THE IMPROVED ADULT TEACHER QUARTERLY
Lesson 4
Lesson 4
June 24, 2018
REAPING GOD'S JUSTICE
Lesson Scripture: Luke 16:19-31; John 5:24-30
Focus Scripture: Luke 16: 19-31
Crossing the Read Sea
REAPING GOD'S JUSTICE
Lesson Scripture: Luke 16:19-31; John 5:24-30
Focus Scripture: Luke 16: 19-31
Crossing the Read Sea
Key Verse: "Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony." Luke 16:25 (NRSV)
LUKE 16:19-31 (NRSV)
19 "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.
20 And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,
21 who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores.
22 The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried.
23 In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side.
24 He called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.'
25 But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony.
26 Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.'
27 He said, 'Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house-
28 for I have five brothers-that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.'
29 Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.'
30 He said, 'No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.'
31 He said to them, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"
LUKE 16:19-31 (KJV)
19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
HOME DAILY BIBLE READINGS
June 18 - June 24
Monday - Psalm 49: 1-4, 16-20 (The Folly of Riches)
Tuesday - Proverbs 22:1-2,7-9,16 (Oppressing the Poor Leads to Loss)
Wednesday - James 5: 1-5 (Both Oppressors and Righteous Receive Justice)
Thursday - Luke 6:20-26 (Blessed Are the Poor)
Friday - John 3:16-21 (Two Responses to the Light)
Saturday - Matthew 19:23-30 (Entry Into the Kingdom of Heaven)
Sunday - Luke 16:19-31 (Lazarus Cannot Help the Rich Man)
VOCABULARY
• Chasm - A deep crack in the earth, rock, or another surface; a wide space.
• Hades - A place for the dead, in most cases equating to a place of torment and suffering.
• Lazarus - The name offers characterization to the story; it comes from Eleazar, which means "God helps."
INTRODUCTION
A LESSON ON THE "HAVES AND THE HAVE-NOTS"
Throughout history, there have been stories written of the rich aristocratic social group living in the same cities as the impoverished and forgotten poor. These tales are often presented as a means of stirring the conscience of the wealthy, giving hope to the poor. For the rich, it is intended to be a subtle reminder of the responsibility to share their abundance, and to also acknowledge the consequences if not followed. For the poor, it inspires hope that the suffering will ultimately lead to a life of prosperity, whether among the living or in our final eternal home. The parable of Lazarus is intended to act in the same capacity. However, Luke's version of this story is also intended to suggest the ending may already be sealed. The hope for redemption for oneself or their family may be already lost. According to this text, the chosen people of God, depicted by the rich man, have already been given opportunities to repent. Yet, despite the warnings received numerous times by previous prophets, they fail to heed their counsel.
Unlike the fables that are told at the fireside, this parable reads more like a prophecy. As Jesus reveals the likely fate of the religious elite, Jesus is also suggesting that there are no anticipated opportunities to reverse their plight. In Luke's typical fashion of bringing end-times theological imagery close and personal, he presents this parable by Jesus as a means to also forewarn the early church. The parable, though thousands of years old, is as applicable today as it was in the first century. It continues to tell the story of the haves and the have-nots.
BIBLE STORY
In this section of Luke's gospel, we find the culmination of the theme that desire and need for wealth and power is an obstruction to the path towards the kingdom of God. Riches and their glamour create a continued desire for more wealth and a concern to maintain it. Earlier, Luke highlights the ills of the powerful and rich through the praise song of Mary (Luke 1 :52). John the Baptist's warning to the rich (Luke 3:8 and 17) equally suggests that the kingdom is meant for the poor and the hungry, while the rich will suffer for reaping their blessing at the poor's expense (Luke 6:2-26). Earlier in this chapter, Jesus is again teaching through parables, but this time specifically to his disciples. The Pharisees remain present as observers, giving the indication that the lessons were equally intended for their hearing. Jesus speaks of the dishonest steward and warns that man cannot serve two masters (16:13). Jesus affirms the law and reminds the Pharisees that God knows the heart of man. As Luke leads up to this parable, he shares that many will attempt to make their way into the kingdom of God. However, despite the proclamation of the gospel, the law remains. There now becomes a point of transition into a parable of unaccountability, with the story of Lazarus and the rich man.
