1. Earthly Life That Determines Eternal Life
In Luke 16, there are two parables: the Parable of the Unjust Steward in the first part, and the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus that follows in the second part. These two stories are closely related. If we look at the extended teaching, we see that Jesus is instructing us on how we should live in this world—our direction and attitude in life. Especially through this story, we come to deeply meditate on both “the importance of living a life of love and mercy” and “the existence of two worlds (this life and the next).” Pastor David Jang, in numerous sermons, has also emphasized that as we live in this world, we must act wisely in accordance with God’s heart and extend generosity and love to the poor and the weak, for that is God’s will.
First, let us briefly look at the Parable of the Unjust Steward (Luke 16:1-9). In the story, the master discovers that his steward has been wasting his possessions and calls him to account. Facing an uncertain future, the steward reduces the debts owed to the master by various debtors, thereby winning favor with them. Superficially, adjusting economic gains and losses by dishonest means is clearly wrong. However, the master praises the steward for his “shrewdness.” There are various interpretations of this parable, but one of the main points Jesus highlights is “how do you use the possessions entrusted to you in this world?” Rather than focusing on whether or not we own material wealth, Jesus shows us that sharing what God has given us with others is the prudent approach. The Bible repeatedly reminds us that whatever we have ultimately belongs to God, and we are merely stewards (managers). The steward’s use of his “finite opportunity” with wisdom—rather than missing it—teaches us that we, too, must wisely use the “opportunities,” “time,” and “wealth” God has given us in this world, and give to the poor and needy.
Immediately after this parable concludes, the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus appears (Luke 16:19-31). It is not a separate story with no relevance but rather a continuation of the message about “how those who have, or who are God’s people, ought to live in this world.” In the text, the rich man wears purple and fine linen and lives in luxury every day. On the other hand, Lazarus, a beggar, is covered with sores and is so desperately poor that he tries to satisfy his hunger with crumbs falling from the rich man’s table. Even dogs come and lick his sores, a pitiful condition indeed. These two people, living in completely different states, eventually both die. Here, an astonishing reversal occurs: Lazarus is carried to Abraham’s bosom (symbolic of heaven), while the rich man goes to Hades (hell) and suffers torment.
This parable demonstrates the existence of “two worlds,” i.e., this life and the next (life after death). Jesus continues to teach people to see their present life from an eternal perspective. The life we see and experience now on earth is not everything; there is an eternal world after death. This is a central teaching of Christianity: Scripture repeatedly states that how we live in this world affects our life in the hereafter. Hebrews 9:27 says, “It is appointed for people to die once, and after that comes judgment.” Ecclesiastes 12 also reminds us to “remember your Creator before the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it.” In many of his sermons, Pastor David Jang stresses that “if believers focus only on visible reality, it’s easy to miss out on eternal matters,” and that “believers must live with a hope of heaven, bearing fruit worthy of eternity through our life in this world.”
The story of the rich man and Lazarus also serves as a warning to those who call themselves God’s people. Although the rich man led a prosperous and extravagant life on earth, he found himself in torment in Hades after death. This raises questions: “Why did the rich man go to hell?” “Is this parable teaching that being poor is the only way to enter heaven?” Of course, the Bible does not claim that the poor automatically go to heaven or that the rich inevitably go to hell. Job was both righteous and extremely wealthy, and Abraham was also rich—neither went to hell for being wealthy. Thus, the crucial issue is not “wealth itself” but rather our attitude toward it, our heart, and whether we “practice sharing and love with the position entrusted to us.”
In Luke 16, it is highlighted that “the rich man never looked after Lazarus, a beggar at his own gate.” The distance was very close—Lazarus was at the entrance of his home—yet the rich man ignored him, wearing purple and fine linen and focusing on feasting. The rich man’s behavior represents how a believer might enjoy God’s grace and Word in abundance without sharing that blessing with others, revealing a form of “spiritual self-centeredness.” Meanwhile, the “beggar” Lazarus symbolically represents those who hunger and thirst for faith and the Word, or those in dire need of material or spiritual help. Pastor David Jang often teaches that if believers become rich—materially or spiritually (full of God’s Word)—the next step must be “sharing and serving.” The tragedy of the rich man, who ignored Lazarus, illustrates how pathetic and frightening the outcome can be at the final judgment if the blessings and gifts we receive in this world are used solely for “personal feasting.”
