Sermon for September 28, 2025
Pentecost 16 C
Luke 16:19-31; 1 Timothy 6:6-19
Rev. Karl-John N. Stone
Unlike last Sunday’s parable, which was weird and confusing as the dishonest manager was praised for his good judgment, the parable Jesus tells in today’s gospel is crystal clear—which is what makes it disturbing! It’s meant to stick in our heads and prod our consciences so that we ask ourselves, “How do I fit into this story?”
Before we can answer that for ourselves, first let’s look at “Who was the rich man?” The story gives us clues. He dressed in “fine linen”—only the wealthiest could possibly afford that. He wore purple clothing—the most expensive color to produce, which was reserved for royalty or those with connections to the Roman Empire. He didn’t just eat well, but “feasted sumptuously every day”—meaning he had plenty of food to spare—yet he spared none of it for any but himself and his family; not even for the poor man who sat hungry at his gate every day.
Wealthy people in the ancient world were expected to support the poor. This was a code of honor by which the wealthy could publicly demonstrate their virtue. This particular rich man is portrayed as someone who was selfish and dishonorable, even as we learn that he knew enough about the Word of God to realize that repentance means changing your mindset and your way of life. He knows that he failed to do so in his lifetime, but hopes that his five brothers might still have a chance. Being concerned for his family is commendable, but what about anyone else? He doesn’t even regard death as the great equalizer—even beyond the grave, he expects poor Lazarus to be his servant. He is a caricature of a rich man, but still, his example makes you stop and think.
The next thing to ask is “Who was Lazarus?” Lazarus represents the poorest of the poor. You can still meet Lazarus today in any country of the world, including our own. The homeless encampments in many cities are perhaps the most visible sign, but Lazarus can be found in cities, suburbs, and rural areas alike. The character of Lazarus in this parable spent his days “laying at the gate” of the rich man. In modern terminology, you might think he was loitering, but he was not loitering, because in the ancient world there were often benches placed outside the homes of the wealthy, and the benches were meant for the poor to stop by, sit down, and wait for assistance. Lazarus was basically following the proper procedures established in those days for those who had nowhere else to turn. And in doing so, he was offering the rich man a chance to bolster his status by proving his virtue.
You may be wondering, “why didn’t Lazarus simply move on to another wealthy person’s house and sit on his bench?” He didn’t because this is a parable that is trying to make a point by showing the extremes of the human condition. One more point comes from the name he is given: “Lazarus”. It means “God is my help.” On the one hand, it’s a hopeful name—who better than God himself to be your help? On the other hand, his name is a critique of a society that will not help him. God is my help—but no one else.
As we consider the rich man and Lazarus, then, who does the Word of God call us to be? A good example comes from today’s first reading, which offers biblical guidance to a saint of old named Timothy. And Timothy is given the charge to live as a Christian by “pursuing righteousness and a godly life, along with faith, love, perseverance, and gentleness. These are the virtues by which you will fight the good fight for the true faith.” Faith, love, perseverance, gentleness. “Your words and actions show how you are hold tightly to the eternal life to which God has called you.” Timothy was a person who “trusted God to provide everything he truly needed.” He “taught those who are rich to also be rich in good works, generous to those in need, always ready to share with others.”
Timothy was a person of faith who recognized that God’s kingdom comes among us through the way we relate to our local community, and to the whole human family. The whole human family is our family.
I think it’s probably fair to say that most people do not see themselves as being like either Lazarus or the rich man in this parable from Luke 16. But through the gift of faith, given to each of us by the Holy Spirit, we can perhaps be inspired to grow into the way of life entrusted to Timothy—because this is the way of life that Jesus himself made possible for us when he rose from the dead. That’s when Jesus started bridging the gap between the rich man and Lazarus; that’s when God said “YES” to Jesus and his way of life. And his resurrection opens the way for us to live a whole new life today and for eternity.
And we catch glimpses of Jesus’ way of life when we open our hearts and eyes to the community around us. There are lots of people who strive to live generously and share with others, both in our congregation and throughout the wider community. We see one example decorating our pews today, as our quilters offer their year-long labor of love to Lutheran World Relief. These 65 quilts will be shipped all around the world, where the needy will be embraced by the love that went into each stitch.
We’ll bless these quilts a little later in today’s worship, as well next Sunday as making our monthly “noisy offering” for Mitchell Street Food Pantry—and they are just one of many community resources that address issues like chronic hunger or homelessness. Our ramp building team was at work just yesterday, so that a handicapped person will have a much easier time getting in and out of their home. Also yesterday, House of Prayer had a team in the annual Outreach for Hope bike ride—which supports ministries with vulnerable people all throughout our synod. A few days ago, as well, I met the director of “Father Gene’s Help Center” in West Allis, and learned about their ministry. He said that this year they are on track to distribute 500,000 articles of clothing—all donated new or gently used. These clothes go to people who may have lost everything in a fire, or who might have a hard time making ends meet, or maybe it’s someone who needs a suite for a job interview.
Every day we can find many people who rise to God’s call to be generous—this also goes to show just how great the needs of the world are; and that no one person or organization can address them all. The poor and vulnerable each have their own story for how they got to be in the current predicament. Many others are just one stroke of bad luck away from their own time of need. People who do need resources often face steep obstacles that make it very difficult to get the help they truly need. The problems they face are bigger than any one of us alone can solve.
You can’t do everything. But we can each do something—even one thing—to help bridge the gap between the rich man and Lazarus. Amen.