 --> 00:21:21.460 in Galatians chapter 3, verse 7. 00:21:21.559 --> 00:21:21.920 He says, 00:21:21.920 --> 00:21:24.580 Understand then that those who have faith 00:21:24.580 --> 00:21:26.700 are children of Abraham. 00:21:28.640 --> 00:21:30.640 So those who rely on faith 00:21:30.640 --> 00:21:32.620 are blessed along with Abraham, 00:21:32.740 --> 00:21:33.620 the man of faith. 00:21:37.560 --> 00:21:39.820 And it's implied here in Jesus' story, 00:21:39.940 --> 00:21:41.259 but we know that this rich man 00:21:41.259 --> 00:21:43.460 did not have a genuine faith in God 00:21:43.460 --> 00:21:46.240 because look at how he lived. 00:21:48.080 --> 00:21:50.940 Walking by Lazarus day after day. 00:21:51.920 --> 00:21:53.340 Selfish, greedy, 00:21:53.740 --> 00:21:55.420 no love, no compassion. 00:21:58.060 --> 00:22:00.660 And it's sort of subtly implied later on 00:22:00.660 --> 00:22:02.340 towards the end of the parable. 00:22:03.259 --> 00:22:04.940 But this rich man all along 00:22:04.940 --> 00:22:06.320 had the words of God 00:22:06.320 --> 00:22:09.039 spoken through the law 00:22:09.039 --> 00:22:09.940 and the prophets, 00:22:10.620 --> 00:22:13.220 but he did not listen to them. 00:22:14.800 --> 00:22:16.779 And so he's now receiving 00:22:16.779 --> 00:22:18.700 what he deserves for his wickedness 00:22:18.700 --> 00:22:19.700 there in hell. 00:22:19.700 --> 00:22:22.940 I'll say it again. 00:22:23.819 --> 00:22:24.759 Having a parent 00:22:24.759 --> 00:22:26.779 or a grandparent 00:22:26.779 --> 00:22:28.420 or a relative 00:22:28.420 --> 00:22:29.700 with faith in God 00:22:29.700 --> 00:22:31.340 is not enough. 00:22:33.259 --> 00:22:34.319 Each of us 00:22:34.319 --> 00:22:35.620 must have our own 00:22:35.620 --> 00:22:37.840 personal faith in God. 00:22:38.519 --> 00:22:40.799 Our own personal relationship 00:22:40.799 --> 00:22:41.460 with God 00:22:41.460 --> 00:22:43.680 in order to be saved. 00:22:43.680 --> 00:22:46.799 And the proof 00:22:46.799 --> 00:22:48.460 that we did have faith in God 00:22:48.460 --> 00:22:49.200 will be seen 00:22:49.200 --> 00:22:50.880 in whether we obey God's word 00:22:50.880 --> 00:22:53.539 and live our lives 00:22:53.539 --> 00:22:55.519 in love 00:22:55.519 --> 00:22:57.640 and compassion 00:22:57.640 --> 00:22:58.519 and generosity. 00:23:02.299 --> 00:23:03.340 Well, another truth 00:23:03.340 --> 00:23:04.060 of this parable, 00:23:04.560 --> 00:23:05.940 and we've already touched 00:23:05.940 --> 00:23:06.820 on it a little bit, 00:23:07.460 --> 00:23:09.360 is that the punishment 00:23:09.360 --> 00:23:10.940 that God has in store 00:23:10.940 --> 00:23:11.559 for the wicked 00:23:11.559 --> 00:23:12.440 is terrible. 00:23:14.620 --> 00:23:16.259 And I already highlighted 00:23:16.259 --> 00:23:17.000 some of those 00:23:17.000 --> 00:23:19.580 emphases of Jesus 00:23:19.580 --> 00:23:21.100 in the passage. 00:23:21.320 --> 00:23:21.740 The words 00:23:21.740 --> 00:23:22.259 torment 00:23:22.259 --> 00:23:23.980 and agony 00:23:23.980 --> 00:23:25.680 and fire. 00:23:25.680 --> 00:23:30.480 And while I think 00:23:30.480 --> 00:23:31.340 this is a parable 00:23:31.340 --> 00:23:32.759 and doesn't necessarily 00:23:32.759 --> 00:23:33.920 describe the actual 00:23:33.920 --> 00:23:35.060 landscape of hell, 00:23:35.460 --> 00:23:36.519 I think Jesus 00:23:36.519 --> 00:23:37.820 does intend to convey 00:23:37.820 --> 00:23:38.720 that the place 00:23:38.720 --> 00:23:39.799 of punishment 00:23:39.799 --> 00:23:40.519 for the wicked 00:23:40.519 --> 00:23:42.560 is an awful place 00:23:42.560 --> 00:23:45.480 of conscious 00:23:45.480 --> 00:23:47.299 torment, 00:23:49.360 --> 00:23:49.960 anguish, 00:23:49.960 --> 00:23:51.940 and suffering. 