Sunday 28 September 2025
He said, ‘Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father’s house – for I have five brothers – that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.’ (vs 27-28)
Background
What does it take for us to learn and follow God’s ways? Today’s gospel story of the rich man and the beggar Lazarus underlines once more God’s care and welcome for all people, not least those whom we overlook so easily. It’s worth noting that, while Lazarus is named, the rich man is not. Thus Jesus reverses the pattern of his day where the rich and famous might be named but the poor were simply disregarded. As our psalm for today reminds us, the Lord upholds the cause of the oppressed and lifts up those who are bowed down. If these are God’s ways then we need to ask whether we share in God’s passion.
The rich man in Jesus’ parable asks that a messenger from heaven be sent to warn his brothers of the dangers they face. The reply, that they have had Moses and the Prophets and are unlikely to repent even if someone were to return from the dead to warn them, seems very negative. We read it, of course, knowing that Jesus has risen from the dead and has set out clearly the values of God’s kingdom. Perhaps Luke’s first readers felt the sadness and frustration of seeing their families and friends, both Jewish and Gentile, failing to accept God’s revelation in Christ. In our day we have Moses and the Prophets, the testimony of the gospels to the words and works of the risen Jesus, the working out of what Jesus means in the rest of the New Testament and two millennia of Christian witness since then. What does it take for us to learn and follow God’s ways?
To Ponder:
- How can you show that you, too, uphold the cause of the oppressed and those whom society at large hardly notices?
- Does the story of the rich man and Lazarus leave you feeling uncomfortable and, if so, how should you respond?
Prayer
Loving God, forgive me where I am rich in things and poor in soul. Grant me the wisdom to know your ways and the courage to walk in them. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Donald Ker
Donald Ker is a supernumerary minister, originally from Ireland where he served in a number of different appointments, but now living in Solihull on the Birmingham Circuit.