Portrait of Perdition - Luke 16:19-31

This seventh parable in a series of eight re-directs Jesus’ discussion to the Pharisees. It follows a strange prelude which points out that living righteously according to the Law is hard, since not a stroke of that Law may be violated. Today’s parable discloses the other side of the eternal consequences of a life that appears justified in man’s eyes but failed miserably in the Laws’ demand to love God. This parable provides the hearer with an indelible warning of eternal separation should they mistake God’s loan for their ownership. It fulfills Luke’s purpose of this Gospel, to steady our wobbly faith regarding the use of God-given means and the earthly poverty that might result.