I. It is very important to observe that, in this parable, we have not before us the entire character either of the rich man or Lazarus. The luxurious self-indulgent habit of living is the assumed scriptural characteristic of an unrenewed, worldly mind; and when it is associated with indifference to the suffering that everywhere abounds around us, it is itself a proof that, in such a manner as the love of God is wanting, the spirit of Christ does not dwell. The rich man was not cast into prison because he was rich, but because he had abused his riches to pride and selfishness and worldly-mindedness, and forgetfulness of God. Still more important it is to observe that we have not the whole character of Lazarus. He was poor, he was afflicted, he was neglected and cast off by men; but so have many been who yet when they died found no entrance into the kingdom of heaven. Worldliness of spirit may be as confirmed, and disaffection towards God and holiness as inveterate and deep, under an outside of poverty and sores, as under a covering of fine linen and purple. It was not because he was poor that Lazarus was carried into Abraham's bosom. The real state of the heart towards God was the test applied, so that if Lazarus had not been patient as well as poor, resigned as well as afflicted, he would have been as rejected a suitor for a drop of water in the next world as he had been for a few falling crumbs of bread in this; for in Christ Jesus neither riches avail anything, nor want of riches, but a new creature.
II. The leading design of the parable is to show the inveterate stubbornness of unbelief, and the utter inadequacy of all conceivable means for its removal, where the ordinary appliances of revelation fail. "If they hear not Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead." Unbelief is a disease of the heart. Evidence cannot reach it; miracle cannot reach it, it can be reached only, can be cured only, by the enlightening and transforming power of the Spirit of God.
D. Moore, Penny Pulpit,No. 3,371.
References: Luke 16:19. Homiletic Quarterly,vol. i., p. 200; C. C. Bartholomew, Sermons Chiefly Practical,p. 131.Luke 16:19; Luke 16:20. H. J. Wilmot-Buxton, The Life of Duty,vol. ii., p. 9. Luke 16:19-31. R. C. Trench, Notes on the Parables,p. 453; H. Calderwood, The Parables,p. 347; A. B. Bruce, The Parabolic Teaching of Christ,p. 376; Clergyman's Magazine,vol. ii., p. 117; Homiletic Quarterly,vol. iv., pp. 102, 190; Ibid.,vol. vi., p. 91; Ibid.,vol. xiii., p. 265; W. Hubbard, Christian World Pulpit,vol. xiv., p. 372.Luke 16:22. Ibid.,vol. vi., p. 200; L. Campbell, Some Aspects of the Christian Ideal,p. 175.Luke 16:22; Luke 16:23. G. Calthrop, Words spoken to My Friends,p. 223.Luke 16:22-31. S. A. Tipple, Echoes of Spoken Words,p. 163.