Also unique to Luke's gospel, this parable gives identity to a character by naming the poor, crippled, and diseased beggar as Lazarus. Having the name Lazarus, meaning "God Helps," presents the understanding that Lazarus' plight will be resolved with divine intervention. The rich man, on the other hand, remains unnamed. He is arrayed in purple and fine linen, which is of significance, since class and status during the Roman era determined one's ability to wear regal colors. His home was secured by a gate, allowing him the security and privacy afforded to the wealthy. There is no interaction between the rich and the poor, only the imagery that the distinction of wealth and poverty exist. And as Lazarus dies from his condition, he is led to the bosom of Abraham by angels. Lazarus is comforted and provided the joy he was denied in his life. In contrast, the rich man dies and becomes a tenant of Hades. It is a place of torment and agony. The rich man pleads to Abraham for relief in three options. He first requests Lazarus to come down and dip his finger in water to cool his tongue. Abraham responds by addressing the rich man as "child," an indication of being part of God's chosen people. This confirmation of heritage does not guarantee access to the joys of eternal life. Abraham speaks for Lazarus and tells the rich man that Lazarus is now receiving the good, where the rich man has already received his reward on earth (vs. 25-26). Abraham further adds that there is a chasm between them. Chasm can also be defined as a profound difference between the people, their viewpoints and feelings. Now the separation between the rich and poor existed not only as a barrier in the life of the living but also in the eternity of the dead, as this abyss symbolizes the permanence of their conditions. The last effort by the rich man was to send a warning to his family so they would not suffer as well. But Abraham once again states that Moses and the prophets gave these warnings. It is in this statement that the Pharisees and other leaders are now convicted to understand that the parable is once again about their future. Jesus uses this parable to graphically illustrate the higher cost of greed and the consequences that come with it.
LIFE APPLICATION
Poverty is a major concern throughout the United States and the world. Poverty is defined as a state of deprivation, lacking the usual or socially acceptable amount of money or material possessions. According to the most recent U.S. Census research data, the current poverty rate in the United States is 12.6%. It is estimated that 104 million children under five years of age are living in extreme poverty, while that number extends to 328 million for children under eighteen years old (World Bank, 2016). More than 3 billion people live in poverty. According to the Children's Defense Fund, in 2016, 40.6 million poor people lived in America, and one third of them were children. Many of these children face hunger, homelessness and hopelessness. Yet there is a huge inequality when it comes to the share of wealth in the world. The world's 10 richest billionaires, according to Forbes, own $505 billion in combined wealth, a sum greater than the total goods and services most nations produce on an annual basis. The United States dominates the global population of high net worth individuals, with over 4.3 million individuals owning at least $1 million in financial assets (not including their primary residence or consumer goods). The United States has more wealth than any other nation. But America's top-heavy distribution of wealth leaves typical American adults (the middle class) with far less wealth than their counterparts in other industrial nations. Another indicator in this discussion is homelessness. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, over 610,042 people experience homelessness on any given night in the U.S. Nearly 48,000, or 8.5% of all homeless persons, are veterans. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, a family with a full-time worker making minimum wage could not afford fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment anywhere in the U.S.
When looking at these statistics, it becomes necessary to recognize that any person can become a victim of these conditions. Although the U.S. offers opportunities that allure people from other countries to seek residency, there is still potential to live in poverty, lack healthcare and be homeless at any given time. As such, a person displaced with no housing options, seeking assistance on the streets of America, may appear like Lazarus, and see the well-dressed, successful businessman driving his luxury sedan into his gated country club community as the rich man in this story. Christians today have an opportunity to change the dynamics of a person's life, simply by acknowledging their condition, avoiding judgment, offering resources and being faithful in giving.
SUMMARY
The wealth in the 21st century can be compared to a person in the U.S. who has financial assets that exceed $1 million. However, when looking at the extreme poverty found around the world, a person living in the U.S. or Europe with a middle-class income may be considered the rich man or woman from this story. The homeless children, who suffer from malnutrition and disease, whether in Africa, Chicago, or Tennessee, would gladly receive the leftover scraps from a local American restaurant. Helping those in need may be a Christian's "Lazarus" encounter.
1. Consider previous times when you have noticed a homeless beggar on the street and reflect on what your thoughts were at that time. Consider whether you made judgments about their situation, and pray for wisdom and empathy in the future.
2. Discuss ministries in your local church that reach the needs of the poor, sick and homeless and consider whether you are able to participate.
3. What are some personal situations that you have experienced with someone who suffered from one or more of the conditions that Lazarus had?
4. What are some things that can be done by people who are financially secure, to help those in need?
5. What are some examples of times you've been tempted to desire extravagant wealth? What are some of the pitfalls and why?
CLOSING DEVOTION
God of grace, God of mercy, we first thank you for your continued blessings in the lives of each of your children. Show us, oh Lord, the way to respond in kind, to offer ourselves to all who are in need. Let our hearts be open to the pain and suffering of others and our minds be alert to the opportunities to show kindness and love. May we always be grateful for the blessings of food, clothing, shelter, health and strength. May we always be willing to give rather than just receive.
