The Rich Man and Lazarus

(The Call for Early Repentance)

Luke 16:19-31

Key Verse 16:31

1. Examine the rich man’s first request to Abraham in verse 24. What did the man 

ask Abraham to do?  Abraham is known as a man who is willing to go the extra mile to meet the needs others have. Yet why did Abraham reject his request? What can we learn from this conversation in preparing for the life to come?

2. Think about the rich man’s second request to Abraham in verses 27-28. In what respect was his concern “noble”? Abraham’s reply in verse 29 indicates that honoring his request is within the range of possibility. Yet, Abraham rejected the request because the five brothers had Moses and the Prophets. What are Moses and the Prophets referring to? How will listening to Moses and the Prophets prevent the rich man’s five brothers (or anyone) from coming to the place of torment after death? (Luke 16:16; 24:25-27)

3. Consider the rich man’s argument in verse 30, and Abraham’s reply to the man’s  argument in verse 31. What does this exchange of conversation indicate about: 1) the importance of repentance; 2) the time of repentance; and 3) the means of repentance?