Luke 16:19-31 | The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus | Pastor Aaron Garza
Aaron Garza   -   May 12, 2025

Pastor Aaron Garza delivers a powerful message on Luke 16:19-31, the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus, highlighting it as a stark warning against neglecting the needy and the all-sufficient Word of God. This sermon unpacks the unique aspects of this parable and its crucial implications for our lives and eternal destiny.

Key themes explored in this sermon:

  • The Unique Nature of the Parable: Recognizing this as the only parable set in the afterlife and featuring a named character, Lazarus.
  • The Contrast Between the Rich and Poor: Examining the stark differences in their earthly lives and the dramatic reversal in the afterlife.
  • The Afterlife Revealed: Understanding the Second Temple Jewish view of Sheol/Hades with compartments for the righteous (Abraham’s side) and the unrighteous (Gehenna).
  • The Irreversible Chasm: Emphasizing the permanent separation between the two in the afterlife, highlighting the finality of earthly choices.
  • The Rich Man’s Torment and Requests: Analyzing his pleas for relief and for Lazarus to warn his brothers.
  • The Sufficiency of Scripture: Underscoring Abraham’s response that “Moses and the prophets” (the Old Testament) are sufficient for belief and repentance.
  • A Warning Against Neglecting the Needy: Identifying the rich man’s neglect of Lazarus as a key reason for his judgment.
  • A Warning Against Neglecting God’s Word: Highlighting the rich man’s disbelief that the Scriptures were enough to save his brothers.
  • The Profile of the Lost: Defining those who go to hell as those who refuse to repent of neglecting the needy and the sufficiency of God’s Word.
  • The Call to Action: Urging listeners to examine their hearts regarding their treatment of the needy and their engagement with Scripture.
  • The Importance of Community and Care: Encouraging believers to be aware of and meet the needs within their own church family and community.
  • The Transforming Power of the Gospel: Sharing a local testimony of God’s grace and the church’s role in reaching the needy.
  • The Skepticism Towards Miracles: Pointing out that those who reject God’s Word are unlikely to be convinced even by a resurrection.

This sermon serves as a powerful call to examine our hearts, ensuring we are characterized by compassion for the needy and a deep reverence for the all-sufficient Word of God, recognizing that our earthly actions have eternal consequences.

Key verses: Luke 16:19-31.