go, fetch
“Send Lazarus....” —Luke 16:24
The rich man knew Lazarus by name and by sight (Lk 16:24). Since he twice mentioned to Father Abraham to send Lazarus on an errand (Lk 16:24, 27), that may suggest that Lazarus served as a sort of errand boy for the rich man. This provides a reason for the beggar Lazarus being allowed to lay at the rich man’s gate (Lk 16:20). In that sense, Lazarus would then resemble the servant who keeps his or her eyes on the hands of the master, awaiting the next assignment (see Ps 123:2).
That could explain why the rich man’s sense of using Lazarus as a servant was so ingrained in him. Evidently, the rich man did not concern himself with whether Lazarus could eat properly or stay in good health. The rich man apparently thought of Lazarus only in terms of what Lazarus could do for him.
Which persons in our life do we call to mind only for what they can do for us? Our spouse? Children? Parents? Employees? Or even God Himself? Do others have value only in how they can serve us? “Treat others the way you would have them treat you: this sums up the law and the prophets” (Mt 7:12). Let us humble ourselves, take the lowest place (Lk 14:10), and esteem and honor every person (see 1 Pt 2:17).
Prayer: Father, enable me to see and respect every person in my life as created in Your divine image and likeness (Gn 1:27).
Promise: “I, the Lord, alone probe the mind and test the heart, to reward everyone according to his ways, according to the merit of his deeds.” —Jer 17:10
Praise: Ellen shares her home by opening it up one night a week for dinner and a Bible teaching for local teens.
Reference: (This teaching was submitted by a member of our editorial team.)
(To help take up your cross, consider praying the Stations of the Cross. View, download or order our booklet, Scriptural Stations of the Cross on our website.)
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