Luke 16:19-31 Background: the Parable Is One of Luke N

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Preparation for Small Groups Meeting September 22nd – 28th

Focus Text: Luke 16:19-31

Background:

The parable is one of Luke’s most important parables of Jesus. As we listen to Jesus’ words, we need to be reminded that he is “on his way” to Jerusalem. This passage falls within the great travel narrative that runs from Luke 9:51 up to 19:28. Most of this material is unique to Luke. This parable is one of those.

The travel narrative is supposed to communicate several key pieces of Luke’s message: 1) Jesus intentionally goes to Jerusalem for the salvation of the whole world. 2) Nothing will be able to deter him or stop him from intentionally entering into suffering and his subsequent resurrection. 3) Because God is at work claiming all of what belongs to him (i.e. the lost becoming found), the mission of Jesus is not to let us off the hook for our sin or to offer an easy and cheap form of redemption. 4) The mission is to “let us in on” Jesus and forge in us the new life God intends for us. 5) Thus, the “way” is not just a travel itinerary; the “way” also is the “way of life” that we as the church are to emulate. As the book of Acts unfolds, it is the mission of the church to replicate Jesus in the world. We are to think like, act like, and love like Jesus. The call to be the church is an urgent call. That is why shortly after Jesus turned his face towards Jerusalem (9:51), he says that no one who puts the hand to the plow and looks back is fit for the kingdom.

This parable is a signature Lukan parable because it addresses several central Lukan themes. First it addresses our wealth. As last week’s preparation noted, one of every seven verses in the Gospel of Luke talks about money and wealth. Secondly it addresses God’s preferential option for the poor. We are to deeply care about the poor because God does! Thirdly it speaks of the sure and certain future role reversal, a theme introduced with Mary’s song (The Magnificat) in Luke 1 – God will bring the mighty down and lift up the lowly.

Certain people have misused this parable and used it as a proof text for an articulated doctrine of heaven and hell. Jesus’ teaching here is not about heaven or hell. He’s got more important things on his heart – the poor who live at the feet of the rich. He is simply using the popular and colorful portraits of the day to shake and challenge us. The parable is similar to a tragic comedy. A similar approach is used in Matthew 25:31-46.

Questions for discussion:

 In our world, who is the rich man and who is Lazarus?  What are the things that the rich man regrets? What important part of his life was put on hold and then squandered when he died?  What is Jesus trying to tell us?  Epiphany has made first fruits giving for ministry beyond our doors a mandate, and our commitment to Haiti is growing. How does this parable speak to these essential pieces of our ministry?  What is the great news in this parable?

That all might thrive and serve in the light of God’s grace!