THIS SUNDAY SCHOOL OVERVIEW FEATURES HIGHLIGHTS OF THE LESSON EACH WEEK. BIBLICAL TRANSLATIONS WILL VARY, BUT THE MAIN RESOURCE WILL BE THE TOWNSEND PRESS SUNDAY SCHOOL COMMENTARY, 97th EDITION. THIS FEATURE IS DESIGNED TO BE OF HELP TO THOSE WHO CANNOT ATTEND THEIR LOCAL CHURCH AND/OR SUNDAY SCHOOL.
Lesson Title: REAPING GOD’S JUSTICE Adult/Young Adult Topic: THE TABLES ARE TURNED
Printed Text: Luke 16:19-31
Key Verse: Luke 16:25 (NIV) But Abraham replied, ‘Son, remember that in your lifetime you received your good things, while Lazarus received bad things, but now he is comforted here and you are in agony.’
Source: Townsend Press Sunday School Commentary – 97th Edition, 2017-2018
UNIFYING LESSON PRINCIPLE: There is great concern for the inequities in the lives of the poor versus the rich. How will these inequities be resolved? The story of the rich man and Lazarus tells us that the poor will receive their rewards.
CONCLUDING REFLECTION: This parable emphasizes the dangers of wealth, but nowhere implies the unlawfulness of wealth. Jesus does not suggest that the rich man should have renounced his wealth, but that he ought not to have found in riches his highest good. He ought to have made his earthly possessions a means of obtaining something much higher and more abiding. Out of his vast resources he had an opportunity to make Lazarus and others his friends, and in so doing he could have secured for himself a place in God’s kingdom.
PRAYER: Dear Lord, open our eyes that we may see those around us who have been hurt and marginalized by circumstances beyond their control. Use us as agents of your redemptive purposes on earth to bless them, love them, and care for them in ways that are pleasing to you. Keep us ever humble and grateful for the many blessings you have bestowed on us. Teach us the joy of giving and sharing. In Jesus’ name we pray. Amen.
Sunday School Review “Rich Man versus Poor Man” was originally published on 955thelou.com
