THE RICH MAN AND LAZARUS: A GLIMPSE BEYOND THE VEIL?

Found in Luke 16:19-31, the account of the Rich Man and Lazarus stands out among Jesus' teachings for its vivid depiction of the afterlife. While often categorized as a parable, several elements suggest this could be a recounting of actual events.

The Characters Introduced

There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
Jesus begins with "a certain rich man," a phrase he often uses when recounting real events. Notably, the beggar is given a name, Lazarus, which is highly unusual for a parable and suggests a real person.

Vivid Earthly Details

And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
The graphic description of Lazarus' condition, including the dogs licking his sores, provides a level of detail atypical of parables but consistent with eyewitness accounts.

Death and the Afterlife

And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
The specific mention of angels carrying Lazarus and the rich man being buried suggests a real sequence of events. The description of the afterlife, while metaphorical, is presented as factual.

Conversation in the Afterlife

And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame. But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
This dialogue is remarkably detailed for a parable. The rich man's recognition of Abraham and Lazarus, and Abraham's response, suggest a continuation of consciousness and memory after death.

The Great Gulf Fixed

And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
This description of the afterlife's structure is presented as a factual statement, not as a metaphorical element of a parable.

Concern for the Living

Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
The rich man's specific mention of five brothers adds a level of detail unnecessary in a parable but consistent with a real family situation.

Abraham's Response

Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
This final exchange presents theological truths in a narrative context, suggesting that Jesus might be revealing actual spiritual realities rather than constructing a parable.

Conclusion: Historical Account or Parable?

Several elements of this narrative suggest it could be more than a simple parable:

If this is indeed a glimpse into actual events and the nature of the afterlife, it would have profound theological implications. It would suggest that consciousness continues after death, that there's an immediate judgment, and that the destinies of the righteous and unrighteous are separate and fixed.

Whether viewed as a parable or as a recounting of real events, this account serves as a powerful warning about the eternal consequences of our earthly lives and choices. It challenges us to consider not just our material wealth, but our spiritual condition and our treatment of others.
Text by Zach Anderson (zmanderson@gmail.com). Placed in public domain at ultrafree.org. KJV text is used. Feel free to copy and share, free of charge.