Luke 16:25
But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented.
Luke 16:25
Abraham’s reply centers on memory as a moral and spiritual force. “Remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things” contrasts the earthly wealth and comfort enjoyed by the rich man with the suffering of Lazarus. The memory here is not nostalgia; it is a pointer to accountability. In the cultural context, memory functions as a judgment tool: one’s acts, attitudes, and priorities become apparent when faced with the realities of eternity. The rich man’s present experience is a felt consequence of a life oriented toward self-gratification rather than neighbor-love and trust in God. The reversal—Lazarus now comforted, the rich man tormented—functions as a corrective to the assumption that wealth equates blessing and that the poor’s plight is a secondary concern. The “remember” also nudges the living to respond to God’s call now, for memory of one’s life will accompany judgment.
This verse anchors the eschatological motif of reward and punishment. It emphasizes God’s moral ordering: the present life’s choices have lasting, irreversible consequences. Theologically, it reinforces the principle of solidarity with the vulnerable (Lazarus), highlighting how wealth without compassion distorts human relationships and aligns with false gods of security. The “now he is comforted” and “thou art tormented” phraseology underlines the permanence of destiny once judgment has begun. It also critiques self-delusion—the rich man’s assumption that resources secure his status, when in truth they obscure his heart.
Practice retrospective truth-telling with yourself. Do a “life audit” of your priorities: where has comfort become permission to ignore injustice? Practical steps: donate regularly to causes that ease others’ burdens; engage in community service; mentor someone in need; use influence to advocate for policies that reduce inequality. Build a habit of gratitude that neither idolizes wealth nor despises the poor. Teach children and peers that generosity is not a favor but a response to God’s mercy. In conversations, resist boasting about “good things” you’ve earned; instead, acknowledge how God’s grace shapes your life and how you can use that to bless others. The verse invites us to live with memory as a catalyst for compassionate action.
Cross-References: Deuteronomy 15:7-11; Luke 12:33-34; James 2:14-17; 1 John 3:17-18; Proverbs 21:13