Luke 16:31

Then Abraham said to him, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, they will not be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.'"

Study Bible

But Abraham replied
This phrase introduces the response of Abraham, a central patriarchal figure in Jewish history, symbolizing faith and obedience to God. In the context of the parable, Abraham represents the voice of divine wisdom and authority. The Greek word for "replied" (ἀποκρίνομαι, apokrinomai) suggests a thoughtful and authoritative response, emphasizing the weight of Abraham's words. Historically, Abraham is revered as the father of many nations, and his presence in this parable underscores the continuity of God's covenantal promises from the Old Testament to the New Testament.

If they do not listen
The phrase highlights the importance of heeding divine revelation. The Greek word for "listen" (ἀκούω, akouō) implies not just hearing but understanding and obeying. This reflects a recurring biblical theme: the call to listen to God's word with an open heart. The historical context here is the Jewish tradition of oral teaching, where listening was a primary means of learning and spiritual growth.

to Moses and the prophets
This phrase refers to the Law and the Prophets, which constitute the Hebrew Scriptures, or the Old Testament. Moses, as the lawgiver, and the prophets, as God's messengers, represent the foundation of Jewish faith and practice. The Greek text emphasizes the continuity and sufficiency of these scriptures in revealing God's will. Historically, Moses and the prophets were seen as authoritative voices, and their writings were central to Jewish religious life.

they will not be persuaded
The Greek word for "persuaded" (πείθω, peithō) suggests being convinced or brought to belief. This phrase underscores the hardness of heart that can prevent individuals from accepting truth, even when it is plainly presented. In a historical context, this reflects the resistance Jesus often encountered from religious leaders who were unwilling to accept His teachings despite the evidence of His miracles.

even if someone rises from the dead
This phrase is prophetic, foreshadowing Jesus' own resurrection. The Greek word for "rises" (ἀνίστημι, anistēmi) is often used in the New Testament to describe resurrection. The historical and scriptural context here is profound, as Jesus' resurrection is the cornerstone of Christian faith. Despite this miraculous event, many still refused to believe, illustrating the parable's message about the necessity of faith and the sufficiency of the Scriptures.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Abraham
A central figure in this parable, representing the patriarch of faith and a voice of authority. He is depicted as being in a place of comfort and rest, often referred to as "Abraham's bosom."

2. Moses and the Prophets
This phrase refers to the Hebrew Scriptures, particularly the Law (given through Moses) and the prophetic writings. They are seen as the foundational texts for understanding God's will and revelation.

3. The Rich Man and Lazarus
The parable involves a rich man who lived in luxury and a poor man named Lazarus who suffered. After death, their roles are reversed, with Lazarus in comfort and the rich man in torment.

4. Hades
The place of the dead where the rich man finds himself in torment, highlighting the consequences of a life lived without regard for God's commands.

5. Resurrection
The concept of someone rising from the dead is central to the parable's climax, pointing to the ultimate sign of Jesus' own resurrection.

Teaching Points

The Sufficiency of Scripture
The parable underscores the sufficiency of the Scriptures (Moses and the prophets) for understanding God's will and the path to salvation. Believers are encouraged to diligently study and apply the Bible in their lives.

The Hardness of Heart
The rich man's brothers' potential unbelief, even if someone rises from the dead, highlights the danger of a hardened heart. It serves as a warning to remain open and responsive to God's word.

The Reality of Eternal Consequences
The reversal of fortunes after death in the parable serves as a stark reminder of the eternal consequences of our earthly choices. It calls believers to live with an eternal perspective, prioritizing spiritual wealth over material gain.

The Call to Repentance
The parable invites self-examination and repentance, urging individuals to heed the warnings of Scripture and turn to God before it's too late.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the parable of the rich man and Lazarus challenge our understanding of wealth and poverty in light of eternity?

2. In what ways can we ensure that our hearts remain open to the teachings of Moses and the prophets, as well as the New Testament?

3. How does the sufficiency of Scripture impact our daily decision-making and spiritual growth?

4. What practical steps can we take to share the message of repentance and faith with those who may be resistant to the Gospel?

5. How does the reality of eternal consequences influence the way we prioritize our time, resources, and relationships?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Deuteronomy 18:15-19
Moses speaks of a prophet like him whom the people must listen to, foreshadowing the coming of Christ.

John 5:46-47
Jesus emphasizes the importance of believing Moses' writings as they testify about Him, reinforcing the idea that the Scriptures are sufficient for faith.

Acts 26:22-23
Paul speaks of proclaiming nothing beyond what the prophets and Moses said would happen, including the resurrection of the dead.