After Lazarus dies, “he is carried by angels to Abraham’s bosom.” In Jewish expression, that describes “the most blessed state” or “heaven.” The rich man, by contrast, “lifts up his eyes in torment in Hades” and sees Abraham and Lazarus. He pleads, “Father Abraham, please send Lazarus to cool my tongue a little. Also, send him to my brothers to warn them so they may repent and not come to this place.” But Abraham replies firmly: “They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.” This indicates that the entire Old Testament—the Pentateuch and the Prophets—already sets forth the Messiah, the eternal world, and the path of the righteous. Then follows the conclusion: “If they won’t listen to the Scriptures, they wouldn’t believe even if someone rose from the dead.”
Indeed, looking at the New Testament, when Jesus raised Lazarus (the brother of Mary and Martha) from the dead, many who saw it believed in Jesus and followed Him. However, the chief priests and Pharisees responded by conspiring more fiercely to kill Him. This clearly shows that “miracles or supernatural events do not automatically change a person’s heart.” Those who want to believe in God through a miracle come to faith, but hearts already hardened become more stubborn even in the face of miracles. Jesus teaches that “true repentance comes from hearing the Word with an open heart, realizing one’s sin, and turning from it.” Put differently, people already have sufficient testimony of the Word, and if that does not open their hearts, no amount of miraculous signs will bring them to repentance.
Here we recall the coming judgment in the last days as well as “the light of the Word already given to us.” Jesus says, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life” (John 14:6), and tells His disciples, “I am going to prepare a place for you, so that I may open the way to heaven for you, and we shall meet there again.” Yet, people still tend to remain absorbed only in this worldly life and neglect eternity. The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus is not just a simple notion of “the rich man went to hell, the beggar went to heaven”; it proclaims sternly that depending on how we live in this earthly life—especially how we practice “justice and mercy” that God expects—our final destiny can be entirely different.
Pastor David Jang particularly points out repeatedly that “those who serve God—pastors, missionaries, theologians, lay leaders—are all ‘the rich.’” He does not mean merely material prosperity as the world sees it. For instance, if we possess abundant biblical knowledge, theological resources, spiritual freedom, an environment of worship, an abundance of sermons and fellowship—in other words, if we are spiritually wealthy—then we are the “rich.” Yet, if Lazarus is right in front of our eyes and we ignore him, enjoying the Word and grace all by ourselves, we might end up like the rich man. Therefore, “we must rightly distribute and share the grace, the Word, the knowledge, and doctrines given to us,” which still serves as a timely warning for today’s church and every believer.
If we truly hold God’s heart, we cannot ignore the “Lazarus” who is right before our eyes. Maybe Lazarus is physically hungry, maybe he is spiritually starved, or maybe he is in a situation of suffering. Circumstances vary from person to person, but the definite point is that there are those in need around us, and we must approach them. Jesus says in Matthew 25, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of mine, you did for Me.” In the Parable of the Sheep and the Goats, Jesus indicates that “what you did regarding those who were hungry, thirsty, naked, or sick” is a crucial criterion for judgment. From this, we see that we must seriously check whether our hearts are currently aligned with God’s or whether, like the rich man, we are only focused on our own feasting.
Another vital point in this parable is that “once you die, there is no chance to reverse your fate.” The phrase “what is bound on earth shall be bound in heaven, and what is loosed on earth shall be loosed in heaven” (Matthew 18) points to this. Abraham says, “There is a great gulf fixed between you and us, so that those who would pass from here to you cannot, nor can anyone cross over from there to us.” In other words, if you do not repent and turn around in this life, it will be too late once you are in the next. The common notion “I can just repent at the last moment before death and be saved” is a perilous mindset from a biblical standpoint. Because we do not know when we will die, if we miss that moment, our eternal decision could be lost forever.
Hence, the church must always strive to “preach the gospel.” This is truly an act of love. Because we believe in the reality of the eternal afterlife and God’s judgment, we cannot refrain from telling unbelievers, “Repent and believe the gospel.” At the same time, within the community of believers, we must encourage one another and continually teach and assist new believers with the Word so they can be spiritually established. Pastor David Jang has repeatedly emphasized that the church must not remain complacent but must diligently fulfill the “teaching and missionary mandate” confirmed by the Gospels and the Acts of the Apostles. One important tool for doing this is the “ministry of sharing Christian books.” In places where churches and seminaries, or faith communities, are abundant, there may be an overflow of resources, but in other places where the Word and good books are critically lacking, providing spiritual nourishment by sending materials is essential. We can regard this as a form of “helping Lazarus in modern times.”
