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Luke 16:19-31
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• Reading the Text:
  • NRSV (with link to Anglicized NRSV) at Oremus Bible Browser.
  • Greek Interlinear Bible, ScrTR, ScrTR t, Strong, Parsing, CGTS, CGES id, AV.
  • The Bible Gateway: NRSV, RSV, NIV, NASB, CEV, The Message, KJV, etc.
  • The Blue Letter Bible. KJV, alternate versions, Greek text with concordance, commentaries.
  • The World Wide Study Bible includes commentary & sermons.
• Historical References, Commentary and Comparative Texts:
  • The Five Gospels Parallels, John W. Marshall, University of Toronto.
  • Vision II.2, Shepherd of Hermas. (c.145)
  • II.XXIV.4, II.XXXIV.1, III.XIV.3, IV.II.3, Adversus Haereses, Irenaeus of Lyons. (c. 180)
  • Chapter VII, Chapter IX, Chapter LVII, On The Soul, Tertullian (c. 210)
  • IV.34, Against Marcion, Tertullian (c. 210)
  • Chapter XIII, On Idolatry, Tertullian (c. 211)
  • The Rich Man and Poor Lazarus, Luke 16:19-31, Martin Luther, c. 1522-23.
  • From the Geneva Notes (c. 1599)
    • "Seeing that we have a most sure rule to live by, laid forth for us in the word of God, men seek rashly and vainly for other revelations."
  • From Matthew Henry's Commentary (c. 1700).
    • "The sin of this rich man was his providing for himself only."
  • From Wesley's Notes. John Wesley (1703-1791).
    • "Truly to repent: for this implies an entire change of heart: but a thousand apparitions cannot, effect this. God only can, applying his word."
  • The Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:31). Sermon by John Wesley (1703-1791).
  • The Rich Man and Lazarus, Charles G. Finney, 1853.
  • From the Commentary on the Whole Bible (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, 1871).
  • From The People's New Testament, B.W. Johnson, 1891.
    • "'Here is an affluent citizen, on whose fair fame the breath of scandal can fix no blot. He had a large portion in this world, and did not seek--did not desire--any other. He spent his wealth in pleasing himself, and did not lay it out in serving God or helping man.'--Arnot."
• Contemporary Commentary, Studies, and Exegesis:
  • Commentary, Luke 16:19-31, Barbara Rossing, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2016.
  • "'God Is My Help,' Seeing Lazarus," Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2016.
  • Commentary, Luke 16:19-31 | Grant Christy | Partnership Coordinator, Global Mission; Children's Pastor, Overland Park COTN | A Plain Account, 2016
  • "The Politics of a Name," Fritz Wendt, Political Theology Today, 2016.
  • "The Bosom of Abraham," Karoline Lewis, Dear Working Preacher, 2016.
  • "Naming and Named," Melissa Bane Sevier, 2016.
  • Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2016.
  • "The Rich Man and Lazarus," Peter Lockhart, A Different Heresy, 2016.
  • The Center for Excellence in Preaching, resources from Calvin Theological Seminary: Comments & Observations, Textual Points, Illustration Ideas, 2016.
  • Commentary, Luke 16:19-31, Lois Malcolm, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2013.
    • "As much as we would like to spiritualize the story of the Rich Man and Lazarus, it is very difficult to explain away its central message, especially given what Luke has to say about money and possessions elsewhere in his Gospel."
  • Bread for the World Commentary, Noelle Camico, 2013. (pdf.)
    • "What must we challenge and change within our own church bodies that may embody in our teaching and conduct the fullness of God's love and justice?"
  • "On Stretching Parables," David Lose, Working Preacher, 2013.
    • "So this week, Working Preacher, remind us of the barriers that exist already between us and those who are less fortunate. But also remind us that this is a parable, not a prediction, and that we have the power to re-write the ending."
  • The Rich Man and Lazarus, Alyce M. McKenzie, Edgy Exegesis, 2013.
    • "What is it that causes some people to have something or someone in their line of vision and yet not really see them?"
  • "Dives," Nancy Rockwell, The Bite in the Apple, 2013.
    • "In this story, Jesus retells the prodigal story, so that if we thought he had meant blood is thicker than water in the parable of the two sons, we can see clearly that he won't let us get away with setting the limits of our compassion at the family door."
  • "The Great Chasm between Us: The Politics of Luke 16:19-31," Amy Merrill Willis, Political Theology Today, 2013.
  • "The Shadows of Locked Gates," Rick Fry, 2013.
  • Pulpit Fiction, plus podcast. Reflections of lectionary text, pop culture, current events, etc. Robb Mc Coy and Eric Fistler, 2013.
  • "True Wealth," Sharron R. Blezard, Stewardship of Life, 2013.
  • "Mercy Withheld," D. Mark Davis, Left Behind and Loving It, 2013.
    • " I suspect that this verse [26] is, in part, an attempt to show that Abraham's unwillingness to show mercy to the suffering rich man is not an indication of cold-heartedness on Abraham's part (as was the rich's man's unwillingness to offer aid to Lazarus), but simply an impossibility. Still, I must admit that I am a little troubled by the description of 'mercy' in this story, as "just deserts," that are contingent on one's previous actions."
  • "Poverty Reduction - Of the Soul," Pentecost 19, Daniel B. Clendenin, The Journey with Jesus: Notes to Myself, Journey with Jesus Foundation, 2013.
  • "Creating Chasms," Mark Scandrette, The Hardest Question, 2013.
    • "How are we dealing with the growing gaps?"
  • "Rewarded in Heaven," Robert Cornwall, Ponderings on a Faith Journey, 2013.
  • "Send Us Lazarus," Faith Element, 2013.
  • Holy Textures, Understanding the Bible in its own time and in ours, Luke 16:19-31, David Ewart, 2013.
    • "A reversal at the outset of the story is that the beggar is given a name and the rich man is not. That single fact ought to alert us that the story we are about to hear is going have surprises in it."
  • "The Poverty of Riches," David Sellery, 2013.
  • "I Love Good Foreshadowing," Steve Pankey, Draughting Theology, 2013.
  • The Lectionary Lab, Pentecost +19, the Rev'ds Dr. John Fairless and Delmer Chilton (aka "Two Bubbas and a Bible"), 2013. Lectionary Lab Live podcast.
  • "The Rich Man and Lazarus," Janet H. Hunt, Dancing with the Word, 2013.
    • "I believe the rich man's sin in the story is that of 'indifference.' Would you describe it in that way or in another?"
  • "Send Lazarus," Alan Brehm, The Waking Dreamer, 2013.
    • "We have to reckon seriously with the possibility that the Lazaruses of our day are the very ones in whom Jesus, the crucified Lord, is present. In a very real sense, they become our prophets and apostles, because they teach us that the life that is truly worth living always has been and always will be characterized by compassion and generosity."
  • "Hollowed Out Humanity," Andrew Prior, 2013.
  • Radical Gratitude, lectionary-based stewardship, Northwest United Methodist Foundation. (.pdf)
  • Commentary, Luke 16:19-31, Greg Carey, Preaching This Week, WorkingPreacher.org, 2010.
    • "How far may we push a parable? Should we regard parables as helpful fictions that open our imaginations to new possibilities, or should we approach them as condensed pedagogical vehicles designed to carry specific teachings?"
  • Comments (commentary) and Clippings (technical notes for in-depth study), Chris Haslam, Anglican Diocese of Montreal.
  • "First Thoughts on Year C Gospel Passages in the Lectionary," Pentecost 19, William Loader, Murdoch University, Uniting Church in Australia.
    • "This parable targets the violence of apathy and neglect which is widening the chasm between rich and poor. The trouble is that even such abstractions become easy to live with."
  • "'To See or Not to See': Stepping Over Lazarus?" Alyce McKenzie, Patheos, 2010.
    • "The background of this parable is a tale from Egyptian folklore about the reversal of fates after death."
  • "In God We Trust: God & Money, Pt. 2," David Lose, Working Preacher, 2010.
    • "Nothing quite like a sermon about a rich guy going to hell just before the fall Stewardship campaign kicks off, is there? Seriously, though, the clarity of today's Gospel reading offers a stark contrast to the ambiguous, even confusing lection of last week. But what, precisely, is this passage clear about?"
  • Exegetical Notes by Brian Stoffregen at CrossMarks Christian Resources.
    • "We often talk about ministering to the poor and needy, but what about the rich and needy?"
  • The Rich Man and Lazarus, audio telling, story in episodes, graphic, audio and written commentaries. Go Tell Communications, Biblical Storytelling for the Global Village, 2010.
  • "The Rich Man and Lazarus," Rev. Bryan Findlayson, Lectionary Bible Studies and Sermons, Pumpkin Cottage Ministry Resources.
  • Lectionary Blogging, John Petty, Progressive Involvement, 2010.
    • "In a surprising twist, and contrary to convention, it is the poor man who has a specific identity.  What an interesting turnabout.  The rich man is not specifically identified, but the poor man is."
  • "'Something there is..." Russell Rathbun, The Hardest Question, 2010.
    • "What put one on this side of the wall and one on that side of the wall?  Chance?"
  • "Gates and Tables," Mary Hinkle, Pilgrim Preaching, 2004.
    • "It is an intense text. Jesus is really mad about something. It would be good if we could figure out what."
  • Dylan's Lectionary Blog, Proper 21C, 2004. Biblical Scholar Sarah Dylan Breuer looks at readings for the coming Sunday in the lectionary of the Episcopal Church.
    • "...as we make use of possessions to live more deeply as a community into who we are in Christ, we will see not only how much we have used our power and resources to dig chasms, but how powerful Christ's love is to bring us to repentance and reconciliation to bridge them."
  • "Wealth: Hazmat or Good Gift?" study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Parables," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2006.
  • "The Contexts of Jesus' Parables," study guide, Robert B. Kruschwitz, (other resources at) "Parables," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2006.
  • "Lazarus and the Rich Man," Mark Vitalis Hoffman, Lutheran Theological Seminary at Gettysburg, CrossMarks Christian Resources. The Parables of Jesus - to learn & teach, to share & discuss, to re-imagine & re-present.
  • Laterally Luke, by Brian McGowan, Anglican priest in Western Australia.
  • Wellspring of the Gospel, Ordinary 26, Catherine McElhinney and Kathryn Turner, Weekly Wellsprings.
  • "The Challenge of Compassion," Larry Broding's Word-Sunday.Com: A Catholic Resource for This Sunday's Gospel. Adult Study, Children's Story, Family Activity, Support Materials.
    • "What place does compassion have in the face of tragedy? Can one have compassion for an enemy in times of stress? Why or why not?"
  • "The Rich Man and Lazarus," Hampton Keathley IV, a study from the Biblical Studies Foundation.
    • "We would do well, I believe, to explore those things which our culture highly esteems, and then to consider whether or not these things are well pleasing in the sight of God."
  • "Lazarus and Dives," wikipedia.
  • "Toward a Welcoming Congregation," Paul J. Wadell, (other resources at) "Hospitality," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2007.
    • "In a world that has grown frighteningly guarded and harsh, Christian congregations are called to imitate the 'table manners' of Jesus by being sacraments of God?s hospitality in the world."
  • "The Contexts of Jesus' Parables," David B. Gowler, (other resources at) "Parables," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2006.
    • "Jesus? parables were created and preserved in conversation with both Jewish and Greco-Roman cultural environments. As we become aware of these diverse webs of meaning, we can respond more fully to the message of our Lord who spoke these parables with one ear already listening for our responses."
  • "Hazmats or Good Gifts?" Dorothy Jean Weaver, (other resources at) "Parables," Christian Reflection, The Center for Christian Ethics at Baylor University, 2006.
    • "Jesus' striking parables on wealth in the Gospel of Luke paint a vivid portrait of the two-sided impact of money and possessions on our lives."
  • "Slouching Towards Utopia? The Economic World of the Twentieth Century: Chapter 7.2: The World in 1900: Poverty," Brad DeLong, August, 2007.
  • "The Tension between Poverty and Possessions in the Gospel of Luke," John Sheila Galligan, Spirituality Today, Spring 1985.
    • "No fanatic about renunciation of possessions, Jesus nevertheless warned us that they could hinder our being open to the Kingdom and that we have to use them for others welfare."
• Recommended articles from ATLAS, an online collection of religion and theology journals, are linked below. ATLAS Access options are available for academic institutions, alumni of selected theological schools, and clergy/church offices.Annotated list of "starting place" articles at ATLAS for this week's texts (includes direct links).
  • Adewale, Olubiyi Adeniyi, "An Afro-Sociological Application of the Parable of the Rich Man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31)," Black Theology, 2006.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Cadbury, Henry J., "The Name for Dives: Critical Note," Journal of Biblical Literature, 1965.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Cadbury, Henry J., "A Proper Name for Dives: Critical Note," Journal of Biblical Literature, 1962.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Gilmour, Michael J., "Hints of Homer in Luke 16:19-31?" Didaskalia, 1999.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Gowler, David B., "'At His Gate Lay a Poor Man': A Dialogic Reading of Luke 16:19-31," Perspectives in Religious Studies, 2005.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Harris, Mark, "No Way Out," The Christian Century, 2001.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Haughey, John C., S.J., "There's No 'Them' There," The Living Pulpit, 2004.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Hertig, Paul, "The Jubilee Mission of Jesus in the Gospel of Luke: Reversals of Fortunes," Missiology, 1998.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Hock, Ronald F., "Lazarus and Micyllus: Greco-Roman Backgrounds to Luke 16:19-31," Journal of Biblical Literature, 1987.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Honeycutt, Frank G., "Hellish Indifference," Journal for Preachers, 2005. Sermon.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Huie, Wade P., Jr., "The Poverty of Abundance," Interpretation, 1968.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Knight, George W., "Luke 16:19-31: The Rich Man and Lazarus," Review & Expositor, 1997.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Linss, Wilhelm C., "Example Stories," Currents in Theology and Mission, 1990.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Luti, J. Mary, "Send Lazarus," The Christian Century, 1998.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • O'Kane, Martin, "'The Bosom of Abraham' (Luke 16:22): Father Abraham in the Visual Imagination," Biblical Interpretation, 2007.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
  • Wehrli, Eugene S., "Expository Article: Luke 16:19-31," Interpretation, 1977.
      EBSCO ATLASerials, Religion Collection
      EBSCO ATLA Religion Database with ATLASerials
• Sermons:
  • "Blindness and a Vision of Community," the Rev. Dr. Chris Tuttle, Day 1, 2013.
  • "The Sin of Ignorance," the Rev. Paul Rauschenbush, Day 1, 2011.
  • "Closing the Great Chasm: Faith & Global Hunger, Pt 2," the Rev. Dr. Barbara K. Lundblad, Day1, 2010.
  • "A Parable of Judgement and Grace," Garth Wehrfritz-Hanson, Dim Lamp, 2010.
  • "Are You Listening?" 30 September 2007, Hubert Beck, Goettinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors.
  • "You Only Go Round Once," 26 September 2004, Walter W. Harms, Goettinger Predigten im Internet: Every Sunday Sermons based on the RCL by a team of Lutheran theologians/ pastors.
  • "What Are You Doing for Lazarus?" "Reach Out and Touch," Pastor Edward F. Markquart, Grace Lutheran Church, Seattle, Washington.
  • Father Andrew M. Greeley, "Priest, Author, Sociologist," Commentary and Homily, 2001.
    • Ordinary 26, 2010
    • Ordinary 26, 2007
    • Ordinary 26, 2001
    • Ordinary 26, 1998 (Dr. Mary G. Durkin)
• With Children:
  • Worshiping with Children, Proper 21, Including children in the congregation's worship, using the Revised Common Lectionary, Carolyn C. Brown, 2013. 2010.
  • "Storypath Lectionary Links: Connecting Children's Literature with our Faith Story," September 29, 2013, Union Presbyterian Seminary. Connections: Luke 16:19-31 and Humble Pie by Jennifer Donnelly.
  • "Do the Right Thing," "The Rich Man and Lazarus," children's sermon, coloring page. Charles Kirkpatrick, Sermons 4 Kids.
  • "A Rich Man Ignores a Poor Man," Sunday School Lessons: Family Bible Study, art projects, music, stories, etc.
  • "The Rich Man and Lazarus," children's study, puzzles, coloring sheet, etc. Higher Praise Christian Center.
• Drama:
  • "At the Furnace," Jim Hatherly.
• Graphics & Bulletin Materials:
  • Clip Art, Luke 16:20, Luke 16:24, Fr. Richard Lonsdale, Resources for Catholic Educators.
  • Clip Art Images: Luke 16:19-31, Luke 16:19-31 #2, Misioneros Del Sagrado Corazón en el Perú.
  • Luke 16:19-31 at Cerezo Barredo's weekly gospel illustration. Liberation emphasis.
  • Clip Art: The Rich Man and Lazarus, Julius Schnoor von Carolsfeld woodcuts, World Mission Collection, Wisconsin Evangelical Lutheran Synod.
• Hymns and Music:
  • Hymnary.org, hymns, scores, media, information.
  • Contemporary/Praise Song suggestions, Together to Celebrate, David MacGregor.
  • Hymns with Scripture Allusions: Luke 16:20, 22. The Cyber Hymnal.
• Fine Arts Images Linked at The Text This Week's Art Index:
• Movies scenes with the following themes, listed at The Text This Week's Movie Concordance:
  • Afterlife - Heaven & Hell
  • Clean/Unclean
  • Difficulty recognizing/discerning evil
  • Rationalizing sin/evil
  • Greed
• Find Worship Resources & Suggested Other Readings for use with this text:
  • Proper 21C/Ordinary 26C
• Study Links and Resources for the Book of Luke

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• FOR USE IN TIMES OF NATURAL DISASTER

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• Maundy Thurs Apr 14
• Good Friday Apr 15
• Easter Day Apr 17
• Easter 2 Apr 24
• Easter 3 May 1
• Easter 4 May 8
• Easter 5 May 15
• Easter 6 May 22
• Ascension May 26
• Easter 7 May 29
• Pentecost June 5
  

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