Introduction

For centuries, it has been claimed that people can communicate with the dead. Millions of dollars have been lost to con artists declaring that they made contact with a deceased relative.

This bible states that it is not possible for this to happen. And yet, suppose it were possible for someone from the dead to return to the living to give an important message. Would that message be heard or rejected?

The Rich Man and Lazarus

In Luke 16:19-31, Jesus relates a story of two individuals, leading completely different lives and ending up in two completely different locations in Hades. Although some might write this off as merely another parable of Jesus, there is no proof of it. Primarily, because he gives one of the individuals a name which is not seen in any of His parables. Also, Jesus seems very specific as to the location and the situation at hand.

The one thing they do have in common is that they are familiar which each other. “There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day. But there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, full of sores, who was laid at his gate, desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table. Moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.” (vs. 19-21)

You will notice in the remaining part of the passage, the rich man wanted change both for himself and his family. Change for himself in terms of water to cool his tongue (vs. 24) and then his brothers who are still alive (vs. 27-28). Abraham said that both were impossible (vs. 26, 31).

At this point, I would offer a hypothesis of what would happen if one would return from the dead. However, the scriptures provide us with an actual example found in John 11 and 12.

A Friend of Jesus

John 11:1-14 introduces us to Martha, Mary, and their brother, Lazarus. The name, Lazarus, is a common name and has no connection to the other one in Luke 16.

Due to the lengthy reading, I’ll summarize this portion and move on to the crux of this scenario. Lazarus had been dead for four days before Jesus arrived and brought him back from the dead. This was, without a doubt, proof that Jesus was God on Earth. In verses 45-54, it details that the Pharisees were now determined to kill Jesus for fear of losing their status among the people.

At the start of chapter 12, we see Jesus visiting Lazarus and his sisters who are “celebrating” his return to the living. Again, this is proof that Jesus is the Messiah.

In verses 9-11, a plot to kill Lazarus is formed, Now a great many of the Jews knew that He was there; and they came, not for Jesus’ sake only, but that they might also see Lazarus, whom He had raised from the dead. But the chief priests plotted to put Lazarus to death also, because on account of him many of the Jews went away and believed in Jesus. (John 12:9-11)

The purpose of killing Lazarus is the destroy any proof of his resurrection. They can deny that he was raised from the dead in the first place as he is no longer among the living. This would take away the evidence that Jesus is more than just a man.

A Comparison of the Two

Looking at the two passages, one can conclude that the rich man of Lk. 19 would have the same outlook of the pharisees in Jn. 12. Given that he wasn’t interested in taking care of Lazarus while he was laid at his gate, he wouldn’t have the slightest interest in knowing about Jesus who brought one back from the dead. The rich man would want that Lazarus killed as well.

Jesus said, “Then He will also say to those on the left hand, ‘Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels: for I was hungry and you gave Me no food; I was thirsty and you gave Me no drink; I was a stranger and you did not take Me in, naked and you did not clothe Me, sick and in prison and you did not visit Me.’
Then they also will answer Him, saying, ‘Lord, when did we see You hungry or thirsty or a stranger or naked or sick or in prison, and did not minister to You?’ Then He will answer them, saying, ‘Assuredly, I say to you, inasmuch as you did not do it to one of the least of these, you did not do it to Me.’ (Matthew 25:41-45)

Conclusion

Abraham said it best, “If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead.” (Lk. 19:31) Rather than wait for word from the other side, turn to the scriptures for your daily guidance. You’ll be able to better prepare yourself for eternity now than wait to see who of your family made it and who didn’t.