The first major lesson of the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus is: “We are all pilgrims, and we must remember that there is an eternal world after death.” The consistent message of Scripture—from the Gospels’ words of Jesus to the apostles’ teachings—is: “People die once, and then comes the judgment; therefore, prepare for eternity through how you live in this world.” Observing how quickly we can become arrogant and complacent, we realize how desperately we need this message in our faith life. The second lesson is: “We must share what we have.” It is not limited to money. If God has given us abundance in knowledge, spiritual gifts, talent—any form of richness—we should not consume it all alone or only within our own church or group; we must open our gates and consider the Lazarus outside. Pastor David Jang insists that this is the “evidence of a gospel-centered life” and the “inevitable outcome for someone who holds a worldview of heaven.”
Furthermore, in this parable, the rich man pleads, “Send Lazarus to cool my tongue.” James 3 says, “The tongue is a fire, corrupting the whole body and setting the course of one’s life on fire—it is itself set on fire by hell.” The tongue is a main instrument by which we commit sin. How was the rich man’s tongue used on earth? Might it have been used to despise Lazarus, distort God’s will, or boast about his pleasures? When he neglected and abandoned Lazarus, perhaps his tongue never once uttered loving words or commands to help him. Only after death does he experience the torment of “parched tongue.” Whether this is purely symbolic or literal, it highlights the significance of how we use our tongues in life. A child of God can use the tongue to save someone or kill someone. We can use it to comfort the suffering and help them, or we can hurt them with judgment, criticism, cursing, or lies. The rich man never used his tongue in any way to help Lazarus, whether by speaking words of compassion or by giving explicit instructions to provide for him. Reflecting on this, we ought to ask ourselves, “Is my tongue now being moved in a way that pleases God?”
On another note, the story of “the Rich Man and Lazarus” reaffirms the truth that God is “just.” Abraham says that while the rich man received “good things” in his lifetime, Lazarus “bad things,” and therefore in the afterlife, their roles are reversed—Lazarus is comforted while the rich man is tormented (Luke 16:25). Interpreting this solely by human standards of “fairness” might be oversimplified, but it clearly suggests that God “operates in a way totally different from worldly logic.” Even though reality may appear unfair from a human viewpoint, ultimately God will judge rightly. As Romans 12:21 says, “Overcome evil with good.” Believing that God will ultimately recompense everything according to His goodness is why we do not lose heart amid the world’s injustice. Because of this belief, those who suffer like Lazarus can endure with hope to the end, and those who prosper in this life like the rich man need not be proud but should humbly reflect on themselves and give generously.
In fact, what the rich man requests—“Send Lazarus to my brothers so they can repent”—on the surface appears to be concern for his family. But Abraham answers that if they do not listen to “Moses and the Prophets,” then an even more dramatic experience (someone returning from the dead) will not matter. That underscores the essence that “it is not miracles but faith in the Word” that truly counts. Today, many people chase after miracles and signs but show little interest in places where the Word is genuinely proclaimed and taught. However, true faith does not come “from signs” but “from the Word.” In the Gospel of John, each time Jesus performed a sign, He lamented: “Unless you see signs and wonders, you will not believe” (John 4:48), and He declared, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). Pastor David Jang also repeatedly urges believers to have Word-centered faith, not miracle-centered faith. Signs are momentary and auxiliary, but the Word is eternal. Faith grounded in the Word does not waver when storms come or hardship arises.
What we need now is not to “desperately seek someone returned from the dead” but rather to open the “Bible” already in our hands, listen to the gospel message within it, and obey. That is the only path to move from this world to that world (heaven), and the way to practice the “wisdom of the steward.” We must release whatever is bound in this world, such as material obsession, selfish ambition, hatred, or judgment of others, and instead bind love, sharing, generosity, and humility—characteristics of the kingdom of heaven. When we live such a life, the kingdom of God begins to manifest partially on earth. Those who prepare God’s kingdom in this world will enjoy rich rewards in the eternal kingdom after death—this is the core message of the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus.
Now we must go beyond merely understanding this teaching in our heads and apply it in everyday life. If God has granted you material abundance, examine whether you have the heart to share it with Lazarus. If you think you are spiritually wealthy or have extensive theological knowledge, reflect on whom you are teaching and uplifting with that knowledge. If you find yourself in a condition like Lazarus—destitute and hungry—you should not only complain to God, but also wonder, “Why am I passing through this path, and what does God want me to learn from it?” Yet, Scripture clearly offers hope that “even if one remains lowly and poor in this life but looks to God faithfully, they will receive ‘heavenly blessing.’” For God is just, and on judgment day He will repay everyone rightly.
