The story found in Luke 16:19-31 as told by our Lord is part of holy Scripture, but it is the subject of controversy because it is interpreted by many as historical narrative. In other words, they believe it gives us insight into the destiny of man's "soul" after death. But this theory is besieged with many problems. Rather than history it is a story, a satire the Lord told to rebuke the Pharisees and expose their hypocrisy.

For example, the Pharisees taught that the distinction between rich and poor was part of God's plan. They made poverty to be a virtue that would be rewarded in the life to come. This was used by the rich Pharisees as an excuse to neglect the poor in Israel. But they never allowed this idea to go so far as to say that if a man were rich in this life he would be poor in the next! Or if a man enjoyed good things in this life he would receive evil things in the life to come.

The Pharisees had usurped the rights of kings and priests in Israel, but in no way did they accept the responsibility towards others. They created a caste system and a vast uncrossable chasm between themselves as the aristocracy and the people of Israel. The Lord did not present the story of the rich man and Lazarus in harmony with the truth, but according to the tradition of the Pharisees. Their teachings were cruel and the Lord used it against them in the satirical story of the rich man and Lazarus. At the same time, the Lord offered hope and encouragement to those branded as "sinners" by the Pharisees in Israel. Those branded as sinners had no hope of pardon, and no one dared to help or do business with them. To survive some became tax collectors (publicans) for the Romans.

This back ground material has been brief. Much more needs to be said in regards to the story itself and we hope to expand on this study soon.

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