GROW Guide March 14, 2021

Luke 16:19-31

Opening Question:

Describe (or reflect on) a time when you felt ignored or unseen.

Context:

A common theme in the book of Luke is the reversal of position: the powerful will be brought low, the rich will become poor, etc. Luke also highlights over and over that Jesus came to bring good news to the poor.

Discussion Questions:

1.     What are some phrases or images you notice in this parable?  What catches your attention?

2.     If we put ourselves in the position of Lazarus, what do we see and experience as someone outside the gate? 

3.     If we put ourselves in the position of the rich man, what do we see and experience each day?  What circumstances do you think are necessary to change his perspective?

4.     What do you think this parable is designed to do? 

5.     In life there is a great social gap between the rich man and Lazarus.  In death, there is also a great chasm between them.  What gaps, chasms, divides do you see separating people in our culture? 

6.     Abraham tells the rich man that his brothers should pay attention to Moses and the prophets.  What do you think he means by this?  Are there messages we ignore in how we are called to live on a daily basis?  If so, what?

Take Home Questions:

The rich man’s sin is not that he is wealthy.  Having money isn’t a sin.  Money isn’t evil in and of itself.  However, Jesus does warn people of the dangers that come with wealth.  Earlier in Luke, Jesus warns that one cannot serve both God and wealth.  What dangers do you associate with wealth, if any?  Read 1 Timothy 6:6-19.  What dangers are listed in Timothy in regard to wealth? What does it say to focus on instead of money? 

If the rich man’s sin isn’t his wealth, what is? 

When we treat money as more important than people; when we fail to use our money to help others in need; when we fail to see people, ignoring their worth or using them for our gain, that is sin.  Take a moment and reflect on this quote by Mother Theresa: “Only in heaven will we understand how much we owe the poor for helping us love God like we should.”