I have never studied the parable of Lazarus and the rich man in any detail (yet).
I have been pondering the parable for a few days in my own mind, and have found that (as usual for me); I have a different view than 99% of: professing 'christendom' (even at this early stage). (Which is typically a good thing).
One thing that stands out to me right off the bat (and which I have never heard anyone else mention) is why do you think the rich man asks Lazarus to (specifically) cool his tongue? :flamebreath:
Any thoughts would be welcome. :HeartThrob:
Interesting reading.
Just a few thoughts.
Rich man is away from Abraham.
Lazarus is in Abraham's bosom.
One of the descriptions of the bosom is a garment with a hollow front point bound by a girdle or sash, used for keeping or carrying things. That linked with the concept of close to Abraham makes the bond more effective.
For the rich man- the finger dipped in water seems to be symbol of being thirsty for God's presence- ergo separated from God. He wants help from Lazarus, not God, called out to father Abraham.
The chasm has no escape, or personal cross. Points out no one can come to the rich man nor can he cross over himself.
Seems to point towards the only way to cross the abyss is through Abraham's line- Christ.
Lazarus is depicted as being outside the camp like Hebrews 13:12-14
Reinforces Romans 9:11
For the children,
Not yet being born,
Neither having done any good or evil,
That the purpose of God might stand according to election,
Not of works
But of Him that calls. "
Rich man also like the flesh, Lazarus the spirit.
2 Corinthians 3:14,15
" their minds were closed: for to this day the same veil remains when they hear the old Covenant read: it has not been removed because ONLY IN CHRIST is it taken away.
But to this day whenever Moses is read a veil lies over their minds, but when one turns to the Lord the veil is removed. "
Romans 10:3 " For ignoring the righteousness that comes from God and seeking to establish their own they did not submit themselves to the righteousness that comes from God. "
A bit separate, but interesting offshoot.
Colossians 2:18,19 (amplified version)
Let no one defraud you of your freedom in Christ and your salvation by INSISTING on mock humility and the worship of angels: going into detail about visions he has seen to justify his authority, puffed up in conceit by his " unspiritual " mind and not holding fast to the head of the body, Jesus Christ, from Whom the ENTIRE body, supplied and knit together by it's joints and ligament, grows with the growth that can only come from God. "
Just musing. Amazing what can pop out from musing.
C.U
Thanks for sharing your thoughts Ross. - Gives me more to ponder. :gimmefive:
I'm still studying this parable (which seems to me) is mainly about adultery (in the sense of preferring (mainly) money over God) and directed (mainly) towards the Pharisees (fond of money) (Luke 16:20).
The tongue... Maybe to do with giving account for every idle word spoken?
Because (as we know); the tongue corrupts the whole body. :flamebreath: (A world of injustice!) :eek:
"And the tongue is a fire, a world of injustice. The tongue is set among our members, staining the whole body, setting on fire the course of life, and itself set on fire by gehenna." (James 3:6)
So the rich man's whole body was: 'stained' due to his tongue (mainly) perhaps? (I'm not sure how that ties in specifically with: 'money' (or adultery) at this point though)...
It's possible that the Rich man asking Abraham to send Lazarus to cool his tongue is to do with his feeling of himself superior over the poorer man (making a servant of him)... But I don't know if that is accurate...?
I need more understanding before I add anything else!
Some people reckon Lazarus is Jesus and the: 'dogs licking the wounds' are to do with Jesus' wounds etc.
Any more thoughts on this would be really helpful anyone?
There's a good article on this site that describes the parable as being about the Jewish religious elite about to lose their position of privilege, Lazarus being the Gentiles about to be grafted in and "take their place" regarding salvation for a season (until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in). https://tentmaker.org/articles/Lazarus-byHuie.htm
Quote from: jabcat on October 07, 2025, 08:54:30 AM
There's a good article on this site that describes the parable as being about the Jewish religious elite about to lose their position of privilege, Lazarus being the Gentiles about to be grafted in and "take their place" regarding salvation for a season (until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in). https://tentmaker.org/articles/Lazarus-byHuie.htm
I agree with that due to the cambric and purple (etc).
Yes, they regarded Abraham as their father, but as John pointed out: God could make descendents of Abraham out of rocks if He wanted.
So much going on in this parable...
Thank you for the link, I will read it soon!
Adultery is indeed marrying/relying on anything other than Christ.
For this reason the man is to leave his parents, the flesh, to marry Christ. Ephesians 5:30-32
Quote from: Ross on October 07, 2025, 03:20:44 PM
Adultery is indeed marrying/relying on anything other than Christ.
For this reason the man is to leave his parents, the flesh, to marry Christ. Ephesians 5:30-32
Yes!
I think, (at it's core); this parable is simply about how recognizing true wealth...