00:23:54.640 --> 00:23:55.400 Yes, 00:23:55.779 --> 00:23:56.640 hell is 00:23:56.640 --> 00:23:57.660 a real outcome, 00:23:58.299 --> 00:23:59.960 a real place, 00:24:00.779 --> 00:24:02.880 a place of terrible 00:24:02.880 --> 00:24:03.759 punishment 00:24:03.759 --> 00:24:04.660 where people 00:24:04.660 --> 00:24:05.380 will go. 00:24:08.819 --> 00:24:09.880 And another 00:24:09.880 --> 00:24:11.019 truth that comes 00:24:11.019 --> 00:24:11.880 through in Jesus' 00:24:12.100 --> 00:24:12.460 words 00:24:12.460 --> 00:24:14.160 is that hell 00:24:14.160 --> 00:24:14.940 is forever. 00:24:17.400 --> 00:24:18.539 It's eternal. 00:24:18.539 --> 00:24:22.299 verse 26. 00:24:22.940 --> 00:24:23.879 We hear it in the words 00:24:23.879 --> 00:24:24.420 of Abraham 00:24:24.420 --> 00:24:25.460 to the rich man. 00:24:26.339 --> 00:24:27.279 And besides all this, 00:24:27.420 --> 00:24:28.079 between us 00:24:28.079 --> 00:24:28.579 and you 00:24:28.579 --> 00:24:29.480 a great chasm 00:24:29.480 --> 00:24:30.519 has been set in place 00:24:30.519 --> 00:24:31.099 so that those 00:24:31.099 --> 00:24:31.819 who want to go 00:24:31.819 --> 00:24:32.599 from here to you 00:24:32.599 --> 00:24:32.920 cannot, 00:24:33.680 --> 00:24:34.460 nor can anyone 00:24:34.460 --> 00:24:35.159 cross over 00:24:35.159 --> 00:24:35.799 from there 00:24:35.799 --> 00:24:36.779 to us. 00:24:38.599 --> 00:24:39.500 There is this 00:24:39.500 --> 00:24:41.000 uncrossable chasm 00:24:41.000 --> 00:24:42.139 or gulf 00:24:42.139 --> 00:24:43.480 between Hades 00:24:43.480 --> 00:24:44.920 and Abraham's 00:24:44.920 --> 00:24:45.259 side 00:24:45.259 --> 00:24:46.519 in the parable 00:24:46.519 --> 00:24:47.299 and it represents 00:24:47.299 --> 00:24:47.960 the truth 00:24:47.960 --> 00:24:48.640 that hell 00:24:48.640 --> 00:24:49.819 is permanent. 00:24:52.100 --> 00:24:53.380 It is a permanent 00:24:53.380 --> 00:24:55.460 final destination. 00:24:57.200 --> 00:24:58.340 It's a prison 00:24:58.340 --> 00:24:59.579 of punishment 00:24:59.579 --> 00:25:00.539 that can never 00:25:00.539 --> 00:25:01.480 be got out of. 00:25:04.299 --> 00:25:05.380 Once the great 00:25:05.380 --> 00:25:06.779 reversal takes place, 00:25:07.460 --> 00:25:08.340 our situations 00:25:08.340 --> 00:25:09.220 will never be 00:25:09.220 --> 00:25:10.019 reversed again. 00:25:10.019 --> 00:25:13.579 this is very much 00:25:13.579 --> 00:25:13.920 in line 00:25:13.920 --> 00:25:14.379 with what we 00:25:14.379 --> 00:25:15.119 heard from Jesus 00:25:15.119 --> 00:25:15.700 a little bit 00:25:15.700 --> 00:25:16.079 earlier 00:25:16.079 --> 00:25:17.160 in his teaching 00:25:17.160 --> 00:25:17.839 about the narrow 00:25:17.839 --> 00:25:18.220 door. 00:25:19.599 --> 00:25:20.519 How we must 00:25:20.519 --> 00:25:21.660 make every effort 00:25:21.660 --> 00:25:22.500 to enter through 00:25:22.500 --> 00:25:23.200 the narrow door 00:25:23.200 --> 00:25:24.220 while it's open 00:25:24.220 --> 00:25:26.039 because eventually 00:25:26.039 --> 00:25:27.019 the time is coming 00:25:27.019 --> 00:25:27.500 when God 00:25:27.500 --> 00:25:28.200 will close it 00:25:28.200 --> 00:25:30.759 