May we consider the needs of others and be willing to share our abundance to those who suffer in lack. And may those who have found favor to receive riches be mindful of their obligations to be good and faithful stewards, to be generous and to be kind. This is our prayer we lift in faith. In Jesus' holy name, amen.
​​​
APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; the third day He arose from the dead, He ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Church Universal, the communion of the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
D E C A L 0 G U E
Superintendent-And God spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law
Superintendent-Thou shalt not make unto thyself any graven image, nor the likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law
Superintendent-Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Superintendent-Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord hath made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested on the seventh day: Wherefore the Lord blessed the seventh day and hallowed it.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
My soul be on thy guard,
Ten Thousand foes arise;
And hosts of sins are pressing hard
To draw thee from the skies
Superintendent-Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Superintendent-Thou shalt not kill.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Superintendent-Thou shalt not commit adultery.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Superintendent-Thou shalt not steal.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Superintendent-Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Superintendent-Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and write these laws upon our hearts.
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee!
E’en though it be a cross
That raiseth me;
Still all my song shall be,
Nearer, my God, to Thee!
Nearer to Thee!
Superintendent-Hear what Christ, our Savior saith: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great Commandment. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two Commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
All-Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen
LUKE 16:19-31 (NRSV)
19 "There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.
20 And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,
21 who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores.
22 The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried.
23 In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side.
24 He called out, 'Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.'
25 But Abraham said, 'Child, remember that during your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in agony.
26 Besides all this, between you and us a great chasm has been fixed, so that those who might want to pass from here to you cannot do so, and no one can cross from there to us.'
27 He said, 'Then, father, I beg you to send him to my father's house-
28 for I have five brothers-that he may warn them, so that they will not also come into this place of torment.'
29 Abraham replied, 'They have Moses and the prophets; they should listen to them.'
30 He said, 'No, father Abraham; but if someone goes to them from the dead, they will repent.'
31 He said to them, 'If they do not listen to Moses and the prophets, neither will they be convinced even if someone rises from the dead.'"
LUKE 16:19-31 (KJV)
19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.
22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;
23 And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.
24 And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.
25 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
26 And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.
27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father's house:
28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.
29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.
30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.
31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.
HOME DAILY BIBLE READINGS
June 18 - June 24
Monday - Psalm 49: 1-4, 16-20 (The Folly of Riches)
Tuesday - Proverbs 22:1-2,7-9,16 (Oppressing the Poor Leads to Loss)
Wednesday - James 5: 1-5 (Both Oppressors and Righteous Receive Justice)
Thursday - Luke 6:20-26 (Blessed Are the Poor)
Friday - John 3:16-21 (Two Responses to the Light)
Saturday - Matthew 19:23-30 (Entry Into the Kingdom of Heaven)
Sunday - Luke 16:19-31 (Lazarus Cannot Help the Rich Man)
VOCABULARY
• Chasm - A deep crack in the earth, rock, or another surface; a wide space.
• Hades - A place for the dead, in most cases equating to a place of torment and suffering.
• Lazarus - The name offers characterization to the story; it comes from Eleazar, which means "God helps."
INTRODUCTION
A LESSON ON THE "HAVES AND THE HAVE-NOTS"
Throughout history, there have been stories written of the rich aristocratic social group living in the same cities as the impoverished and forgotten poor. These tales are often presented as a means of stirring the conscience of the wealthy, giving hope to the poor. For the rich, it is intended to be a subtle reminder of the responsibility to share their abundance, and to also acknowledge the consequences if not followed. For the poor, it inspires hope that the suffering will ultimately lead to a life of prosperity, whether among the living or in our final eternal home. The parable of Lazarus is intended to act in the same capacity. However, Luke's version of this story is also intended to suggest the ending may already be sealed. The hope for redemption for oneself or their family may be already lost. According to this text, the chosen people of God, depicted by the rich man, have already been given opportunities to repent. Yet, despite the warnings received numerous times by previous prophets, they fail to heed their counsel.
Unlike the fables that are told at the fireside, this parable reads more like a prophecy. As Jesus reveals the likely fate of the religious elite, Jesus is also suggesting that there are no anticipated opportunities to reverse their plight. In Luke's typical fashion of bringing end-times theological imagery close and personal, he presents this parable by Jesus as a means to also forewarn the early church. The parable, though thousands of years old, is as applicable today as it was in the first century. It continues to tell the story of the haves and the have-nots.