...How roles get reversed
(the lies of the world) when faced with God/Truth. (Great reversal).
(The rich man should have invested wisely (i.e. in God) and not the: 'world'). He comes to 'regret'.
Jesus pointed out how hard it was for a rich man to enter the Kingdom
(seeing that they they are independent to a degree (having earthly abundance) and more likely to get distracted by their money/power (etc)). (And thus become: 'adulterers').Jesus gave a lot of warnings... No-one can say they were not warned for sure...
(Yet the rich man asks that his family be warned).
The fire will burn up all the chaff/rubbish unquenchable (until there is not a trace left).
The thought of being in a perpetually-perfected state sure sounds like paradise to me, - yet quite a journey to get there...
ESPECIALLY if one is
'rich' by wordly standards, because (again); they typically have more potential for lusts/bad-habits/battles with the ego (due to power/influence/standing (etc)) and temptations (etc)...
...That means more fire. :eek:
:Pray:
...No wonder the prayer is: 'render us our daily bread' (only that which we need to sustain us). ...I think that's the main point, - to be wary of seeking or trusting in the 'dubiousness' of riches (or
ANYTHING contrary to God) (which cannot: 'buy' heaven).
As you say Ross... To stay: 'faithful' as: 'bride' to our husband (Christ), which brings REAL and LASTING 'riches' -peace/joy/contentment (etc) now AND forever.
Lastly; there is the contrast of the: 'poor' man's
(those who had it rough in this life (but who were spiritually rich)) re-assuring-reward in the Kingdom of the Heavens.
JAMES 51 Come now, you rich, lament, howling for your wretchedness which is coming on you!
2 Your riches have rotted and your garments have become food for moths.
3 Your gold and silver corrode and their venom will be for a testimony against you, and the venom will be eating your flesh as fire. You hoard in the last days.
4 Lo! the wage of the workers, who mow your country places, which has been withheld by you, is crying, and the imploring of the reapers has entered into the ears of the Lord of hosts.
5 You luxuriate on the earth, and squander. You nourish your hearts as in a day of slaughter.
1 Timothy 6:17Command those who are rich in this present age not to be arrogant nor to put their hope in wealth, which is so uncertain, but to put their hope in God, who richly provides us with everything for our enjoyment.
The rich man wanting to warn his brothers similar to the Pharisees and the scribes.
Matthew 23:13
But woe to you experts in the law and you Pharisees,
Hypocrits!
You keep locking people out of heaven! For you neither enter nor permit those trying to go in enter. "
Jesus told Peter in John 21:22
" If I wanted him to live until I return, what is that to you?"
Hebrews 12:17 about Esau found no opportunity for repentance, although he sought the blessing with tears.
Seems to point out that the flesh tries everything.
Similar Pharisees not on their teaching, but their warning others.
Peter looking at others and their works not his own.
Esau selling his rights and trying to reclaim under his efforts.
Quote from: GodSavesAll on October 07, 2025, 01:45:46 PM
Quote from: jabcat on October 07, 2025, 08:54:30 AM
There's a good article on this site that describes the parable as being about the Jewish religious elite about to lose their position of privilege, Lazarus being the Gentiles about to be grafted in and "take their place" regarding salvation for a season (until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in). https://tentmaker.org/articles/Lazarus-byHuie.htm
I agree with that due to the cambric and purple (etc).
Yes, they regarded Abraham as their father, but as John pointed out: God could make descendents of Abraham out of rocks if He wanted.
So much going on in this parable...
Thank you for the link, I will read it soon!
:gimmefive:
Quote from: jabcat on October 08, 2025, 08:25:57 AM
Quote from: GodSavesAll on October 07, 2025, 01:45:46 PM
Quote from: jabcat on October 07, 2025, 08:54:30 AM
There's a good article on this site that describes the parable as being about the Jewish religious elite about to lose their position of privilege, Lazarus being the Gentiles about to be grafted in and "take their place" regarding salvation for a season (until the fullness of the Gentiles comes in). https://tentmaker.org/articles/Lazarus-byHuie.htm
I agree with that due to the cambric and purple (etc).
Yes, they regarded Abraham as their father, but as John pointed out: God could make descendents of Abraham out of rocks if He wanted.
So much going on in this parable...
Thank you for the link, I will read it soon!
:gimmefive:
I love the written analysis of The Parable Of The Rich Man And Lazarus you shared with me.
https://tentmaker.org/articles/Lazarus-byHuie.htm
I am really impressed with it.
Thank you for sharing it. :gimmefive:
Quote from: Ross on October 08, 2025, 08:19:31 AM
Similar Pharisees not on their teaching, but their warning others.
Peter looking at others and their works not his own.
Esau selling his rights and trying to reclaim under his efforts.
:iagree: Everything just 'fits'.