Pastor Kevin Long walks through Luke 16:19-31 to show what happens after death and why eternity should shape the way we live right now. Through Jesus’ account of the rich man and Lazarus, we are given a glimpse behind the curtain into the reality of eternity. The message is not meant to bring fear, but to awaken hearts to the urgency of the gospel. Believers should live with conviction, make peace with God now, and urgently tell others about Jesus while there is still time.
We are all Mortal
Both Lazarus and the rich man came to the end of their earthly lives. One was poor and suffering. The other was rich and comfortable. Yet death came for both. Their financial status, comfort level, and earthly circumstances did not change that reality.
No amount of wealth, popularity, or success can keep death away. Every one of us will die. Life is brief and eternity is long. We must know Jesus before this life ends and tell others about Jesus.
We are all Going to be Judged
After death, Lazarus and the rich man both entered eternity, but they did not enter the same place. Lazarus was carried by the angels to Abraham’s side, a place of comfort and peace. The rich man, however, found himself in torment. This contrast reveals that judgment is real and that every soul is accountable before God.
• The rich man’s suffering was not because he had money
• Lazarus was not saved because he was poor.
• The issue was the condition of the heart. One belonged to God and one did not.
We are all Eternally Bound
There are no second chances after death. There is no opportunity to change course once eternity begins. (v. 26)
People often want more proof, more signs, or more time. But Jesus shows in this passage that God has already spoken clearly. The rich man wanted Lazarus sent back to warn his brothers, but Abraham answered that they already had Moses and the prophets. If they would not listen to God’s Word, they would not be persuaded even if someone rose from the dead.
That statement points directly to Jesus Himself. He did rise from the dead, and still many refuse to believe. The issue is not a lack of evidence. The issue is whether a person will respond to the truth God has already given.
We Will Want to Evangelize
Once the rich man understood where he was and that his future was sealed, his focus immediately turned to his family. He begged Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his five brothers so they would not come to that same place of torment. (v.27-28)
Pastor Kevin highlights this as a striking truth: once eternity is seen clearly, evangelism becomes urgent.
The church should not to waste the opportunity we have now. We know what Jesus has done. We know that He died for sin, rose again, and made a way for salvation. That truth should move us to speak, pray, invite, and witness with urgency.
Eternity is real and sharing the gospel is not optional. It is essential.
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