"The Lazarus at Your Gateway"(Luke 16:19-3)

The Lazarus at Your Gateway. 

Luke 16:19-31 

In this passage, Jesus tells the story of two very different men who lived, died and went to different places in the afterlife. First, there is the rich man who feasted. He didn't just eat well, he ate like it was a feast all the time. He dressed in purple which is another indicator of how rich he was. These colouerd garments could only be afforded by the very rich and royalty. When the rich man died, he goes to hell. Whereas Lazarus, the poor man, who was homeless, starving and very sick goes to heaven. We understand that the rich man went hell because he did not care for Lazarus who was at his gateway.

A. We need to ask ourselves who is the Lazarus at our gateway. Jesus is going to return back and reward those who take care of the Lazarus individuals at their doorways. We need to be cognizant of those around us who are like Lazarus and need our help. Here are three examples of those who would be considered a Lazarus in our lives.

1. The individuals who cannot help themselves. They are pathetic and seen as outcasts in society.  Lazarus could not afford basic care and was so sick that his wounds attracted dogs. The poorman could not help himself. 

       And at his gate was laid a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores, 

       Luke 16:20 ESV 

2. The individuals within our reach and our riches. The poor man did not desire much. He just wanted the scraps from the rich man who could see the poor man. These are the people who are within our reach. Jesus wants us to have hearts for the poor. He only expects us to give within our means. God does not care how rich we are, but rather how much we help those in need within our means. 

who desired to be fed with what fell from the rich man's table... 

Luke 16:21a ESV 

Blessed is the one who considers the poor! In the day of trouble the Lord delivers him; 

Psalms 41:1 ESV 

3. The individuals who are far below our living standards. If you  have a job,  food  and a place to sleep, then you have far more than many of those who live in extreme poverty. 

B What does Jesus expect us to do?

1. 1. We are to approach social life differently with the Kingdom perspective. We need to think that God has put this person, this Lazarus, in our lives. We need to take the opportunity to help. Jesus does not debase the rich man for being wealthy or for living well. The problem is that the rich man did not help the poor. We need to help the poor. 
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3. 2. We are given the privilege to shape our heavenly reward. Jesus mentions this repeatedly. We store up our treasures in heaven. 
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5. 3. Helping others is a fact of life for followers of Christ. We have a duty and it is also time bound. We are given some time, to help those in need but when that time is gone, it will be too late. Remember that you only live once (YOLO).
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