(a) Narrate the parable of Lazarus and the Richman. (b) State three ways by which Christians can use their wealth for the benefit of the society.

Answer Details

(a) The parable of Lazarus and the rich man (Luke 16:19-31)

Jesus told of a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and feasted sumptuously every day. At his gate lay a poor beggar named Lazarus, covered with sores, who longed to be fed with the crumbs that fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs came and licked his sores.

In time the beggar died and was carried by the angels to Abraham's bosom. The rich man also died and was buried. In Hades, where he was in torment, he lifted up his eyes and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side. He called out, "Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue, for I am in anguish in this flame."

But Abraham replied, "Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, and Lazarus in like manner evil things; but now he is comforted here, and you are in anguish. Besides all this, between us and you a great chasm has been fixed, so that none may cross from one side to the other."

The rich man then begged that Lazarus be sent to warn his five brothers so that they would not come to that place of torment. Abraham answered, "They have Moses and the Prophets; let them hear them." The rich man insisted that if someone rose from the dead they would repent. Abraham concluded, "If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead."

(b) Three ways Christians can use their wealth for the benefit of society

• Caring for the poor and needy. Christians can feed the hungry, clothe the naked and support the sick and the destitute, unlike the rich man who ignored Lazarus at his gate.
• Providing social amenities and services. They can build and support schools, hospitals, orphanages, boreholes and other facilities that improve community welfare.
• Supporting the work of God and charity. They can give to the church, sponsor evangelism, offer scholarships and assist the widows, orphans and the unemployed to become self-reliant.