and entrance 00:25:30.759 --> 00:25:31.319 will no longer 00:25:31.319 --> 00:25:32.000 be possible 00:25:32.000 --> 00:25:32.700 and it will be 00:25:32.700 --> 00:25:33.200 too late. 00:25:33.200 --> 00:25:36.860 the time 00:25:36.860 --> 00:25:37.600 to respond 00:25:37.600 --> 00:25:38.460 to God's 00:25:38.460 --> 00:25:38.840 mercy 00:25:38.840 --> 00:25:39.500 and grace 00:25:39.500 --> 00:25:40.460 is now. 00:25:43.259 --> 00:25:44.620 There will be a time 00:25:44.620 --> 00:25:45.500 when it's too late. 00:25:47.039 --> 00:25:47.380 Heaven 00:25:47.380 --> 00:25:48.559 and hell 00:25:48.559 --> 00:25:50.220 are forever. 00:25:50.220 --> 00:25:50.339 forever. 00:25:51.980 --> 00:25:52.839 And I know 00:25:52.839 --> 00:25:53.880 that that's a hard 00:25:53.880 --> 00:25:54.839 truth to accept. 00:25:55.000 --> 00:25:56.220 It's certainly 00:25:56.220 --> 00:25:57.039 not one that we 00:25:57.039 --> 00:25:58.259 like to dwell on. 00:25:59.819 --> 00:26:00.740 But it's what 00:26:00.740 --> 00:26:01.579 Jesus taught 00:26:01.579 --> 00:26:04.160 and what the rest 00:26:04.160 --> 00:26:04.660 of the Bible 00:26:04.660 --> 00:26:05.600 clearly teaches. 00:26:08.600 --> 00:26:09.720 We can wonder 00:26:09.720 --> 00:26:10.900 about the justness 00:26:10.900 --> 00:26:12.299 of an eternal 00:26:12.299 --> 00:26:13.299 place of punishment 00:26:13.299 --> 00:26:16.240 but God is the 00:26:16.240 --> 00:26:16.600 judge. 00:26:18.600 --> 00:26:19.759 He's the creator 00:26:19.759 --> 00:26:21.680 and we are the 00:26:21.680 --> 00:26:22.059 creature. 00:26:23.779 --> 00:26:24.480 Whether we 00:26:24.480 --> 00:26:25.339 understand just 00:26:25.339 --> 00:26:26.200 how sinful we 00:26:26.200 --> 00:26:26.819 have been or 00:26:26.819 --> 00:26:27.559 how wicked or 00:26:27.559 --> 00:26:28.319 corrupt we are 00:26:28.319 --> 00:26:28.960 or not, 00:26:29.680 --> 00:26:30.220 hell is what 00:26:30.220 --> 00:26:31.200 God himself 00:26:31.200 --> 00:26:32.140 gives warning 00:26:32.140 --> 00:26:32.440 of. 00:26:34.339 --> 00:26:35.119 And so we 00:26:35.119 --> 00:26:35.839 should take his 00:26:35.839 --> 00:26:36.759 gracious offer 00:26:36.759 --> 00:26:37.440 of salvation 00:26:37.440 --> 00:26:39.140 while it's on 00:26:39.140 --> 00:26:39.579 the table. 00:26:43.460 --> 00:26:44.400 Well, once the 00:26:44.400 --> 00:26:45.720 rich man realizes 00:26:45.720 --> 00:26:46.859 that his fate is 00:26:46.859 --> 00:26:47.980 sealed and 00:26:47.980 --> 00:26:48.879 cannot be changed, 00:26:48.960 --> 00:26:49.539 he begins to 00:26:49.539 --> 00:26:50.019 plead with 00:26:50.019 --> 00:26:51.659 Abraham to 00:26:51.659 --> 00:26:52.879 send Lazarus 00:26:52.879 --> 00:26:55.159 to tell his 00:26:55.159 --> 00:26:56.000 family who 00:26:56.000 --> 00:26:56.700 haven't died 00:26:56.700 --> 00:26:58.460 yet and warn 00:26:58.460 --> 00:27:02.200 them so that 00:27:02.200 --> 00:27:02.839 they won't end 00:27:02.839 --> 00:27:03.940 up there with 00:27:03.940 --> 00:27:04.899 him in hell. 00:27:07.379 --> 00:27:08.539 But Abraham's 00:27:08.539 --> 00:27:09.119 response is 00:27:09.119 --> 00:27:09.579 surprising, 00:27:09.680 --> 00:27:10.099 isn't it? 00:27:11.639 --> 00:27:12.899 In verse 29, 00:27:14.159 --> 00:27:14.940 Abraham replied, 00:27:14.940 --> 00:27:15.440 they have 00:27:15.440 --> 00:27:17.559 Moses and the 00:27:17.559 --> 00:27:18.080 prophets. 