A Christian friend of mine “Bart”, recently recounted his trip to Jerusalem several years ago. One of the people with Bart was admittedly a skeptic regarding the Christian faith.
What struck me from Bart’s story was when he talked about the tour where they followed the steps of Jesus as he carried the cross. They observed what is believed to be the exact gate where Jesus left the city. Bart said believers and non-believers literally burst into tears as the mental images came to light. Bart said, “There we were, grown men, sobbing like babies”.
Even the skeptic was moved and I believe that’s an example of the power of the Holy Spirit when we let him work on our hearts. The evidence is all around as to God’s love for us but we have to take a leap of faith to receive it.
Today’s reading (Joshua 9-13; Luke 16) includes Luke 16:19-31 where we read about a rich man and Lazarus. The rich man lived lavishly (19), and Lazarus was a poor man covered with sores (20). Lazarus begged for the food that fell from the rich man’s table, and even dogs licked his sores (21).
We then find their roles reversed in death: Lazarus beside Abraham at the heavenly banquet (22 NLT) and the rich man in Hades in torment (23) with thirst and anguish (24).
Given that Lazarus was at the rich man’s gate, we can presume the rich man often saw Lazarus, and while in torment, at a minimum the rich man knew Lazarus’ name and appearance. Lazarus in life was a broken man in great need and presumably, the rich man did little to nothing to help him.
As the rich man begs for relief and receives nothing, he changes his approach to ask Abraham to at least warn his brothers so they do not end up in Hades like him (28). And further, the rich man suggests that if someone goes to them from the dead, they’ll repent (30).
The closing verse of the chapter tells it all. There are signs all around us and we either ignore them by hanging onto our selfish and sinful ways or we fall at the feet of Jesus, dying to self.
He said to him, ‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’”
The story sounds familiar, especially on this Good Friday. Jesus “gentle and lowly in heart” (Mat 11:29), while found innocent through a sham trial was sentenced to a brutal and undeserving death. Three days later he rose from the dead and is now in Heaven at the right hand of God (Mark 16:19).
What will it take (or what did it take) for you to take a leap of faith and believe?
Who is the “Lazarus” in your life and what are you going to do for her or him today?
Matthew 27 provides an account of Jesus being brought to trial, the crucifixion, and his death. Can I ask you to read this today aloud with friends and/or family to reflect on who Jesus was and the price he paid to set us free from the bondage, death, and separation of sin so that we may live forever with him in eternity?