Parables are a form of storytelling in which the physical features of some well-known subjects are exemplified to relate an essential spiritual teaching. That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, вЂI will open my mouth in parables I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.вЂ™' Matthew 13:34вЂ“35 'All these things spoke Jesus unto the multitudes IN PARABLES and without a parable spoke he not unto them.

What many people conveniently fail to realize is the proclivity of teachers, speaking in early Semitic languages like Hebrew (or even in Greek when speaking in a Semitic environment), to constantly use the symbolic or parable form of teaching to the people they taught. Thankfully, there cannot be the slightest doubt that the whole account is a parable from start to finish. And letвЂ™s face it, that is precisely what ought to be taught if Lazarus and the rich man is a literal narrative. However, this interpretation is part of the exact scenario being preached in many churches and revivals today. Simply because someone in China or the Soviet Union (to pick two atheistic countries) never had a chance to hear of Jesus Christ and His redemptive message, and confine him to a never-ending HELL is beyond belief for a merciful and loving God who sent His only begotten son to save and redeem this world (John 3:16).

It never seems to occur to such preachers that this consignment by Christ to a never-ending judgment for sins committed in this short life, makes Him to be the most unjust and unreasonable person in the universe. Such a scene is so horrendous to imagine that it is no wonder vast numbers of fearful people walk down the aisle to accept Christ after hearing a sermon on the literality of the story. And true enough, if the account of Lazarus and the Rich Man is not a parable of thoroughly symbolic meaning, this would be their fate! A sure and quick way to inflame the wrath of some preachers and Christian laity is to say the story of Lazarus and the Rich Man is a parable. They appear to be conscious, in extreme torment, engulfed in flames that will never be extinguished and that they will remain in such excruciating pain for all eternity. And one must admit, it shows a judgment of severest consequences! It seems to state, in vivid and graphic detail, the condition of wicked sinners after death. They will not have it! The mere suggestion that the account is symbolic is enough to bring on the charge of 'theological liberalism.' To many people today the normal bedrock of teaching concerning ChristвЂ™s judgment upon sinners rests with the literality of this story. Once this important point is understood, the meaning becomes clear and significant.ДЄ sure and quick way to inflame the wrath of some preachers and Christian laity is to say the story of Lazarus and the Rich Man is a parable. The truth is, however, the narrative is a parable from beginning to end. There is a definite reason for it! It is the assumption that Christ is relating a story of literal occurrences, rather than an account rehearsed in parable form. His section of Scripture has been more misunderstood by students of the Bible than many other parts of the divine revelation.

Parable of lazarus and the rich man