In many of his sermons, Pastor David Jang also reiterates, “God will never forget each person’s labor on the last day. Even a cup of cold water given in My name will not go unrewarded by the Lord. How much more so will the Lord remember our efforts to help people’s souls through the gospel, serve them with the Word, and partner with them financially? Even if we do not receive the full reward in this world, it will certainly not be in vain in heaven.” Such conviction enables us to commit ourselves to helping neighbors through relief work, missions, or educational ministries. In the example of the “book store ministry,” one Christian book can offer a clue of salvation to someone spiritually thirsty. If those who already enjoy the richness of the gospel take the trouble to “collect, sort, and ship” books so that those in need can receive spiritual resources, that labor becomes treasure stored in heaven.
The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus teaches us two major points: (1) There is an eternal world—namely, judgment, heaven, and hell after death—and our life here determines that. (2) If we become “rich” (spiritually or materially) in this world, we must certainly share and give. Being rich can mean having a lot of money, holding a high position in the church, or having abundant knowledge of the Bible and theology. In any form, “if you fail to share what you have been given and only pursue your own satisfaction,” you may well end up going down the path of the rich man. This ties directly to Jesus’ teaching in the Parable of the Unjust Steward in Luke 16: “Do not imagine it is truly yours, but use it for the poor.”
When the rich man finally begs, “Send Lazarus to save my brothers,” it strongly shows that “once you die, you can do nothing.” The time for sharing the gospel of life with our loved ones—family, relatives, friends—is “right now.” After death, there is no way to cross over or return. And for those still living in this world, “Moses and the Prophets”—the Old Testament, the New Testament revelation, and countless sermons and teachings of the church—have already provided “sufficient light.” Refusal to believe no longer stems from a lack of evidence but rather from a hardened heart. Even after Jesus rose from the dead, the Jewish religious leaders did not believe. Roman soldiers, who were shocked by the empty tomb, ran to them, but they were bribed to hide the fact and spread the falsehood that “the disciples stole the body.” It was not that a miracle was lacking, but that their hearts were hardened—no miracle would persuade them to believe.
Therefore, we must not say, “Show me a more definite sign, and then I will believe.” Instead, we must recognize, “the truth recorded in Scripture has already been sufficiently revealed,” and respond by reflecting on ourselves, repenting, and practicing love as evidence of our faith. Among the passages Pastor David Jang frequently cites is Romans 10:8-9, “The Word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart.” God’s Word is already at hand, and if we open our hearts and lips to it, anyone can attain salvation. Moreover, those who are saved must unite to help “Lazarus,” who still does not know the Word or is spiritually starving. That is the mission of the church.
Luke 16’s two parables (the Unjust Steward and the Rich Man and Lazarus) both illustrate “how to live wisely.” If we have been entrusted with anything—wealth, gifts, whatever—eventually, a day of reckoning will come. Also, because this life is not all there is, every decision and action here impacts eternity. Coupled with Jesus’ repeated emphasis on “the importance of sharing,” we receive a cautionary tale from the example of the rich man: “Do not ignore Lazarus at your gate.” We must ask ourselves how often we open the door to meet the numerous Lazaruses around us, how much we offer genuine help. If nobody helps the Lazarus at the door, if we hear these teachings but simply let them pass, then we cannot escape the fate of the rich man, who suffered torment in Hades—this is the conclusion of the parable.
From this perspective, Luke 16’s message is not limited to first-century Jews. It applies to today’s church and all believers, whether wealthy or poor. If we believe in eternity and God’s judgment, it should change the way we see this present life. We must adopt a value system and way of living completely different from those who consider this life to be everything. Instead of focusing on the body that will return to dust, we must stay awake for the soul that will stand forever before the Lord. Moreover, whether we receive wealth or spiritual abundance, we should consider “how to share it” in real, practical ways. Jesus strongly teaches through these parables that this is the most urgent and important matter to settle in our earthly life.
