A Beggar Named Lazarus - Luke 16:20

The beloved physician Luke wrote how Jesus said, “There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day”, and in chapter sixteen and verse twenty of his book Luke wrote how Jesus continues His story by saying, “there was a certain beggar named Lazarus” where we read:

And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,

The verse reads, “And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, ...” Luke began with the words, “there was a certain beggar” or “and there existed a particular begging man who was destitute of wealth, influence, position and honor”, “named Lazarus” which means “who was called and known by the name of Lazarus which means whom God helps”. Luke shared how Jesus referred to another man in His story, and this man was “poor and destitute” whose name was “Lazarus” or “whom God helps” .

The verse continues, “... which was laid at his gate, full of sores,” Luke added the words, “which was laid” or “who was thrown, inserted or cast down” “at his gate” which means “near and toward the rich man's large entryway in front of his house or palace”, “full of sores” or “and Lazarus had ulcerated sores all over his body”. Luke shared how Jesus described not only the location of Lazarus, at the rich man's gate to his home, but also his physical condition as his body was filled with “ulcerated sores”.

When we think through Luke's words in this verse, we discover the great contrast between the man who had “wealth” in this world, and the man who had “nothing” and was physically impaired as well. God knows the conditions of every person on earth. Some have lots of wealth, influence, honor and position, and others have nothing to their name. God's salvation through His Son Jesus is offered equally to both rich and poor, and often only the person in “need” will receive His greatest “riches”. Those who are wise will carefully consider each of these men in Jesus' story and understand they were both “spiritual paupers” and in “need” of a relationship with God.

Next time Luke shares how Jesus said Lazarus was, “desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table” so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” and the new poetry book "Random Mushrooms Volumes I and II" and the new novel "Elizabeth County" in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore. All references are from "Strongs Concordance".