00:27:19.580 --> 00:27:20.320 Let them 00:27:20.320 --> 00:27:20.779 listen to 00:27:20.779 --> 00:27:21.100 them. 00:27:23.200 --> 00:27:23.960 In other 00:27:23.960 --> 00:27:24.519 words, God 00:27:24.519 --> 00:27:25.160 has given 00:27:25.160 --> 00:27:25.820 them warning, 00:27:26.640 --> 00:27:27.500 lots of it, 00:27:28.279 --> 00:27:29.600 1,500 years 00:27:29.600 --> 00:27:30.420 of warnings 00:27:30.420 --> 00:27:31.240 delivered by 00:27:31.240 --> 00:27:32.100 many men, 00:27:32.799 --> 00:27:33.180 Moses, 00:27:33.880 --> 00:27:34.320 David, 00:27:34.840 --> 00:27:35.220 Micah, 00:27:35.600 --> 00:27:36.059 Isaiah, 00:27:36.900 --> 00:27:37.460 Ezekiel, 00:27:37.640 --> 00:27:38.120 Jeremiah, 00:27:38.480 --> 00:27:39.259 and more. 00:27:39.259 --> 00:27:41.259 God has 00:27:41.259 --> 00:27:41.759 been speaking 00:27:41.759 --> 00:27:42.680 for centuries. 00:27:45.440 --> 00:27:46.119 He's been 00:27:46.119 --> 00:27:46.940 giving warning 00:27:46.940 --> 00:27:48.579 for centuries. 00:27:52.279 --> 00:27:53.000 And the 00:27:53.000 --> 00:27:53.740 words of God 00:27:53.740 --> 00:27:54.279 through all 00:27:54.279 --> 00:27:54.980 these men 00:27:54.980 --> 00:27:56.680 were enough 00:27:56.680 --> 00:27:57.579 to lead this 00:27:57.579 --> 00:27:58.279 rich man to 00:27:58.279 --> 00:27:59.039 true faith in 00:27:59.039 --> 00:28:01.400 God so that 00:28:01.400 --> 00:28:02.059 he didn't end 00:28:02.059 --> 00:28:03.039 up in hell. 00:28:03.039 --> 00:28:07.099 And so 00:28:07.099 --> 00:28:07.819 Abraham basically 00:28:07.819 --> 00:28:08.519 says, they 00:28:08.519 --> 00:28:09.720 already have 00:28:09.720 --> 00:28:11.000 received ample 00:28:11.000 --> 00:28:11.440 warning. 00:28:13.440 --> 00:28:14.319 But the rich 00:28:14.319 --> 00:28:14.859 man presses 00:28:14.859 --> 00:28:15.359 further. 00:28:15.659 --> 00:28:16.139 No, 00:28:16.599 --> 00:28:17.480 Father Abraham. 00:28:18.539 --> 00:28:19.460 I'm not sure 00:28:19.460 --> 00:28:20.220 what that means. 00:28:20.440 --> 00:28:21.139 Is it, no, 00:28:21.240 --> 00:28:21.700 that's not 00:28:21.700 --> 00:28:22.139 enough. 00:28:22.480 --> 00:28:23.599 Or don't 00:28:23.599 --> 00:28:24.279 say that. 00:28:25.399 --> 00:28:25.960 No, 00:28:26.119 --> 00:28:26.799 Father Abraham. 00:28:26.920 --> 00:28:27.460 But if someone 00:28:27.460 --> 00:28:28.279 from the dead 00:28:28.279 --> 00:28:29.399 goes to them, 00:28:29.460 --> 00:28:29.839 they will 00:28:29.839 --> 00:28:30.279 repent. 00:28:33.039 --> 00:28:34.559 In other 00:28:34.559 --> 00:28:34.759 words, 00:28:34.819 --> 00:28:35.200 they just 00:28:35.200 --> 00:28:35.539 need a 00:28:35.539 --> 00:28:36.399 great miracle 00:28:36.399 --> 00:28:37.079 to get 00:28:37.079 --> 00:28:37.319 their 00:28:37.319 --> 00:28:37.779 attention. 00:28:40.240 --> 00:28:40.960 And then 00:28:40.960 --> 00:28:41.180 they'll 00:28:41.180 --> 00:28:41.539 repent. 00:28:41.799 --> 00:28:42.279 Then they'll 00:28:42.279 --> 00:28:42.700 believe. 00:28:45.000 --> 00:28:45.659 And the 00:28:45.659 --> 00:28:46.159 final words 00:28:46.159 --> 00:28:46.639 of Abraham 00:28:46.639 --> 00:28:47.619 are jolting. 