BRBC Bible Notes
Week by week, we post notes based on the theme of the Sunday service, so that people can follow them in their own personal devotions, in prayer triplets, or in the church life groups.
Parables Bible Studies
Bible Study # 7 : "The Great Reversal"
– Living in Light of Eternity
Main Passage:
Luke 16:19–31 (The Rich Man and Lazarus)
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Purpose of the Study
This Bible study is designed to:
· Encourage believers to live generously and with compassion.
· Strengthen our awareness of eternity and the urgency of the Gospel.
· Challenge the church to examine attitudes toward wealth, comfort, and the poor.
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Opening Prayer
“Lord, awaken our hearts to what truly matters. Teach us to see beyond this life, to live for eternity, and to respond with compassion to those in need. Let Your truth shape our values and our choices. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
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1. Read the Passage: Luke 16:19–31
Ask someone to read the passage aloud. Invite the group to imagine the contrast between the two men in life—and in the afterlife.
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2. Context and Summary
This parable is unique—Jesus names one of the characters (Lazarus), and it vividly describes both earthly life and the afterlife. An un-named rich man lives in luxury and ignores Lazarus, a poor man who lies at his gate. After death, their roles are reversed: Lazarus is comforted, while the rich man suffers. The rich man begs for help and for someone to warn his brothers—but Abraham says, “They have Moses and the Prophets.”
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3. Key Themes and Reflections
A. Earthly Status Is Not Eternal Security
· The rich man’s wealth blinded him to the suffering around him. His comfort kept him from compassion.
· Lazarus’ name means “God is my help.” Though overlooked on earth, he is honoured in heaven.
· Reflection Question: Are we more concerned with success and comfort and material wealth or possessions than with eternal things?
· Quote: “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” — Jim Elliot
· Related Scripture:
o Matthew 6:19–21 – “Do not store up for yourselves treasures on earth…”
o James 5:1–5 – A warning to the rich who live in luxury and ignore the cries of the poor.
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B. Indifference Has Eternal Consequences
· The rich man wasn’t judged for what he did, but for what he failed to do—show compassion and care.
· His blindness to Lazarus led to his eternal separation from God.
· Reflection Question: Who are the “Lazaruses” around us today—those we’re tempted to overlook?
· Quote: “The opposite of love is not hate, it’s indifference.” — Elie Wiesel
· Related Scripture:
o 1 John 3:17 – “If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother in need…”
o Proverbs 14:31 – “Whoever oppresses the poor shows contempt for their Maker…”
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C. God’s Word Is Enough—But Must Be Heeded
· The rich man wants a miraculous sign to convince his brothers. But Abraham says: “They have Moses and the Prophets.”
· Jesus hints that even His resurrection won’t convince those who harden their hearts.
· Reflection Question: Are we waiting for signs—or responding to the Word we already have?
· Quote: “Revelation is wasted where there is no response.” — Leonard Ravenhill
· Related Scripture:
o Hebrews 4:7 – “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts.”
o Luke 24:27 – Jesus explains all things concerning Himself through Moses and the Prophets.
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4. A Word to the Church: Eternity Shapes Everything
This parable is a sobering reminder:
· Comfort can numb us to compassion.
· Indifference is dangerous – to ourselves and to others.
· God has spoken—through His Word, and ultimately through His Son.
Challenge:
· Are we using what we’ve been given to serve God and others—or simply living for ourselves?
· Is our church known more for hospitality and mercy—or for status and appearance?
Group Discussion:
· How can we cultivate awareness of the needs around us, both spiritually and physically?
· In what ways can our church be more active in responding to poverty, loneliness, or injustice?
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5. A Call to Action: “They Have Moses and the Prophets…”
We have God’s Word, His Spirit, and His Church. The question is not whether we’ve heard—it’s whether we will respond.
Personal Application:
· Identify someone in your life or community you may have overlooked.
· What step can you take this week to show compassion and honour their dignity?
Church-Wide Application:
· What ministry or outreach can your church pursue that reflects the heart of this parable?
· How can your leadership culture resist comfort and embrace sacrificial love?
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Closing Scripture Meditation
1 Timothy 6:18–19 – "Command them to do good, to be rich in good deeds, and to be generous… so they may take hold of the life that is truly life."
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Final Prayer
“Father, help us to see with eternal eyes. Break our hearts for what breaks Yours. Keep us from living for comfort and move us to act with love. We want to respond to Your Word with obedience and compassion. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
For a printable version of this, and previous editions, please click here.
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