What Jesus Did! 'Someone Risen from the Dead!' — Luke 16:27-31

Saturday, September 30, 2023

[Concluding the story of the rich man and Lazarus, Jesus said,] "Then the rich man said, 'Please, Father Abraham, at least send [Lazarus] to my father's home. For I have five brothers, and I want him to warn them so they don't end up in this place of torment.'

"But Abraham said, 'Moses and the prophets have warned them. Your brothers can read what they wrote.'

"The rich man replied, 'No, Father Abraham! But if someone is sent to them from the dead, then they will repent of their sins and turn to God.'

"But Abraham said, 'If they won't listen to Moses and the prophets, they won't be persuaded even if someone rises from the dead.'"

— Luke 16:27-31 NLT

Key Thought

God has provided many avenues for people to know his will. However, if they refuse his truth or put off obeying that truth, they will not repent even if miraculous things happen in their lives. Someone rising from the dead wouldn't even convince them. And, unfortunately for many, Jesus' rising from the dead doesn't convince them. We must have seeking hearts. We must resolve to do God's will. We must knock on heaven's door seeking heaven's truth. If that is our passion, our heartfelt desire, then repentance is not so hard. However, if we do not seek — we'll certainly not repent even when we are sought!

Today's Prayer

Father, keep my heart soft, pliable, and open to your will. Make me hungry to know you. Make me thirsty for your truth and righteousness. Turn my heart, O Lord, to follow after you always. In Jesus' name, I pray. Amen.

Related Scripture Readings

  • Isaiah 55:6
  • Jeremiah 29:13
  • Acts 17:24-31

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Illustration

Illustration of Luke 16:27-31 NLT — "Then the rich man said, 'Please, Father Abraham, at least send [Lazarus] to my father's home."

About This Devotional

What Jesus Did! is a series of one-year devotional guides through each gospel, using one short scripture passage each day and following the Gospel in sequential order. Each devotional consists of a scripture passage and a reflection and a prayer which open up the day's scripture and show how it challenges you to live for Jesus.

What Jesus Did! is written by Phil Ware and is available in book form.

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2007, 2013, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.

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