In the story of the rich man and Lazarus Jesus focuses on the rich man’s behavior on earth and subsequent experience in hell. The rich man not only ignored the poor and downtrodden, particularly Lazarus who lay at his gate, but flaunted his wealth and privilege. The only description of Lazarus is that he lived a miserable life on earth and enjoyed the comfort of God in heaven. The details of the story reinforce the point made in Hebrews 9:27, that “people are destined to die once, and after that to face judgment.” It is not our desire for heaven, our fear of hell, reward for our good deeds, or compensation for our suffering that ushers us into eternity with God. Rather, it is how we respond to “Moses and the prophets,” the Word of God that has been given, to receive God’s grace. When we receive the grace of God we will share that grace with the “least of these” (Matthew 25:31-46).