00:28:49.220 --> 00:28:49.619 He said 00:28:49.619 --> 00:28:49.980 to him, 00:28:50.559 --> 00:28:50.940 if they 00:28:50.940 --> 00:28:51.440 do not 00:28:51.440 --> 00:28:52.059 listen to 00:28:52.059 --> 00:28:53.180 Moses and 00:28:53.180 --> 00:28:53.839 the prophets, 00:28:54.259 --> 00:28:55.399 they will 00:28:55.399 --> 00:28:55.980 not be 00:28:55.980 --> 00:28:56.879 convinced even 00:28:56.879 --> 00:28:57.420 if someone 00:28:57.420 --> 00:28:58.159 rises from 00:28:58.159 --> 00:28:58.599 the dead. 00:29:03.039 --> 00:29:04.599 the condition 00:29:04.599 --> 00:29:04.980 of the 00:29:04.980 --> 00:29:05.700 human heart 00:29:05.700 --> 00:29:07.079 and mind 00:29:07.079 --> 00:29:07.859 is far 00:29:07.859 --> 00:29:08.619 worse than 00:29:08.619 --> 00:29:09.339 we realize. 00:29:10.639 --> 00:29:11.480 Sin has 00:29:11.480 --> 00:29:12.460 so corrupted 00:29:12.460 --> 00:29:13.299 our thinking 00:29:13.299 --> 00:29:14.859 and our 00:29:14.859 --> 00:29:15.279 judgment 00:29:15.279 --> 00:29:15.839 and our 00:29:15.839 --> 00:29:16.420 desires 00:29:16.420 --> 00:29:17.659 that an 00:29:17.659 --> 00:29:18.500 undeniable 00:29:18.500 --> 00:29:19.440 miracle of 00:29:19.440 --> 00:29:20.059 the greatest 00:29:20.059 --> 00:29:20.680 magnitude 00:29:20.680 --> 00:29:21.440 is not 00:29:21.440 --> 00:29:21.899 enough 00:29:21.899 --> 00:29:24.480 to soften 00:29:24.480 --> 00:29:25.279 an already 00:29:25.279 --> 00:29:26.180 unresponsive 00:29:26.180 --> 00:29:26.500 heart. 00:29:30.500 --> 00:29:31.159 This is 00:29:31.159 --> 00:29:31.720 something we 00:29:31.720 --> 00:29:32.279 need to 00:29:32.279 --> 00:29:32.779 chew on. 00:29:33.039 --> 00:29:35.200 Because in 00:29:35.200 --> 00:29:35.579 our minds 00:29:35.579 --> 00:29:35.960 we have 00:29:35.960 --> 00:29:36.539 that question, 00:29:36.639 --> 00:29:36.980 don't we? 00:29:37.259 --> 00:29:37.940 Why is it 00:29:37.940 --> 00:29:38.379 that some 00:29:38.379 --> 00:29:39.399 reject God 00:29:39.399 --> 00:29:41.539 and will 00:29:41.539 --> 00:29:42.139 end up in 00:29:42.139 --> 00:29:42.379 hell? 00:29:43.960 --> 00:29:44.579 And I 00:29:44.579 --> 00:29:44.899 think at 00:29:44.899 --> 00:29:45.359 least part 00:29:45.359 --> 00:29:45.579 of the 00:29:45.579 --> 00:29:46.099 answer is 00:29:46.099 --> 00:29:46.599 here in 00:29:46.599 --> 00:29:47.079 these words 00:29:47.079 --> 00:29:47.619 of Jesus. 00:29:51.700 --> 00:29:52.200 Somewhat 00:29:52.200 --> 00:29:52.680 ironically, 00:29:52.879 --> 00:29:53.759 this is how 00:29:53.759 --> 00:29:54.220 the very 00:29:54.220 --> 00:29:54.879 story of 00:29:54.879 --> 00:29:55.839 Jesus plays 00:29:55.839 --> 00:29:56.159 out. 00:29:56.799 --> 00:29:57.519 He's already 00:29:57.519 --> 00:29:58.319 done so 00:29:58.319 --> 00:29:59.039 many signs 00:29:59.039 --> 00:29:59.859 and miracles. 00:30:01.960 --> 00:30:02.639 Things of 00:30:02.640 --> 00:30:03.560 great power 00:30:03.560 --> 00:30:04.720 and authority 00:30:04.720 --> 00:30:05.900 and yet 00:30:05.900 --> 00:30:06.500 many of 00:30:06.500 --> 00:30:06.940 the people 00:30:06.940 --> 00:30:07.740 are stubborn 00:30:07.740 --> 00:30:08.340 hearted 00:30:08.340 --> 00:30:09.720 and refuse 00:30:09.720 --> 00:30:10.380 to listen. 00:30:12.540 --> 00:30:13.100 Later, 00:30:13.259 --> 00:30:13.540 he will 00:30:13.540 --> 00:30:14.080 raise a 00:30:14.080 --> 00:30:14.759 real man 00:30:14.759 --> 00:30:15.240 named 00:30:15.240 --> 00:30:15.980 Lazarus 00:30:15.980 --> 00:30:17.259 from the 00:30:17.259 --> 00:30:17.560 dead. 00:30:19.480 --> 00:30:20.280 And what's 00:30:20.280 --> 00:30:20.759 the next 00:30:20.759 --> 00:30:21.240 thing that 00:30:21.240 --> 00:30:21.640 the Jewish 00:30:21.640 --> 00:30:22.200 Sanhedrin 00:30:22.200 --> 00:30:22.640 will do? 00:30:23.080 --> 00:30:23.800 We got to 00:30:23.800 --> 00:30:24.120 kill him. 00:30:25.120 --> 00:30:25.940 They started 00:30:25.940 --> 00:30:26.440 to plot 00:30:26.440 --> 00:30:26.940 to kill 00:30:26.940 --> 00:30:27.160 him. 00:30:27.160 --> 00:30:30.240 not 00:30:30.240 --> 00:30:30.740 Lazarus, 00:30:30.820 --> 00:30:31.300 but Jesus. 