Sixteenth Sunday after Pentecost: Gospel, Luke 16:19-31                                

Luke 16:19-31

A marvelous … tale, parable, story? Differing opinions regarding what the Lord Jesus shares here in Luke 16 have surrounded the account. “Lazarus,” a name from a real person in the gospel of John, graces the story and has moved some to think this is not just a parable, but perhaps more. The subject is deep and wide and covers the central issue of the place of the Word of God in the conversion of the lost.

Miracles do not create faith. Neither religious ceremony nor family pedigree creates faith. Only the Word of God creates and then grants faith in the Savior (cf. Romans 10:17). So the rich man learns here. So the beggar named Lazarus has learned and is glad. Gift given. Gift received. God grant it to us all. Amen!