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If They Hear Not Moses

Would you, right here and right now, hear the voice of the Lord?

It must have been an interesting day in Perea. As was often the case, Jesus was teaching a mixed audience. His disciples listened and reverenced what he said. The Pharisees challenged him. Nonetheless, Jesus shared a series of parables; the lost sheep, the lost coin, and the prodigal son. Now perhaps it is because the word “prodigal” means wasteful that the Lord followed immediately with another parable; the parable of the unjust steward. In that parable he taught all to be wise and prepare for their future—to manage the goods and means of this world to their benefit and salvation. When he finished “the Pharisees, who were covetous, derided him” (Luke 16:14)

Their scornful reaction prompted another parable from Jesus. “I will liken you, (meaning the Pharisees) unto a rich man,” (Luke 16:19 JST) He then told the story of a man who had it all. He was very wealthy in the things of this world and lived comfortably. Outside the rich man’s gate however, was a pitiable beggar named Lazarus, full of sores that the dogs licked. All Lazarus wanted was crumbs from the rich man’s table and they were denied.

In time, Lazarus died and was taken to heaven. The rich man also died and was left in Hell. In torment, the rich man looked up and saw Lazarus the beggar with Father Abraham. “Father Abraham,” he cried, “send Lazarus that he may dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame” Luke 16:24).

Father Abraham denied the request. “Son,” he said, “remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things and likewise Lazarus evil things; but now he is comforted and thou art tormented” (Luke 16:25).

The meaning is clear—God gave the rich man his wealth and required him to share it. His selfishness damned him.

Seeing therefore, that he could get no relief, the thoughts of the rich man turned to his family. “I pray thee, therefore, father, that thou wouldest send [Lazarus] to my father’s house. For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment” (Luke 16:27-28).

That request rings familiar—does it not? If the rich man’s brothers were visited by an angel surely they would see, believe, and repent, but Father Abraham said no. “They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.”

The rich man said “Nay, Father Abraham; but if one went unto them from the dead they will repent” (Luke 16:30).

Abraham’s reply is the powerful lesson, “If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one should rise from the dead” (Luke 16:31 JST).

Hear what the Lord is saying–the scriptures are the voice of the Lord. They are more powerful and persuasive than the presence of angels. It has been said, and that truly–if you want to talk to God—pray. If you want God to talk to you—study the scriptures.

And by the way, this story proved prophetic. Jesus was right. Within just days, Lazarus of Bethany did die and did dramatically come back from the dead and the Pharisees still did not believe.

Sources: Luke 16, Luke 16 JST