The whole point of this story was to ridicule the teachings of the Pharisees. In other words this is not a parable, but a biting satire.
The Pharisees taught that the poor were in disfavor with God, and the rich were favored of God. To help the poor would therefore be going against the will of God.
A great gulf was fixed between the two classes and no one could cross over from the bad side, and of course no one wanted to cross over from the good side.
I do not see Jesus condemning the Rich Man, nor does He praise Lazarus.
This satire hit the mark precisely, because the Pharisees seethed with rage against Jesus.
Consider the context, the setting and the audience and you might agree with me.
I do not see Jesus condemning the Rich Man, nor does He praise Lazarus.
This satire hit the mark precisely, because the Pharisees seethed with rage against Jesus.
Consider the context, the setting and the audience and you might agree with me.
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I am not disagreeing with you, I was simply adding to what was said. I do however believe that the main point of the story was the gulf between them and that though a man came back from the dead those in the rich mans condition would not listen in life. I really believe that Jesus used the name “Lazarus” in the story because he knew he would be raising Lazarus from the dead soon. A man did come back from the dead but many still did not listen, how sad.
Today many still believe that if you are well off you are favored by God, the Jews in particular widely believe this and teach it.