Jesus’ parable prods us to consider who we listen to, and who we notice as we go through our daily decisions.
Worship this weekend
Saturday — 5:00 p.m. Worship in Chapel
Sunday — 8:30 a.m. Traditional Worship
9:30 a.m. Sunday School, Adult Class and fellowship time
10:30 a.m. Contemporary Worship
Parable: A Rich Man Ignores Lazarus
March 10, 2013
Luke 16:19-31
Key Verse: “[Abraham] said to him, ‘If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.’” Luke 16:31
Time: 27-30 C.E.
Since Last Week: Jesus continued to teach in parables. These parables and teachings indicated that people’s hearts would be measured by faithfulness, and that faithfulness would be rewarded. However, since it is impossible for people to get into heaven by their good works, God would have to open heaven to them another way.
Background: Luke regularly indicated that Jesus was the fulfillment of Hebrew scripture and prophetic voices. In this parable, a rich man refused to heed scripture and the voices, which required him to care for those in need.
Community: Whose voices are you listening to? Whose voices are draining? Whose voices are life-giving? Whose voices could you listen to this week?
At Home: How often are you tempted to believe that your sins are keeping you from heaven or that your good deeds are securing a place for you there? If good works are not the way to salvation, then what is? What, if anything, is required of you?
Read This Week:
Monday: Sayings of Jesus, Luke 17:1-10
Tuesday: Jesus Cleanses Ten Lepers, Luke 17:11-19
Wednesday: The Coming of the Kingdom, Luke 17:20-37
Thursday: The Widow and the Unjust Judge, Luke 18:1-8
Friday: The Pharisee and the Tax Collector, Luke 18:9-17
Saturday: The Rich Ruler, Luke 18:18-30
Next Week: Jesus Welcomes Sinners Like Zacchaeus, Luke 18:31-19:10