BIBLE STORY
In this section of Luke's gospel, we find the culmination of the theme that desire and need for wealth and power is an obstruction to the path towards the kingdom of God. Riches and their glamour create a continued desire for more wealth and a concern to maintain it. Earlier, Luke highlights the ills of the powerful and rich through the praise song of Mary (Luke 1 :52). John the Baptist's warning to the rich (Luke 3:8 and 17) equally suggests that the kingdom is meant for the poor and the hungry, while the rich will suffer for reaping their blessing at the poor's expense (Luke 6:2-26). Earlier in this chapter, Jesus is again teaching through parables, but this time specifically to his disciples. The Pharisees remain present as observers, giving the indication that the lessons were equally intended for their hearing. Jesus speaks of the dishonest steward and warns that man cannot serve two masters (16:13). Jesus affirms the law and reminds the Pharisees that God knows the heart of man. As Luke leads up to this parable, he shares that many will attempt to make their way into the kingdom of God. However, despite the proclamation of the gospel, the law remains. There now becomes a point of transition into a parable of unaccountability, with the story of Lazarus and the rich man.
Also unique to Luke's gospel, this parable gives identity to a character by naming the poor, crippled, and diseased beggar as Lazarus. Having the name Lazarus, meaning "God Helps," presents the understanding that Lazarus' plight will be resolved with divine intervention. The rich man, on the other hand, remains unnamed. He is arrayed in purple and fine linen, which is of significance, since class and status during the Roman era determined one's ability to wear regal colors. His home was secured by a gate, allowing him the security and privacy afforded to the wealthy. There is no interaction between the rich and the poor, only the imagery that the distinction of wealth and poverty exist. And as Lazarus dies from his condition, he is led to the bosom of Abraham by angels. Lazarus is comforted and provided the joy he was denied in his life. In contrast, the rich man dies and becomes a tenant of Hades. It is a place of torment and agony. The rich man pleads to Abraham for relief in three options. He first requests Lazarus to come down and dip his finger in water to cool his tongue. Abraham responds by addressing the rich man as "child," an indication of being part of God's chosen people. This confirmation of heritage does not guarantee access to the joys of eternal life. Abraham speaks for Lazarus and tells the rich man that Lazarus is now receiving the good, where the rich man has already received his reward on earth (vs. 25-26). Abraham further adds that there is a chasm between them. Chasm can also be defined as a profound difference between the people, their viewpoints and feelings. Now the separation between the rich and poor existed not only as a barrier in the life of the living but also in the eternity of the dead, as this abyss symbolizes the permanence of their conditions. The last effort by the rich man was to send a warning to his family so they would not suffer as well. But Abraham once again states that Moses and the prophets gave these warnings. It is in this statement that the Pharisees and other leaders are now convicted to understand that the parable is once again about their future. Jesus uses this parable to graphically illustrate the higher cost of greed and the consequences that come with it.
LIFE APPLICATION
Poverty is a major concern throughout the United States and the world. Poverty is defined as a state of deprivation, lacking the usual or socially acceptable amount of money or material possessions. According to the most recent U.S. Census research data, the current poverty rate in the United States is 12.6%. It is estimated that 104 million children under five years of age are living in extreme poverty, while that number extends to 328 million for children under eighteen years old (World Bank, 2016). More than 3 billion people live in poverty. According to the Children's Defense Fund, in 2016, 40.6 million poor people lived in America, and one third of them were children. Many of these children face hunger, homelessness and hopelessness. Yet there is a huge inequality when it comes to the share of wealth in the world. The world's 10 richest billionaires, according to Forbes, own $505 billion in combined wealth, a sum greater than the total goods and services most nations produce on an annual basis. The United States dominates the global population of high net worth individuals, with over 4.3 million individuals owning at least $1 million in financial assets (not including their primary residence or consumer goods). The United States has more wealth than any other nation. But America's top-heavy distribution of wealth leaves typical American adults (the middle class) with far less wealth than their counterparts in other industrial nations. Another indicator in this discussion is homelessness. According to the National Alliance to End Homelessness, over 610,042 people experience homelessness on any given night in the U.S. Nearly 48,000, or 8.5% of all homeless persons, are veterans. According to the National Low Income Housing Coalition, a family with a full-time worker making minimum wage could not afford fair market rent for a two-bedroom apartment anywhere in the U.S.
When looking at these statistics, it becomes necessary to recognize that any person can become a victim of these conditions. Although the U.S. offers opportunities that allure people from other countries to seek residency, there is still potential to live in poverty, lack healthcare and be homeless at any given time. As such, a person displaced with no housing options, seeking assistance on the streets of America, may appear like Lazarus, and see the well-dressed, successful businessman driving his luxury sedan into his gated country club community as the rich man in this story. Christians today have an opportunity to change the dynamics of a person's life, simply by acknowledging their condition, avoiding judgment, offering resources and being faithful in giving.