00:30:33.140 --> 00:30:33.820 And so 00:30:33.820 --> 00:30:34.380 Jesus is 00:30:34.380 --> 00:30:34.700 right. 00:30:35.820 --> 00:30:36.380 Witnessing 00:30:36.380 --> 00:30:36.960 the greatest 00:30:36.960 --> 00:30:37.720 of miracles 00:30:37.720 --> 00:30:38.500 by itself 00:30:38.500 --> 00:30:38.900 is not 00:30:38.900 --> 00:30:39.300 enough. 00:30:41.820 --> 00:30:42.840 A person 00:30:42.840 --> 00:30:43.740 must soften 00:30:43.740 --> 00:30:44.259 their heart 00:30:44.259 --> 00:30:44.800 to God 00:30:44.800 --> 00:30:46.660 and must 00:30:46.660 --> 00:30:47.340 listen to 00:30:47.340 --> 00:30:47.920 the words 00:30:47.920 --> 00:30:48.519 that he's 00:30:48.519 --> 00:30:48.940 already 00:30:48.940 --> 00:30:49.420 spoken. 00:30:53.060 --> 00:30:53.560 Now, 00:30:53.640 --> 00:30:53.860 of course, 00:30:53.920 --> 00:30:54.340 that doesn't 00:30:54.340 --> 00:30:54.900 mean that we 00:30:54.900 --> 00:30:55.480 shouldn't point 00:30:55.480 --> 00:30:55.940 people to 00:30:55.940 --> 00:30:56.420 the miracles 00:30:56.420 --> 00:30:57.079 of Jesus 00:30:57.079 --> 00:30:57.620 and tell 00:30:57.620 --> 00:30:58.099 them about 00:30:58.099 --> 00:30:58.319 him. 00:30:59.660 --> 00:31:00.420 The Apostle 00:31:00.420 --> 00:31:01.039 John himself 00:31:01.039 --> 00:31:01.599 said that he 00:31:01.599 --> 00:31:02.180 put all 00:31:02.180 --> 00:31:02.860 these signs 00:31:02.860 --> 00:31:03.680 in the 00:31:03.680 --> 00:31:04.339 gospel that 00:31:04.339 --> 00:31:04.680 he wrote 00:31:04.680 --> 00:31:05.180 so that 00:31:05.180 --> 00:31:05.980 we might 00:31:05.980 --> 00:31:06.460 believe. 00:31:07.400 --> 00:31:08.220 And that by 00:31:08.220 --> 00:31:08.819 believing we 00:31:08.819 --> 00:31:09.240 might have 00:31:09.240 --> 00:31:09.620 life. 00:31:15.960 --> 00:31:16.579 But I 00:31:16.579 --> 00:31:16.860 think it 00:31:16.860 --> 00:31:17.480 does highlight 00:31:17.480 --> 00:31:18.160 the urgency 00:31:18.160 --> 00:31:18.779 of things. 00:31:19.839 --> 00:31:20.700 We need 00:31:20.700 --> 00:31:21.319 to respond 00:31:21.319 --> 00:31:22.019 to God's 00:31:22.019 --> 00:31:22.579 words which 00:31:22.579 --> 00:31:23.000 he has 00:31:23.000 --> 00:31:23.400 spoken, 00:31:24.180 --> 00:31:24.640 which we 00:31:24.640 --> 00:31:25.120 have. 00:31:25.480 --> 00:31:26.360 Now, 00:31:27.799 --> 00:31:28.180 while we 00:31:28.180 --> 00:31:28.360 have 00:31:28.360 --> 00:31:29.000 opportunity. 00:31:31.059 --> 00:31:31.839 What God 00:31:31.839 --> 00:31:32.339 has said 00:31:32.339 --> 00:31:32.980 through Moses, 00:31:33.200 --> 00:31:33.500 through the 00:31:33.500 --> 00:31:33.880 prophets, 00:31:34.079 --> 00:31:34.420 and then 00:31:34.420 --> 00:31:35.259 through his 00:31:35.259 --> 00:31:36.839 son is 00:31:36.839 --> 00:31:37.240 enough 00:31:37.240 --> 00:31:39.440 that we 00:31:39.440 --> 00:31:39.779 would be 00:31:39.779 --> 00:31:40.200 saved 00:31:40.200 --> 00:31:43.019 from hell. 00:31:44.099 --> 00:31:44.720 That we 00:31:44.720 --> 00:31:45.279 would be at 00:31:45.279 --> 00:31:45.640 the place 00:31:45.640 --> 00:31:45.940 that