Was Lazarus a real man or was he just a parable to make a point?
Luke 16:19 - 31
ESV - 19 There was a rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day. 20 And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores.
Clarify
•
Share
•
Report
•
Asked December 29 2016
•
Jeanne Ross
Supporter
For follow-up discussion and general commentary on the topic. Comments are sorted chronologically.
Keith Keatlam
This is an interesting question but if Lazarus was just a fictional character, God wouldnt be able to convince us that He is capable of raising the dead.
venkatesan Iyer
The start of the parable sounds like a true story, but the later discussions about the dialogue between people in heaven and hell suggests that it is a parable to make a point. It should be considered as a parable, rather than a true story.
Miho Valle
It is indeed a true story. As other parables, Jesus starts out by saying, " There was a vine dresser,(Matt 21:33-46) or, "The kingdom of heaven is like a merchant" (Matt 13:45).
But in Luke 16:19 Jesus refers to as a "Certain" man, and it also has a specific name, Lazarus.
Jesus talks about the details about these accounts of these two men, because He is God, and He witnessed this account. Therefor Jesus talked about a true event that He saw. He talked about hell in detail because he created it (Col 1:16 and John 1:3). Jesus also gave us a timeline. It was during the life of Moses on the earth....
Luke 16:29-" Abraham said unto him, they have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them".
And also the conversation of Abraham himself. If not, than Jesus is lying about these conversations between these three men, the Rich man, Lazarus, and Abraham.
Jeanne Ross
I'm thinking that there might be two men named Lazarus. The one I was wondering about was Mary and Martha's brother.
I know that Jesus told things in parables, but I really thought that He raised Lazarus from the grave.
Jeanne Ross
I agree Keith and I understand your point Miho. Venkatesan, you might be as confused as I was.
God bless you all for responding.
venkatesan Iyer
If it is taken to be true story, then
Jesus is reporting a fact that rich man Lazarus is suffering in Hell(/hades?) at that moment.
Is hell already real before second coming?
As far as I can see, if the story is taken to be factual, it leads to drastic revision of
reformation view of judgement and hell.
venkatesan Iyer
For clarification:
I take that the other Lazarus as historical. Jesus raised Lazarus from death. Where was he after death before Jesus raising him back to life?
I do not know why Jesus used the name Lazarus in the parable?
Miho Valle
There are two different Lazarus in the bible.
One was a beggar. The other was the brother of Mary and Martha.
Where was Mary and Martha's brother was before Jesus raised him from the dead?The bible does not say.
The other Lazarus in Luke 16:19 was in Abrahams Bossom, the "Rich Man" is in hell till this day until judgement day (Rev. 20:13)
Hell is mentioned in the Old Testament as well as the New. When God opened up the earth to swallow up Korah (Numbers 26:10), where did they go being swallowed up "Alive"?
Jonah talked about hell (Jonah 2:2).
Hell is not new. It was created from the beginning when God rested from "ALL" of His works (Genesis 2:2-3). Hell was created for The devil and his angels (Matthew 25:41).
Jeanne Ross
Ah (she said, head finally coming out of the clouds). TWO Lazarus'. I guess I didn't know that.
You'd think after 65 years and a father and grandfather as ministers I should have known that.
I believe every word in the Bible. I believe the flood happened and I believe Jesus raised the dead, walked on water, healed the sick and so much more. I also believe that we poor, pathetic folks keep trying to think for God and "explain" things we have no real clue about. I think only God knows certain things and that's good enough for me.
I believe that my Mom is in Heaven with God. I believe that every word in the Bible is God approved.
I may sound naive but I still say: if God said it, I believe it. But most of all, I KNOW that God sent His Son to die for my sins and that leaves humble and grateful.
Thanks guys for all of your answers. You helped me grow spiritually and forced me to do something I've been lax in....Bible Study.
I'll be learning about the two Lazarus's and so much more.
God Bless you all and Happy New Year!
Miho Valle
We are "All" still learning. Thank God for His word in the bible. I still have allot to yet learn until either the rapture, or I go to him (death). Keep seeking Him through His word in the bible. Keep believing in Him.
The only way we will get to know God, is through His word, not outside of the bible, nor, religion. A one on one daily relationship with Jesus Christ, and being filled with the Holy Spirit (Acts chapter 2).
venkatesan Iyer
I made a mistake :
In the parable,the rich man is unnamed.
It is the poor beggar is Lazarus.