SUMMARY
The wealth in the 21st century can be compared to a person in the U.S. who has financial assets that exceed $1 million. However, when looking at the extreme poverty found around the world, a person living in the U.S. or Europe with a middle-class income may be considered the rich man or woman from this story. The homeless children, who suffer from malnutrition and disease, whether in Africa, Chicago, or Tennessee, would gladly receive the leftover scraps from a local American restaurant. Helping those in need may be a Christian's "Lazarus" encounter.
1. Consider previous times when you have noticed a homeless beggar on the street and reflect on what your thoughts were at that time. Consider whether you made judgments about their situation, and pray for wisdom and empathy in the future.
2. Discuss ministries in your local church that reach the needs of the poor, sick and homeless and consider whether you are able to participate.
3. What are some personal situations that you have experienced with someone who suffered from one or more of the conditions that Lazarus had?
4. What are some things that can be done by people who are financially secure, to help those in need?
5. What are some examples of times you've been tempted to desire extravagant wealth? What are some of the pitfalls and why?
CLOSING DEVOTION
God of grace, God of mercy, we first thank you for your continued blessings in the lives of each of your children. Show us, oh Lord, the way to respond in kind, to offer ourselves to all who are in need. Let our hearts be open to the pain and suffering of others and our minds be alert to the opportunities to show kindness and love. May we always be grateful for the blessings of food, clothing, shelter, health and strength. May we always be willing to give rather than just receive.
May we consider the needs of others and be willing to share our abundance to those who suffer in lack. And may those who have found favor to receive riches be mindful of their obligations to be good and faithful stewards, to be generous and to be kind. This is our prayer we lift in faith. In Jesus' holy name, amen.
​​​
APOSTLES’ CREED
I believe in God the Father, Almighty, Maker of heaven and earth, and in Jesus Christ, His only Son, our Lord who was conceived by the Holy Spirit, born of the Virgin Mary, suffered under Pontius Pilate, was crucified, dead and buried; the third day He arose from the dead, He ascended into heaven and sitteth on the right hand of God the Father Almighty; from thence He shall come to judge the quick and the dead. I believe in the Holy Spirit, the Church Universal, the communion of the saints, the forgiveness of sins, the resurrection of the body, and the life everlasting.
D E C A L 0 G U E
Superintendent-And God spake all these words, saying, I am the Lord thy God, who brought thee out of the land of Egypt, out of the house of bondage. Thou shalt have no other gods before me.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law
Superintendent-Thou shalt not make unto thyself any graven image, nor the likeness of any thing that is in heaven above, or in the earth beneath, or in the water under the earth: Thou shalt not bow down thyself to them, nor serve them: for I the Lord thy God am a jealous God, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation of them that hate me; and showing mercy unto thousands of them that love me and keep my commandments.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law
Superintendent-Thou shalt not take the name of the Lord thy God in vain; for the Lord will not hold him guiltless that taketh his name in vain.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Superintendent-Remember the Sabbath Day, to keep it holy. Six days shalt thou labor and do all thy work, but the seventh day is the Sabbath of the Lord thy God: in it thou shalt not do any work, thou, nor thy son, nor thy daughter, thy manservant, nor thy maidservant, nor thy cattle, nor thy stranger that is within thy gates: for in six days the Lord hath made heaven and earth, the sea, and all that in them is, and rested on the seventh day: Wherefore the Lord blessed the seventh day and hallowed it.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
My soul be on thy guard,
Ten Thousand foes arise;
And hosts of sins are pressing hard
To draw thee from the skies
Superintendent-Honor thy father and thy mother: that thy days may be long upon the land which the Lord thy God giveth thee.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Superintendent-Thou shalt not kill.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Superintendent-Thou shalt not commit adultery.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Superintendent-Thou shalt not steal.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Superintendent-Thou shalt not bear false witness against thy neighbor.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and incline our hearts to keep this law.
Superintendent-Thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbor's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbor's.
School-Lord, have mercy upon us, and write these laws upon our hearts.
Nearer, my God, to Thee,
Nearer to Thee!
E’en though it be a cross
That raiseth me;
Still all my song shall be,
Nearer, my God, to Thee!
Nearer to Thee!
Superintendent-Hear what Christ, our Savior saith: Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great Commandment. And the second is like unto it. Thou shalt love thy neighbor as thyself. On these two Commandments hang all the law and the prophets.
All-Glory be to the Father, and to the Son, and to the Holy Ghost. As it was in the beginning, is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen
