Lazarus at the Gate

Luke 16:19-31

The Big Idea

Notice people who are hurting or in need, and respond with compassion instead of ignoring them.

The Bible Story

The Rich Man and Lazarus

In Luke 16:19–31, Jesus tells a story about an unnamed rich man who wears fine clothing and feasts lavishly every day. A poor man named Lazarus is placed at the rich man’s gate. Lazarus longs to eat what falls from the table, while dogs lick his sores. The passage does not say who placed him there. After both men die, Lazarus is carried to Abraham’s side, while the rich man is in Hades. A great chasm separates them. Abraham explains that the rich man’s life and Lazarus’s life have been reversed, and he says that Moses and the Prophets should be heard. The story ends by stressing the importance of listening and responding to God’s revealed instruction.

Themes

Compassion toward people in need Listening to Moses and the Prophets Reversal of earthly circumstances The consequences of ignoring suffering The permanence of the separation after death

Bible moment

The Bible moment

Look closely

What children can notice

A respectful scene showing Lazarus seated near the rich man’s gate while the richly set table is visible beyond it. Lazarus’s hunger and poverty are suggested gently through his posture and simple clothing, without graphic sores; dogs are nearby as stated in the passage.

Talk together

Talk about it

What do you notice about Lazarus and the rich man’s table?
How can we show compassion to someone in need?

For families, church, and class

Use this page

Use this page with Luke 16:19–31 when teaching older children about compassion, justice, and listening to God’s instruction. Invite children to describe the contrast in the scene without guessing why either man was rich or poor. Present the later warning about death and separation carefully and without frightening imagery. Encourage practical, age-appropriate ways to notice and help people in need.

Source note