Bible Study Abraham's Bosom (Luke 16)

[stovebolts]

Abraham's Bosom

I'd like to talk about Abraham's Bosom as it relates to Luke 16 and the parable of the rich man and Lazarus and from there seek out the main intent of this parable.

Too often this parable is used to argue that there is a heaven and a hell, and while I acknowledge this, I also think that the idea of heaven and hell was a given when this story was being told and there is a simple truth found within the Bible that we often over look. That being said, I know that many view this story as allegory, and while I believe some allegory may apply, it only rides on top of the stories main intent. As such, viewing this story first as an allegory misses the simple truth which is foundational to supporting any type of allegory.

Let's start by looking at scripture with very simplistic eyes and from there, we can later draw appropriate allegory. All scripture will be KJV.

Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

The story starts out with two people. A very rich man who lived in the lap of luxury who "lived sumptuously" every day. In other words, the rich man had such a lavish lifestyle and such an abundance of goods he never knew what it was like to go hungry. I'm sure it was just the opposite where he could pick and choose what to eat and when to eat. His worries were not about his needs, but rather his wants.

We have on the other hand a poor beggar named Lazarus who sat outside this rich man's home hungry and in need of medical attention. Yet we see he received no relief or compassion from this rich man. Instead, he finds more compassion and relief from the dogs who lick his sores. I know it sounds gross to have a dog lick a wound, but anyone who has a dog and has gotten hurt knows that a dog will lick in an attempt sooth it's owner. Also, it is a dog's natural tendency to lick a wound in attempt to assist in it's healing. Regardless where you fall on the dog's licking, what is clear from the texts is that the rich man made no effort to comfort or assist Lazarus either with food or medical attention.

 

[stovebolts]

Luke 16:22 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham's bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried;

We see two different fates for both individuals. The beggar who suffered when alive went to Abraham's bosom and the rich man who had an abundance of material items that he lavished upon himself with disregard for the poor and suffering was simply buried.

23 And in Hades he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.

We see here that the rich man is in Hades, often translated as hell and we see that he has "torments". Again, I don't want to focus on this aspect of the story, but rather I simply want to note that there is a difference between being in Abraham's bosom and Hades. What we will find is that there is comfort in Abraham's bosom while there is no comfort in Hades. What is clear is that the lives of both individuals has radically changed. If we take the time to understand what Abraham's bosom is, then I think the rest of the story will fall into line.

First off, what is meant by a bosom? We understand that when a child is born, it relies on it's mother's bosom for nurturing, both physically (food) and emotionally (security). They didn't have bottles and formula back then so this was clearly a woman's role. Any woman who has breast fed their child can immediately relate to this special bond and the closest us guys can get might be feeding their child in the middle of the night with a bottle, but I would assume it pails in comparison to a mother's milk and the intimacy involved between a mother and her child.

In Jewish thought, this idea of bosom expands to the family unit. Thus, a fathers bosom would be be the general unity of the family. Each family has a different set of dynamics and every fathers bosom would be slightly different in the way he provided for his family both physically and spiritually.

Abraham was a great man of God, and if we know two things about Abraham, he was a man of great faith with a heart toward hospitality and compassion to the needs of others.

I would like to cite two examples of this, and there are many more. If anything, I'd like to sit on this for a few days and lets all bring something to the table in regard to Abraham's bosom, and then we'll move forward.

The first story I'd like to mention is about Abraham and Lot.

Genesis 13:7 And there was a strife between the herdmen of Abram's cattle and the herdmen of Lot's cattle: and the Canaanite and the Perizzite dwelled then in the land.
8 And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.
9 Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left.

We see clearly how Abraham resolves the strife between their herdsman. Abraham is about putting others in front of himself knowing that God will provide for him. It is more important for Abraham that unity be maintained between the herdman than it is about obtaining the choices land. This idea is so contrary to the way most of us think. I've seen more families divided over the estate of one of their deceased because the goods were more important than the relationships and I'm sure you can all come up with many more examples. But we see with Abraham, he puts unity first, so if your in Abraham's bosom, you know he's going to do what it takes to eliminate the strife and bring about peace. We could write books on this passage and I'd like to hear your thoughts.

