How Does Being Rich or Poor Influence Our Eternal Destination?
Jesus describes a scenario in Luke 16:19-31 that is often used as strong evidence for eternal torture and paradise. However, there is more to this parable than initially meets the eye. Is this a true story, or is it a teaching tool, since Jesus mentions the beggar by name – Lazarus? Interestingly, Jesus had previously raised His friend Lazarus from the dead; could this be the same man? Let’s examine the scripture in more detail.
We learn about the rich man in verses 19 and 25: “Now there was a certain rich man who was habitually dressed in expensive purple and fine linen, and celebrated and lived joyously in splendor every day.” and “Remember that in your lifetime you received your good things.” In contrast, Lazarus is described in verses 20-21: “And a poor man named Lazarus, was laid at his gate, covered with sores. He eagerly longed to eat the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Even the dogs came and licked his sores.”
Jesus had set the stage with the parables of the prodigal son (15:11-32) and the unjust steward (16:1-13), highlighting the significance of financial responsibility and spiritual priorities, and now drives this point home with the poignant parable of Lazarus and the rich man. He directly addresses the Pharisees, condemning their love of money (v14). They were resentful about God’s mercy toward gentiles who didn’t obey the Law of Moses (15:28-30). Jesus emphasizes that God desires our hearts, not just outward obedience (16:15).
The rich man’s clothing – expensive purple and fine linen – symbolizes the two tribes in Jerusalem: Judah (King David’s tribe, associated with purple) and the Levites/priests (wearing fine linen). Judah’s mother Leah had six sons with Jacob, giving him five blood brothers (Genesis 29:31-35, 30:18-19). The ten tribes of the Northern kingdom were taken into captivity, but Judah and the Levites returned and rebuilt the Temple and city wall (Ezra and Nehemiah). They lived a rich life, possessing the Word of God and His promises.
Lazarus, however, resembled poor gentiles seeking crumbs from the “Jewish table” (Matthew 15:22-28). His name, meaning “God is my help” (from the Hebrew: אלעזר, Elʿāzār, Eleazar ), references Abraham’s servant Eleazar (Genesis 15:2). Jesus’ audience knew the significance of this name, recognizing Eleazar was not the heir to the promises, but Isaac was.
Both men died, and the beggar went to Abraham’s bosom (paradise/heaven), while the rich man went to Hades (the resting place of the dead). Why the difference? Was one a sinner and the other not? Why assume the rich man deserves Hades/Hell and Lazarus does not? What did Lazarus do to deserve ‘heavenly bliss’?
Taking the story literally raises questions:
- Are Heaven and Hell adjacent, divided by a gulf?
- Why is the rich man’s tongue alone tormented?
- Why should the one be represented as having eyes and a tongue, and the other fingers?
In verse 14, we see the Pharisees’ response: “Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, were listening to all these things and were sneering and ridiculing Him.” The Bible offers stern warnings about the tongue’s destructive power, particularly in James 3:1-12, which addresses the teaching tongue, and in Proverbs 18:21, 21:23, and Psalm 12:2-4. The Greek word “basanos” (v24 & v27 – torment) means “touchstone” (https://biblehub.com/greek/931.htm) referring to refining and testing (1 Corinthians 3:12-15). Jesus wants His audience to understand their future, identifying with the rich man. They were materially rich, but soon their spiritual poverty would be exposed.
Luke 16:19-31 isn’t a literal description of heaven and hell but a call to repentance and heart transformation. The parable challenges us to reevaluate our priorities and seek God’s truth. In verse 31, Jesus prophesies about His own resurrection, not Lazarus’. The Jews would reject Him, and Jerusalem would be destroyed. God would take away the Temple and the Ark of the Covenant, leaving them spiritual beggars. Meanwhile, Saul (Paul) would spread God’s spiritual blessings to the nations.
Just as Christ prophesied, “…neither will they be persuaded if someone should be rising from among the dead.”