we 00:31:45.940 --> 00:31:46.299 want to 00:31:46.299 --> 00:31:46.400 be, 00:31:46.480 --> 00:31:46.799 the place 00:31:46.799 --> 00:31:47.420 where Abraham 00:31:47.420 --> 00:31:47.839 is going 00:31:47.839 --> 00:31:48.180 to be. 00:31:52.079 --> 00:31:52.759 The kingdom 00:31:52.759 --> 00:31:53.339 of God, 00:31:53.579 --> 00:31:53.839 heaven, 00:31:54.200 --> 00:31:54.519 there are 00:31:54.519 --> 00:31:54.960 many names 00:31:54.960 --> 00:31:55.380 for it. 00:31:56.940 --> 00:31:57.759 This parable 00:31:57.759 --> 00:31:58.380 is a sober 00:31:58.380 --> 00:31:58.819 warning. 00:31:59.819 --> 00:32:00.400 And it 00:32:00.400 --> 00:32:00.880 comes in a 00:32:00.880 --> 00:32:01.460 chapter where 00:32:01.460 --> 00:32:02.079 Jesus has 00:32:02.079 --> 00:32:02.579 already said 00:32:02.579 --> 00:32:03.240 a lot about 00:32:03.240 --> 00:32:05.279 money and 00:32:05.279 --> 00:32:06.079 worldly wealth. 00:32:08.100 --> 00:32:08.960 Just back up 00:32:08.960 --> 00:32:09.680 in verse 13, 00:32:09.779 --> 00:32:10.039 he said, 00:32:10.039 --> 00:32:10.680 no one can 00:32:10.680 --> 00:32:11.740 serve two 00:32:11.740 --> 00:32:12.299 masters. 00:32:12.299 --> 00:32:14.259 Either you 00:32:14.259 --> 00:32:14.639 will hate 00:32:14.639 --> 00:32:15.000 the one 00:32:15.000 --> 00:32:15.359 and love 00:32:15.359 --> 00:32:15.819 the other, 00:32:16.519 --> 00:32:17.480 or you 00:32:17.480 --> 00:32:17.759 will be 00:32:17.759 --> 00:32:18.359 devoted to 00:32:18.359 --> 00:32:18.720 the one 00:32:18.720 --> 00:32:19.539 and despise 00:32:19.539 --> 00:32:20.000 the other. 00:32:20.579 --> 00:32:21.420 You cannot 00:32:21.420 --> 00:32:23.159 serve both 00:32:23.159 --> 00:32:24.420 God 00:32:24.420 --> 00:32:25.619 and money. 00:32:25.619 --> 00:32:25.659 money. 00:32:28.339 --> 00:32:29.179 This is a 00:32:29.179 --> 00:32:29.879 sober warning 00:32:29.879 --> 00:32:30.919 of what 00:32:30.919 --> 00:32:31.459 will be 00:32:31.459 --> 00:32:33.599 for any 00:32:33.599 --> 00:32:33.979 who do 00:32:33.979 --> 00:32:34.619 not choose 00:32:34.619 --> 00:32:35.139 to worship 00:32:35.139 --> 00:32:36.339 and serve 00:32:36.339 --> 00:32:36.719 God. 00:32:38.979 --> 00:32:39.759 For any 00:32:39.759 --> 00:32:40.439 who instead 00:32:40.439 --> 00:32:41.259 choose to 00:32:41.259 --> 00:32:42.419 worship and 00:32:42.419 --> 00:32:43.039 serve themselves 00:32:43.039 --> 00:32:44.039 and to go 00:32:44.039 --> 00:32:44.859 after the 00:32:44.859 --> 00:32:45.239 stuff of 00:32:45.239 --> 00:32:45.759 this world 00:32:45.759 --> 00:32:46.439 and amass 00:32:46.439 --> 00:32:47.019 wealth. 00:32:49.599 --> 00:32:50.519 It brings 00:32:50.519 --> 00:32:50.979 us to that 00:32:50.979 --> 00:32:53.000 question of 00:32:53.000 --> 00:32:54.279 who or what 00:32:54.279 --> 00:32:54.859 we are living 00:32:54.859 --> 00:32:55.259 for. 00:32:57.160 --> 00:32:57.899 The most 00:32:57.899 --> 00:32:58.460 important of 00:32:58.460 --> 00:32:58.920 questions. 00:33:02.259 --> 00:33:03.180 Who am I 00:33:03.180 --> 00:33:03.519 serving? 00:33:04.879 --> 00:33:05.740 What am I 00:33:05.740 --> 00:33:06.279 doing with 00:33:06.279 --> 00:33:06.819 my life? 00:33:10.980 --> 00:33:11.799 Will I 00:33:11.799 --> 00:33:12.259 heed the 00:33:12.259 --> 00:33:13.000 words of 00:33:13.000 --> 00:33:13.519 God's one 00:33:13.519 --> 00:33:13.859 and only 00:33:13.859 --> 00:33:15.500 son, the 00:33:15.500 --> 00:33:16.240 warning sent 00:33:16.240 --> 00:33:16.779 from heaven? 