The Parable of the Rich Man and the Beggar
What will be your reward?
Jesus gave the parable of the rich man and the beggar.
“There was a certain rich man who was dressed in the best clothes and lived in luxury every day.
“There was a certain beggar named Lazarus who lived at the gate of the rich man. Lazarus was sickly, his body covered in sores. He was so hungry that he would eat the crumbs off the rich man’s floor with the dogs. The dogs would lick Lazarus’ sores as well, infecting them more.
“Both men died. Lazarus was carried by angels to be with Abraham in peace. The rich man was buried and saw Lazarus with Abraham from his torment in hell.
“The rich man cried to Abraham, saying, ‘Abraham, have mercy on me! Send Lazarus to give me water to cool me. I am tormented in these flames!’
“But Abraham said, ‘Son, in your life you had good things, and Lazarus had bad. Now he is comforted and you are in torment. Besides, there is a huge canyon between us so we cannot get to you.’
“The rich man, resigned to his fate, pleaded with Abraham, “If I am truly stuck here, please send Lazarus to my family. I have five brothers still living. Send Lazarus to tell them what happened to me, so that they do not repeat my mistakes.’
“Abraham said, ‘Your brothers already have Moses and all the prophets. Let them listen to them.’
“The rich man cried out, ‘No Abraham, they won’t listen. But if they saw someone from the dead, they will repent!’
“Abraham said with finality, ‘If they won’t listen to Moses or the prophets, they will not be persuaded by anyone, even if they had come back from the dead.’”