AS THE TABLE TURNSLuke 16:19-31

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AS THE TABLE TURNSLuke 16:19-31

Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus 19 Jesus said, “There was a certain rich man who was splendidly clothed in purple and fine linen and who lived each day in luxury. 20 At his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus who was covered with sores. 21 As Lazarus lay there longing for scraps from the rich man’s table, the dogs would come and lick his open sores.

Luke 16:19-31 (NLT)

22 “Finally, the poor man died and was carried by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried, 23 and his soul went to the place of the dead. There, in torment, he saw Abraham in the far distance with Lazarus at his side.

Luke 16:19-31 (NLT)

 24 “The rich man shouted, ‘Father Abraham, have some pity! Send Lazarus over here to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am in anguish in these flames.’

Luke 16:19-31 (NLT)

 25 “But Abraham said to him, ‘Son, remember that during your lifetime you had everything you wanted, and Lazarus had nothing. So now he is here being comforted, and you are in anguish. 26 And besides, there is a great chasm separating us. No one can cross over to you from here, and no one can cross over to us from there.’

Luke 16:19-31 (NLT)

   27 “Then the rich man said, ‘Please, Father Abraham, at least send him to my father’s home. 28 For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don’t end up in this place of torment.’ 29 “But Abraham said, ‘Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read what they wrote.’

Luke 16:19-31 (NLT)

   30 “The rich man replied, ‘No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.’ 31 “But Abraham said, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses and the prophets, they won’t listen even if someone rises from the dead.’”

Luke 16:19-31 (NLT)

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E Not so fast, friend…good health and a fat wallet 

don’t mean that God is happy with you.

God’s vision of wealth and well-being is 180 degrees from that of the World.

Home many times do I need to hear it…what matters is relationships and generous love.

Jesus’ was a master of ‘turning the tables’…where am I seated?

Jewish Presumptions in Jesus’ Day

1. Rich = Blessed (some televangelists teach this still)2. Beggars = Unblessed, unclean (think: lepers)3. Related to Father Abraham = Chosen/Saved

(Jesus: “Not all who say ‘Lord’ will enter in) 4. Only Jews went to Heaven5. Charity was optional, not a way of life.

Jesus’ story is the total reverse of all this!Note: Like the Rich Man, we too, may be surprised who is in heaven and who isn’t!

What An Amazing Story! Jesus Plays ‘Upset The Fruit-Basket’ With Our Minds.

Perhaps unconsciously, we may make a connection between wealth and being deserving and good person.

Like the people in another parable, we may ask: Who is responsible for this man’s illness…himself or his parents. Sick=Sin

We pity the man whose sores are licked by dogs. But who is truly the pitiful one?

Jesus Tips Everything On End!

The rich guy goes unnamed. But the ‘low rung’ fellow has a name…Lazarus.

Lazarus ends up in Abraham’s bosom. The fat cat is in hell.

Mr. Rich can see the Lazarus next to Abraham. Lazarus has a room with no view…of hell.

All those sumptuous meals (or no meals) were absolutely no index of their standing with God.

Jesus so often turned the tables: Woman at the well, ‘Good’ Samaritan, Others?

The ‘Hand Me Another Morsel, Servant’ Man Doesn’t Have A Prayer

It is too late for ordering from God’s menu…not even a drop of water, please?

He didn’t have a crumb to give Lazarus Now he’s begging for Lazarus for a crumb of water.

Abraham: Sorry, but the barrier between you two is now fixed…there is no crossing over.

Do you hear any mercy or sympathy in Father Abraham’s voice.

They have those to warn them…as you did.

Do you really think they’d listen to a Dead Man Walking?

There is only One who has returned from the dead. Do people listen to Him?

Please Send Lazarus On A Mission To My Unbelieving Family!

Faith and works combine in the Good Life.

A stuffed closet, slick car and three tasty squares a day…absolutely not a worthy index of how God sees us.

God Scrambles Our Images, Charts, Formulas And Score Cards

GOD’S P.O.V.

“Do not consider his appearance or his height, for I have rejected him.  The Lord does not look at the things man looks at.  Man looks at the outward appearance,  but the Lord looks at the heart.” --I Samuel 16:7

What Is Jesus Trying To Tell Us In This ‘Table-turning’ Story?

Love each other --I Corinthians 13

Love enemies --Matthew 5:43-48

Serve those in need --Matthew 25:31-46 (Take note of verse 45 and 46!)

Put feet and hands on our words!

I'll say yes, Lord, yes To your will and to your way

I'll say yes, Lord, yes I will trust you and obey

When your Spirit speaks to me With my whole heart I'll agree

And my answer will be yes, Lord, yes

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I believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of the living God.

I trust him as my Lord and Savior. C

on

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Off

eri

ng

TAK

E H

OM

E Not so fast, friend…good health and a fat wallet 

don’t mean that God is happy with you.

God’s vision of wealth and well-being is 180 degrees from that of the World.

Home many times do I need to hear it…what matters is relationships and generous love.

Jesus’ was a master of ‘turning the tables’…where am I seated?

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Go In Jesus’ NameGo To Love God,

Love Others