The Great Divide Series

Title: The Great Divide

Theme: To show the difference between heaven and hell.

Text: Luke 16:19 – 31

Note: This message is part of a series I called the DNA of a Christian. It covers essential doctrines that Christians need to believe. It makes us who we are. In this message, although I leaned heavily on the commentary Preacher’s Sermon and Outline Bible for Luke 16:25 – 31 (used a lot of the commentary). I wanted to share it with you.

Luke 16:25 But Abraham said, 'Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and you are tormented. (26) And besides all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed (great divide), so that those who want to pass from here to you cannot, nor can those from there pass to us.'

They will not believe even if someone comes back from the dead

ii. Of course, Jesus did rise from the dead; yet many did not believe then. Additionally, a man named Lazarus also came back from the dead (Jhn_11:38-44) and the religious leaders did not believe him; they tried to kill him (Jhn_12:9-10).

There was a difference in how they lived in this life (vv.19-21)

(19) "There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day.

This is one of the reasons we call this a true story. It is not a parable. Jesus does not name names in parables.

“I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine” (Jhn_10:14; see Jhn_10:27).

“But if any man love God, the same is known of him” (1Co_8:3).

“For now we see through a glass, darkly; but then face to face: now I know in part; but then shall I know even as also I am known” (1Co_13:12).

(20) But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate,

a. The rich man was wealthy; Lazarus poor [v.20]

This was made very clear.

(21) desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

b. The rich man was healthy; Lazarus disabled [v.21]

Jesus seems to lean toward those, have compassion on those who are not self-dependent. Those who are in need.

Ask the Man at the pool of Bethesda

Ask the Man who was blind, born blind

Ask the Lame man

Ask the woman with the issue of blood

Jesus sees the broken heart.

Psalms 34:18 The LORD is near to those who have a broken heart, And saves such as have a contrite spirit.

(NLT) The LORD is close to the brokenhearted; he rescues those whose spirits are crushed.

(MSG) If your heart is broken, you'll find GOD right there; if you're kicked in the gut, he'll help you catch your breath

The rich man lived in luxury and extravagance; Lazarus begged, being helpless [v.21]

The crumbs were that which used by the Rich man to wipe his mouth after eating.

Rich man – luxury, extravagant. Home big gates, ignored the world

This says a lot about who he was. Not just living with what he needed but extravagant and luxurious. Everything he wanted or needed was at his finger tips.

d. The rich man was nameless; Lazarus named [v.19]

There was A difference in the way they died: Lazarus died and was escorted to paradise; the rich man died and was buried (v.22)

(22) So it was that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried.

Notice, in this life there was much recognition to the rich man. I would assume there was an extravagant funeral. There was great mourning. But Lazarus died.

Notice next, Lazarus was escorted to Paradise.

Psalm 34:7 ESV / 5 helpful votes

The angel of the Lord encamps around those who fear him, and delivers them.

What a joy that the Father takes that much care for us when we die. He does not leave us alone but escorts us.

- Enoch walked with God and was no more and God took him.

- Elijah on chariots of fire.

- Moses God escorted to heaven

There was a difference in their eternity (vv.23-31)

(23) And being in torments in Hades, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

a. The rich man was in hell; Lazarus was in Paradise [v.23]

There is only two destinations. There is not third place. It is either heaven or hell. A place of paradise and peace or a place of torment and separation.

Mat 25:46 And these will go away into everlasting punishment, but the righteous into eternal life."