In his sermon on Luke 16, Pastor David Jang emphasizes that “those who have a heavenly perspective inevitably perceive the needs of their neighbors.” Because God’s heart is always concerned with each and every soul, those who carry that heart naturally look around them. If someone cannot see Lazarus at all and does not recognize him, it implies one’s heart has already fallen into “spiritual arrogance” or “callousness,” and repentance is needed. Whether one desires it or not, the rich man faced his irreversible state after death. But we, still breathing in this world, have the time-limited opportunity to help others, preach the gospel, and serve. That time is not long and will eventually end. Thus, the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus is both a powerful warning and a gracious chance for how we use the rest of our lives.
2. The Responsibility of the Rich and the Hope of Lazarus
When expanded in interpretation, the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus is not merely about the materially rich and poor, but also depicts “those who possess the abundance of God’s grace and Word” and “those starving because they have not received it.” Thus, how do today’s church or believers appear in this light? Indeed, there are still “the rich” and “Lazarus” coexisting in this world. One side enjoys abundant spiritual nourishment through plenty of sermons, countless Christian books, various seminars, and conferences, while others struggle in regions where obtaining even one copy of the Bible is difficult, languishing in spiritual famine. Likewise, while magnificent praise and powerful ministries resonate in large urban churches, many rural or suburban areas—or impoverished regions of other countries—remain untouched by the gospel.
Confronting this, Pastor David Jang repeatedly warns that “we are ‘spiritually rich,’ and if we do not step forward to help the ‘spiritual Lazarus,’ it becomes a huge problem.” For instance, if we look at Christian missions or literature ministry, Western churches and theological institutions in the English-speaking world often have mountains of books. Yet these treasure-like resources frequently get discarded or sold off cheaply before they ever reach those who are genuinely seeking spiritual nourishment. Meanwhile, in countries like India, Africa, or Southeast Asia, even if they establish a seminary, they often cannot fill a library with the needed books, so students struggle to do proper research or study. This is not just about books; it spans physical resources, finances, education, healthcare, welfare—countless dimensions of “rich man and Lazarus” coexist globally.
From a biblical standpoint, God usually works through people, and He pours out His love through the church. Jesus instructed believers to help the poor, care for prisoners, and visit the sick. The Parable of the Sheep and the Goats in Matthew 25 can be summarized by the declaration, “Whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers and sisters of Mine, you did for Me.” That parable is another example illustrating how the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus can apply in real contexts. Even a small act of sharing can be crucial for Lazarus’ survival. Moreover, the Bible states that helping a neighbor in need is akin to helping Jesus Himself.
However, we must go beyond the perspective of mere benevolence that says, “I have plenty, so I will momentarily aid those who lack.” True sharing starts with adopting God’s heart and asking, “How can this person be fully restored?” It is not just about giving material support and then stopping. We must share the gospel, disciple them, and help them become independent—a broader sense of service. This is how we can truly save souls and expand God’s kingdom. Therefore, the church must devote itself to prayer, dedication, and the process of raising and training people. What the rich man missed in the parable was “recognizing that he was responsible for caring for both Lazarus’ soul and body at his gate.” Had he realized that, he would not have settled for simply throwing crumbs; he would have tried to address Lazarus’ fundamental issues (illness and hunger).
In modern mission and relief efforts, there has been a rising call for long-term developmental strategies, not merely short-term outreach. Activities like short-term missions or temporary financial aid can be good starting points, but it ultimately requires teaching the locals to study Scripture, build a self-sustaining church community, and even spread the gospel to others. This is the “wise steward” approach and aligns with Jesus’ “Great Commission” in Matthew 28. Pastor David Jang has often stated that “expanding God’s kingdom is not merely about growing church membership; it is about faithfully proclaiming the message of Jesus Christ so that those who hear it are genuinely transformed and rise up to serve others.” He especially mentions that distributing Scripture-based books, providing study materials, and raising teachers and leaders are all necessary efforts.
Why then did Jesus use such an extreme scenario—“the Rich Man and Lazarus”? It is to firmly grab people’s attention. One common human mistake is “assuming our current life will continue forever.” The rich man in the parable sees his wealth and status as given, ignoring his spiritual responsibility or calling. Yet earthly wealth and status are powerless before death. Instead, the question “For what and for whom did you use it?” wholly alters one’s standing before the judgment seat. Pastor David Jang warns that “the more we enjoy in this world, the more thoroughly God will examine whether or not we shared it” and urges us to “stay awake, give generously, and expand our resources to help others.”
The Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus is not primarily intended to scare us with “hell” or entice us with “heaven.” It rather urges us to ask, “If we are spiritually wealthy, how can we practically serve those outside our gates who are spiritually or materially poor with the heart of Jesus?” Traditional church teachings on “love and mercy” are not abstract ideals; they can be tangibly realized in everyday life and in global mission fields. A single piece of bread or used clothing might be a lifesaver for someone, and even more, a single copy of the Gospel or a theological book might alter someone’s eternal destiny. “Love is proven through action,” a famous saying derived from Jesus’ teaching.
This parable’s recurring theme about “two worlds (the present and the afterlife)” reshapes the very framework of our worldview. If there were nothing after death, people would naturally pursue only immediate pleasures and interests. Yet the gospel anchors us in an “eternal” awareness and instills fear or reverence for standing before God after death. Consequently, our behavior and attitude in this present world inevitably change. This transcends mere ethics or philosophy; it stems from “faith.” Pastor David Jang frequently admonishes in his sermons that “we must look beyond worldly satisfaction and anticipate the joy of heaven.” Otherwise, we could end up like the rich man, pleading, “Send someone to dip the tip of his finger in water to cool my tongue,” confronted by eternal torment.
Therefore, the ultimate conclusion of this parable can be summarized as follows:
- Earthly life is finite, and judgment follows after death.
- If we neglect poor, suffering Lazarus in this world, we violate God’s heart and risk severe condemnation on the last day.
- We already have “Moses and the Prophets,” i.e., the Old Testament, New Testament revelation, and numerous sermons of the church, so there is no excuse.
- Genuine repentance and service arise from hearing and trusting the Word.
- If you fail to decide while alive, there is no second chance after death. Hence, the present moment is critical.
- A Christian’s riches include more than money—spiritual, scriptural abundance as well. Such abundance must be used to expand God’s kingdom through sharing.
- As Pastor David Jang and other spiritual teachers affirm, tangible ministries such as “book store work”—providing books worldwide to help spiritual Lazaruses—is a “gospel-centered practice.”
The story of “the Rich Man and Lazarus” reminds us that our present reality is connected to “eternity,” urging us to examine our lifestyle, attitudes, and even motives before God. If our wealth, knowledge, and strength are used only for self-indulgence, they may become a burden against us on judgment day. Conversely, if they serve as a channel to save Lazarus and reveal God’s heart, they will be treasures stored in heaven. Living a life of faith is not merely attending church services; it is living daily “with an eternal outlook,” following the ethics of God’s kingdom. At the core of those ethics lies Jesus’ command, “Freely you have received; freely give” (Matthew 10:8).
Many of the daily dilemmas we face—“the purpose of life,” “value systems,” “career choices,” “use of wealth,” “investment of time and talent”—all connect to the message of this parable. Do we seek only this life’s satisfaction like the rich man, or do we, like Lazarus, endure hardship while trusting in God and hoping for comfort at the end? Or, if we realize we are rich, are we doing anything for the Lazarus around us? We must ask and answer these questions every day. We must not delay our decision, for we know life will end someday, and we believe in the world to come after death. That makes “today” significant. Whether we end up being carried to Abraham’s bosom or pleading for a drop of water to cool our tongue in Hades is precisely the weighty question Luke 16 poses.
Hence, the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus “powerfully proclaims an outlook on life and action rooted in the perspective of God’s kingdom.” And it is reinforced by placing the “Parable of the Unjust Steward” right before it in Luke 16. Jesus intensifies His teaching that we should use whatever is entrusted to us—money, talents, knowledge, spiritual abundance—“through the lens of God’s kingdom.” If even the dishonest steward was praised for being “shrewd” in securing a future benefit with the limited resources at hand, “how much more should God’s people proactively help the weak and poor, proclaim the gospel, and share grace with others?” That is “heavenly wisdom,” repeated by Pastor David Jang and countless other preachers who urge the church to act accordingly.
Luke 16 overflows with Jesus’ teaching that “if you enjoy wealth in this world, use it to practice love like the Father’s heart. Then God will commend your wisdom.” Its essence is love, mercy, and the hope of heaven. Holding onto the multifaceted message of this parable, our task is to apply it practically in our families, workplaces, churches, and mission fields. The Lord will ask, “How did you use the grace I bestowed on you? What did you do for the ‘Lazarus’ at your gate?” So that we may answer without shame, we must right now see and care for the ‘Lazarus’ before our eyes. This is the message for readers of Luke 16 and the consistent call for “practical application of the gospel” that Pastor David Jang has emphasized again and again.