00:33:20.379 --> 00:33:21.119 Am I 00:33:21.119 --> 00:33:21.799 prepared for 00:33:21.799 --> 00:33:22.379 that great 00:33:22.379 --> 00:33:22.819 reversal? 00:33:24.279 --> 00:33:24.839 That God 00:33:24.839 --> 00:33:25.139 is going 00:33:25.139 --> 00:33:25.559 to bring? 00:33:31.500 --> 00:33:31.899 Let's 00:33:31.899 --> 00:33:32.139 pray. 00:33:37.819 --> 00:33:38.379 Father in 00:33:38.379 --> 00:33:38.759 heaven, we 00:33:38.759 --> 00:33:39.319 ask that you 00:33:39.319 --> 00:33:41.379 would cause 00:33:41.379 --> 00:33:41.980 these words 00:33:41.980 --> 00:33:43.279 to pierce 00:33:43.279 --> 00:33:44.099 deeply and 00:33:44.099 --> 00:33:44.899 penetrate deeply 00:33:44.899 --> 00:33:45.359 into our 00:33:45.359 --> 00:33:45.740 hearts. 00:33:46.079 --> 00:33:46.680 That you 00:33:46.680 --> 00:33:47.000 would bring 00:33:47.000 --> 00:33:47.619 great fruit 00:33:47.619 --> 00:33:48.099 from them. 00:33:48.099 --> 00:33:52.199 if we've 00:33:52.199 --> 00:33:52.639 already 00:33:52.639 --> 00:33:55.059 embraced you 00:33:55.059 --> 00:33:55.619 in faith 00:33:55.619 --> 00:33:57.579 and are 00:33:57.579 --> 00:33:58.019 headed for 00:33:58.019 --> 00:33:58.519 heaven, then 00:33:58.519 --> 00:33:59.059 we ask that 00:33:59.059 --> 00:33:59.379 you would 00:33:59.379 --> 00:33:59.919 stir us 00:33:59.919 --> 00:34:00.939 even more 00:34:00.939 --> 00:34:01.379 deeply 00:34:01.379 --> 00:34:03.179 to hold 00:34:03.179 --> 00:34:03.539 out your 00:34:03.539 --> 00:34:03.980 words of 00:34:03.980 --> 00:34:04.459 life to 00:34:04.459 --> 00:34:05.000 those who 00:34:05.000 --> 00:34:05.480 haven't 00:34:05.480 --> 00:34:06.079 heard yet 00:34:06.079 --> 00:34:08.480 or who 00:34:08.480 --> 00:34:09.179 are still 00:34:09.179 --> 00:34:11.719 teetering on 00:34:11.719 --> 00:34:12.219 the edge. 00:34:12.219 --> 00:34:15.779 fill us 00:34:15.779 --> 00:34:15.939 with 00:34:15.939 --> 00:34:16.500 compassion. 00:34:17.179 --> 00:34:17.500 Fill us 00:34:17.500 --> 00:34:18.059 with love. 00:34:18.959 --> 00:34:19.279 Help us 00:34:19.279 --> 00:34:19.839 to see 00:34:19.839 --> 00:34:20.779 the 00:34:20.779 --> 00:34:21.319 Lazaruses 00:34:21.319 --> 00:34:22.139 around us. 00:34:26.159 --> 00:34:26.779 Go to 00:34:26.779 --> 00:34:27.119 work in 00:34:27.119 --> 00:34:27.419 us, we 00:34:27.419 --> 00:34:27.959 pray, Lord, 00:34:28.500 --> 00:34:28.899 by your 00:34:28.899 --> 00:34:29.500 Holy Spirit. 00:34:30.779 --> 00:34:31.500 In Jesus' 00:34:31.699 --> 00:34:31.879 name, 00:34:32.679 --> 00:34:32.959 amen. 00:34:32.959 --> 00:34:33.119 Amen. 00:34:33.119 --> 00:34:33.299 Amen. 00:34:33.299 --> 00:34:33.939 Amen. 00:34:33.939 --> 00:34:34.319 Amen. 00:34:34.319 --> 00:34:34.679 Amen. 00:34:34.679 --> 00:34:35.079 Amen. 00:34:35.079 --> 00:34:35.319 Amen. 00:34:35.319 --> 00:34:35.659 Amen. 00:34:35.659 --> 00:34:36.039 Amen. 00:34:36.039 --> 00:34:36.399 Amen. 00:34:36.399 --> 00:34:37.000 Amen. 00:34:37.000 --> 00:34:37.259 Amen. 00:34:37.259 --> 00:34:37.459 Amen. 00:34:37.459 --> 00:34:37.919 Amen. 00:34:37.919 --> 00:34:38.099 Amen. 00:34:38.099 --> 00:34:38.439 Amen. 00:34:38.439 --> 00:34:39.019 Amen. 00:34:39.019 --> 00:34:39.239 Amen. 00:34:39.239 --> 00:34:39.539 Amen. 00:34:39.539 --> 00:34:40.119 Amen. 00:34:40.119 --> 00:34:41.059 Amen. 00:34:41.059 --> 00:34:41.199 Amen. 00:34:41.199 --> 00:34:41.419 Amen. 00:34:41.419 --> 00:34:42.199 Amen.