Luke 16:19-31 quickly engages our emotions with its portrayal of Lazarus’s pitiable condition in life and the rich man’s anguish in Hades.  Now that we’ve met Lazarus and the rich man and witnessed the outcomes of their lives, we must reflect on what’s going to be different for our own lives with respect to possessions, poverty, and the Scriptures.

Are we allowed to have a favourite parable? Some people love the Prodigal Son. The Good Samaritan stands out for others. For a long time, my favourite has been the Rich Man and Lazarus.

I spent about five years studying it for my doctoral degree. I might be biased, but this parable of our Lord is immensely interesting. Let me share six of its fascinating features. First, though, take a couple minutes to go and read it—it’s in Luke 16:19-31—and then come back to this article.

What’s so intriguing about this profound parable?

1) The Mystery of the Beggar’s Name

No other parable has a named character. In fact, this one has two people with names: Lazarus and Abraham. In every other of the dozens of Jesus’s parables, the characters are completely anonymous, introduced as “a certain man” or “a farmer” or “a certain king.” But the beggar at the rich man’s gate is called Lazarus. Having the distinction of a name, you might expect him to do something notable, but curiously, Lazarus doesn’t say or do anything in the parable—except die. He is entirely passive.

This anomaly has led to a lot of speculation about why Jesus tells us his name. Some say it’s because Luke 16:19-31 isn’t actually a parable at all, but a true story. Or maybe there’s a connection to John 11 and the other Lazarus. Maybe his name is meant to be symbolic, because Lazarus means “God helps.” Or he’s called Lazarus simply because this was one of the most common names in first century Judea.

We might never know why he is named, but I suggest it’s a way of honouring the beggar. A name gives him status, bestows dignity in his suffering. This is consistent with the rest of Luke’s Gospel where Jesus teaches about God’s special care for the poor; for instance, He promises that the lowly will be exalted (1:52-53). While the (anonymous) rich man loses everything, God ensures that the poor man who had nothing is remembered forever. His name speaks to the generosity of God’s grace.

2) The Misery of Lazarus—and the Luxury of the Rich Man

With just a few sentences, Jesus paints a highly contrasting portrait of two lives. Verse 20 implies that Lazarus is unable to walk and must depend on others to deposit him at a place where he can beg. His body is also afflicted with sores, a skin condition that likely caused physical pain and a nauseating appearance.

Sitting outside the rich man’s mansion, perhaps Lazarus can hear the revelries within or smell the good food being served. He can certainly picture morsels falling to the ground from the rich man’s table (v. 21). Yet Lazarus remains on the outside, hungry and alone. The only relief arrives via the city’s dogs who lick his sores.

If Lazarus’s poverty is shocking in its bleakness, the rich man’s wealth is remarkable for its brilliance. Behind his estate’s protective wall, he enjoys all the advantages of his position (v. 19). For instance, he is clothed in garments associated with elite status: purple and fine linen. Besides the opulence of his dress is the manner of his life, for the rich man “feasts sumptuously,” and not just on special occasions, but “every day.” It’s a lifestyle of indulgent excess. Next to the abject misery of Lazarus, the contrast could not be more complete—and it cries out for resolution. Something must be done.

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