In this parable, we observe that Luke agrees with both John (1 John 3:17) and James (Jas. 2:15-16). They all ask, "How it is possible to love God and not help one in material need?" The answer is obvious, "You can't," "You don't." While God does not save his people "by" good works (Eph. 2:8-9), he does save them "unto" good works (Eph. 2:10; cf. Col. 1:10; 2 Thess. 2:17; 1 Tim. 2:10; 5:10, 25; 2 Tim. 3:17; Tit. 2:7, 14; Heb. 10:24; 13:21, etc.). In essence, if there are no fruitful abounding works then there is no genuine faith.
The parable begins with the lifestyles of the rich and poor. In essence, the rich man (a man not even worthy of a name) lived like a king (Luke 16:19) and the poor man as a mere destitute beggar named Lazarus (Luke 16:20-21). He was so poor that he had been "laid" at the rich man's gates! He could not get there on his own, he had to be put there. And in finality, dogs (possibly the rich man's dogs) had more mercy on this beggar (who remained poor all his life) then the rich man did!
At the appointed time (Heb. 9:27), both these men died. The "beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham's side. The rich man also died and was buried" (Luke 16:22). Note that the rich man was in "Hell" and was already in "torment" before the final judgment (Luke 16:23). There is death after death! See "What is Annihilationism?" below.
In Hell, the rich man recognized Lazarus (Luke 16:23-24). The rich man had no excuse. He had seen the destitute, he had seen the poor, and yet he put up defenses (gates) so they could not enter his earthy kingdom. Yet, this rich man considered himself: (1) Not as an atheist, as he believed in God ("Father Abraham," Luke 16:24). (2) Not a Sadducee (see "Jewish Sects" below), as he believed in the hereafter. (3) Could he have been a "rich Pharisee" (Luke 16:14), who against the Law detested the poor (Lev. 19:18; Matt. 22:37-40, etc.)? Whatever his identity, this once rich man was in Hell, not because he was not generous enough, but because his lack of any generously at all revealed he did not really know God and believe in his Word. His works - or lack thereof - revealed who he really was.
On the other hand, Lazarus, knew God. He was at Abraham's side (Luke 16:22) - causing one to recall Christ's pierced side (John 19:33-34). He was at a place of honor (cf. John 13:23). However, Lazarus was in Abraham's bosom not because he was poor, but because he was the recipient of God's grace; his name literally meaning "God has helped." As compared to the rich man, who had depended upon himself and his riches, Lazarus was dependent upon the grace of God. "Those who are well have no need of a physician, but those who are sick" (Luke 5:31-32; Matt. 9:12-13; Mark 2:17).
The rich man cries out from the depths of Hell saying, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the end of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame' (Luke 16:24). Note that the rich man calls upon Abraham calling him "Father," (Luke 16:24, 27, 30). He thought he was legitimate seed (cf. Gal. 3:29). Even in the depths of Hell he remained blind (2 Cor. 4:4) and deceived (2 Tim. 3:13; cf. Jer. 17:9; 1 Cor. 3:18; Jas. 1:22)! He had forgotten that God's covenant has blessings for those that are the rightful seed of the woman (Gen. 3:15) however, for those merely claiming to be seed, cursings.
Abraham responds, 'Child, remember that you in your lifetime received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner bad things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. And besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, in order that those who would pass from here to you may not be able, and none may cross from there to us' (Luke 16:25-26). Lazarus does not respond; he remains quiet throughout the entire parable. Abraham was tender in his response calling the rich man "child" understanding the sadness of his eternal estate, understanding that he had already received his temporary earthly comforts (Luke 6:24) and no more remains - not even a "lick" - a drop of salvia - of a dog (Luke 16:21).
Hell is a horrible, but necessary place. There is a "great gulf" between Heaven and Hell. Some have speculated that this "great gulf" separates different dimensions both visible one to another, inciting thankfulness for those in Heaven (understanding what they have been saved from) and adding fuel to the fire (torment) for those in Hell (as they continually see the riches of those that believed while upon this earth).
The rich man understanding now his great dilemma cries out for his family. He says, 'Then I beg you, father, to send him to my father's house - for I have five brothers - so that he may warn them, lest they also come into this place of torment' (Luke 16:27-28). Finally, after it is too late (Heb. 9:27), this rich man shows a yet "selfish" concern for others (i.e. only his family). Still not understanding the Scriptures, the rich man thought to himself that if Lazarus were raised from the dead (Luke 16:30) than his brothers may hear and believe his words. Note, that Lazarus' life had apparently been a topic of conversation at some time in the rich man's family. They knew of his existence. They knew of his death. None of them have an excuse! Abraham replies, 'They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them' . . . 'If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead' (Luke 16:29, 31). Jesus would later tell the two disciples on the road to Emmaus (Luke 24:25-27):
"O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe all that the prophets have spoken! Was it not necessary that the Christ should suffer these things and enter into his glory?" And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets, he interpreted to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.
If the rich man's brothers - if anyone (Rom. 10:13) - would give attention to God's Word, they would need nothing else. However, only those God gives ears to hear with will hear (Matt. 13:10-11; Mark 4:10-13; Luke 9:44-45; 18:31-34, etc.).
