The Lazarus Connection

In all the recorded stories Jesus told, only one names a character in the tale. We refer to it as "Lazarus and the Rich Man." You probably already know the story recorded in Luke 16:19-31, remember sermons and lessons taught from it, maybe even know scholars debate its place as a parable or an actual event, because it is the only story where a character has a name. Please put all that aside for a minute and ask yourself this question: Why a name in this story? What makes this story significant? While it gives the clearest picture of life after death, is it a vision of reality or an illustration? Is that its significance? And if so, why does that require a name? Why "Lazarus"? Jesus told stories to teach lessons. The story was prompted by the Pharisees sneering in Luke 16:14. Jesus told them "What is highly valued among men is detestable in God's sight." Lazarus and the Rich Man illustrates that point. The wealth we tend to value here is useless to us in the next life. But why does that point require the name "Lazarus"?

Perhaps we should look at the name's meaning. The Greek name Lazarus equates with the Hebrew name Eleazar and Eleazaros (according to The International Bible Encyclopedia). They mean "God has helped". God does indeed help, but does that add huge significance to the lesson? Would the Pharisees and disciples (Jesus' audience here) catch that significance from this common name?

Jesus ends the story with a second significant point. He makes the point you either believe God or you don't. Faith has a deeper reality than what you do and say. Faith has an integrity between what you are and what you do. Jesus has been teaching all along the mouth speaks from the abundance of the heart. The Pharisees asked for a miracle, a sign; but denied the greatest sign in their lives, Moses and the Prophets. (Admit it; you thought I was going to say Jesus, didn't you. Moses and the Prophets told about Jesus. The Pharisees spent their lives studying Moses and the Prophets. They learned the words, but never got the message.) Jesus told the Pharisees if you don't listen to Moses and the Prophets, you wouldn't listen to someone risen from the dead, either (Luke 16:31). But does that explain the use of the name? Why "Lazarus"?

The other use of "Lazarus" in the New Testament identifies a real person. He was a friend of Jesus, brother to Martha and Mary, and lived in Bethany outside Jerusalem. He apparently was well-to-do, and often entertained Jesus and the disciples. Without going into the very significant story and details recorded in John 11 and 12, let me remind you he died of a rather sudden illness. After being dead and buried for 4 days, Jesus raised him to life again with the words, "Lazarus, come forth!"

Do you remember how the Pharisees and chief priests responded to this incredible miracle? They decided it was time to put Jesus to death (John 11:53). And what about Lazarus? Did they listen to one risen from the dead? They decided they would execute Lazarus as well, because people saw him, heard his story, and believed in Jesus as the Messiah (John 12:9-11). Does this explain the name in Jesus' story? Does this explain "Why "Lazarus"? It does to me.

I had always connected Jesus' point about rising from the dead in "Lazarus and the Rich Man" to Jesus. And there is a connection there. But I have come to think the connection is stronger with Lazarus of Bethany. The Pharisees never saw the resurrected Jesus, but they did see the resurrected Lazarus. They didn't believe him, because they didn't believe Moses and the Prophets.

This finally brings me to this question. While you may know what they said, do you believe Moses and the Prophets?