The second passage touches on Abraham's hospitality.

Genesis 18:2 And he lift up his eyes and looked, and, lo, three men stood by him: and when he saw them, he ran to meet them from the tent door, and bowed himself toward the ground,
3 And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:
4 Let a little water, I pray you, be fetched, and wash your feet, and rest yourselves under the tree:
5 And I will fetch a morsel of bread, and comfort ye your hearts; after that ye shall pass on: for therefore are ye come to your servant. And they said, So do, as thou hast said.
6 And Abraham hastened into the tent unto Sarah, and said, Make ready quickly three measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes upon the hearth.
7 And Abraham ran unto the herd, and fetcht a calf tender and good, and gave it unto a young man; and he hasted to dress it.
8 And he took butter, and milk, and the calf which he had dressed, and set it before them; and he stood by them under the tree, and they did eat.

If we go back to chapter 17, we see that Abraham is 99 years old and he is three days out from his circumcision. My wife had four wisdom teeth pulled about a month ago and she is still healing. My daughter had 2 wisdom teeth pulled and was healed in a week. I say this to compare how older people require more time to heal than younger people, so I'm sure three days after Abraham was circumcised he couldn't have been very comfortable. However, the text says many times that he was running! I find this utterly amazing.

But as far as his hospitality, we see that he is eager to please his guests. Abraham is a rich man and has the respect from the surrounding princes and communities, yet he doesn't use that authority to put himself over anyone, he uses it to submit to the needs of those around him. We see that he offers his guests a good meal and water for the washing of their feet and they are comfortably under the shade of a tree on an exceedingly hot day. In other words, Abraham has done what he could to make his traveling guests very comfortable. We see the opposite in the way these same visitors are treated when they visit Lot and by way of Ezekiel 16, we see the true sins of Sodom and how it is counter to the way of hospitality.

We see throughout the Torah that hospitality was crucial to the Jewish culture and there are many verses that confirm this within the OT. But I think I've posted enough for now and I'd like to get your thoughts on what has already been written.

Thanks and have a great weekend. I'll check back early next week!

 

[JLB]

Abraham's Bosom

I'd like to talk about Abraham's Bosom as it relates to Luke 16 and the parable of the rich man and Lazarus and from there seek out the main intent of this parable.

Too often this parable is used to argue that there is a heaven and a hell, and while I acknowledge this, I also think that the idea of heaven and hell was a given when this story was being told and there is a simple truth found within the Bible that we often over look. That being said, I know that many view this story as allegory, and while I believe some allegory may apply, it only rides on top of the stories main intent. As such, viewing this story first as an allegory misses the simple truth which is foundational to supporting any type of allegory.

Let's start by looking at scripture with very simplistic eyes and from there, we can later draw appropriate allegory. All scripture will be KJV.

Luke 16:19 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day:
20 And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores,
21 And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man's table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

The story starts out with two people. A very rich man who lived in the lap of luxury who "lived sumptuously" every day. In other words, the rich man had such a lavish lifestyle and such an abundance of goods he never knew what it was like to go hungry. I'm sure it was just the opposite where he could pick and choose what to eat and when to eat. His worries were not about his needs, but rather his wants.

We have on the other hand a poor beggar named Lazarus who sat outside this rich man's home hungry and in need of medical attention. Yet we see he received no relief or compassion from this rich man. Instead, he finds more compassion and relief from the dogs who lick his sores. I know it sounds gross to have a dog lick a wound, but anyone who has a dog and has gotten hurt knows that a dog will lick in an attempt sooth it's owner. Also, it is a dog's natural tendency to lick a wound in attempt to assist in it's healing. Regardless where you fall on the dog's licking, what is clear from the texts is that the rich man made no effort to comfort or assist Lazarus either with food or medical attention.

In addition to pointing out the purpose of dogs, Jesus, I believe from my bible study, has some other points that He wants us to consider in this story.

Studying the bible together in an open forum like this draws a wide range of perspectives from everyone.

One of the things I have found, that is unique about this teaching, is the statement recorded by Luke -

Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him. Luke 16:14

From my studies of this story, I have discovered that Jesus began teaching His disciples about stewardship and money -

1 He also said to His disciples: "There was a certain rich man who had a steward...

11 Therefore if you have not been faithful in the unrighteous mammon, who will commit to your trust the true riches? 12 And if you have not been faithful in what is another man's, who will give you what is your own? 13 No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the one and love the other, or else he will be loyal to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve God and mammon."

which brings us to the comment by the Pharisee's -

Now the Pharisees, who were lovers of money, also heard all these things, and they derided Him.

At this point, I noticed that Jesus turned from teaching His disciples and responded to there derision, with these direct comments -

15 And He said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves before men, but God knows your hearts. For what is highly esteemed among men is an abomination in the sight of God.

16 The law and the prophets were until John. Since that time the kingdom of God has been preached, and everyone is pressing into it.

17 And it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away than for one tittle of the law to fail.

18 Whoever divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery; and whoever marries her who is divorced from her husband commits adultery.

I thought it interesting that Jesus spoke these direct things to the Pharisee's who derided Him because they were lovers of money.

And so the teaching about the rich man and Lazarus has the flavor of this context as Jesus begins to teach -

19 "There was a certain rich man who was clothed in purple and fine linen and fared sumptuously every day...

What do you think the context of this story is?


Thanks JLB

 

[stovebolts]

JLB,
Thank you for your comments, they are appreciated and as you know, this could go so many different places very rapidly. Trying to conduct an online study is very difficult because so many people have so many thoughts and ideas and the next thing you know we'll be having multiple discussions threaded throughout the course of this topic.

The passages you quoted and made great comments about all support the context with which Jesus is speaking and they are all very valuable. In my mind I wanted to discuss exactly what Abraham's bosom was, and after that was established see how it ties into those verses, particularly about the Pharisees. From there, we can pull in many other NT verses in regard to the Pharisees that given the right timing in this lesson I was hoping would shed a broader light on the words of Jesus. For example, (and I'd like to just tuck these in the back of your mind until later) but we have an example of Jesus telling the people to do all that the Pharisees tell them to do, but not to be like them. Also, there is another one where Jesus tells the Pharisees they do more than is required by the law, but miss the weightier elements of the Law (compassion). And of course there is the infamous "You are from your father the devil" to those who believe they are from their Father Abraham. Hopefully we can all see these under the umbrella of what it is like to be within Abraham's bosom.

What do you think the context of this story is?

5 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

I think the core is about emptying ourselves before God, and when we are doing God's work we don't esteem ourselves. There is a story in the Torah where two brothers (Naham and Abihu) bring unauthorized fire before the Lord. We see three types of fire within that section. We see a favorable fire that consumes that which is on the Altar, then we see an unfavorable fire brought before the Lord in an unauthorized way, and we see a counter fire from above that consumes them both and they die.

What we can learn from this is that to go before God is not a position of power and authority where we go with our own initiatives asserting our own presence before God, but rather, it is where we empty ourselves before God and our will is removed so we can do the will of our true Father in Heaven. It is when we empty ourselves of self assertion and authority (self righteousness) that we become partners with God. (Eph 2:10) and Abraham is a fantastic example of the later.

As far as the dog's are concerned. My mind immediately goes to the story of the Good Samaritan where the purpose of the parable is to show us who our neighbor is, but how to be a good neighbor as well.

With that, I'd like to continue developing this idea of what it means to be in Abraham's bosom.

Thanks!

 

[JLB]

JLB,
Thank you for your comments, they are appreciated and as you know, this could go so many different places very rapidly. Trying to conduct an online study is very difficult because so many people have so many thoughts and ideas and the next thing you know we'll be having multiple discussions threaded throughout the course of this topic.

The passages you quoted and made great comments about all support the context with which Jesus is speaking and they are all very valuable. In my mind I wanted to discuss exactly what Abraham's bosom was, and after that was established see how it ties into those verses, particularly about the Pharisees. From there, we can pull in many other NT verses in regard to the Pharisees that given the right timing in this lesson I was hoping would shed a broader light on the words of Jesus. For example, (and I'd like to just tuck these in the back of your mind until later) but we have an example of Jesus telling the people to do all that the Pharisees tell them to do, but not to be like them. Also, there is another one where Jesus tells the Pharisees they do more than is required by the law, but miss the weightier elements of the Law (compassion). And of course there is the infamous "You are from your father the devil" to those who believe they are from their Father Abraham. Hopefully we can all see these under the umbrella of what it is like to be within Abraham's bosom.

What do you think the context of this story is?

5 And he said unto them, Ye are they which justify yourselves before men; but God knoweth your hearts: for that which is highly esteemed among men is abomination in the sight of God.

I think the core is about emptying ourselves before God, and when we are doing God's work we don't esteem ourselves. There is a story in the Torah where two brothers (Naham and Abihu) bring unauthorized fire before the Lord. We see three types of fire within that section. We see a favorable fire that consumes that which is on the Altar, then we see an unfavorable fire brought before the Lord in an unauthorized way, and we see a counter fire from above that consumes them both and they die.

What we can learn from this is that to go before God is not a position of power and authority where we go with our own initiatives asserting our own presence before God, but rather, it is where we empty ourselves before God and our will is removed so we can do the will of our true Father in Heaven. It is when we empty ourselves of self assertion and authority (self righteousness) that we become partners with God. (Eph 2:10) and Abraham is a fantastic example of the later.

As far as the dog's are concerned. My mind immediately goes to the story of the Good Samaritan where the purpose of the parable is to show us who our neighbor is, but how to be a good neighbor as well.

With that, I'd like to continue developing this idea of what it means to be in Abraham's bosom.

Thanks!

Probably some of the richest truth in this story will be found in the nuggets we learn from His comment about the dogs licking the sores.

Your focus on Abraham's Bosom is awesome.

I, for one will keep my questions and comments focused in the direction you lead.

I believe The Spirit God will use you to bring forth some much needed truth about the term Abraham's Bosom.

My personal belief is Paradise was named after Abraham as the founding member of the "Church", which is called assembly, or Holy Nation Today.

God Bless you in this study.


JLB

 

[stovebolts]

Probably some of the richest truth in this story will be found in the nuggets we learn from His comment about the dogs licking the sores.

And I would agree!

Unfortunately I have to leave and won't be back until some time next week. If you would, please keep the discussion alive with Abraham focusing on what is meant by his Bosom in the since that to be in Abraham's "family" meant you were well taken care of both physically, emotionally and spiritually. As well, Abraham is an example of what it is to be hospitable and tend to the needs of others where unity is always the goal. If you could expand upon that to get a really big picture on what it means to be within Abraham's bosom, then we can all better see what true paradise is, both in this world and the world to come.

Thanks!

 

[enlightened]

There is Truth in all you say, but I would add that the Heart must also be a part of the Bosom, for that is where the Spirit of Christ dwells in man these days, in whom we find security and love; but also, since Adam had iniquity in his bosom, the reference is obviously about his heart. (JOB32:33).

 

[King James]

So far it sounds better than the poor man just nuzzling into Abraham's chest region. Things were just different back then. Modern men do not greet with a kiss, rest in eachother's bossoms, wash eachothers' feet, sleep in the same bed, or consider themselves, "fishers of men". Some verses can sound really weird to us at first as some things are not the norm today. It seems that some verses sound worse in the older english translations than the newer ones.

Mark 1:17
And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men.

1 Peter 5:14
Greet ye one another with a kiss of charity. Peace be with you all that are in Christ Jesus. Amen.

Luke 22:47-48
And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him.
But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss?

John 13:23-25
Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.
Simon Peter therefore beckoned to him, that he should ask who it should be of whom he spake
He then lying on Jesus' breast saith unto him, Lord, who is it?

Luke 17:34-35
I tell you, in that night there shall be two men in one bed; the one shall be taken, and the other shall be left.
Two women shall be grinding together; the one shall be taken, and the other left.

John 13:5-9
After that he poureth water into a bason, and began to wash the disciples' feet, and to wipe them with the towel wherewith he was girded.
Then cometh he to Simon Peter: and Peter saith unto him, Lord, dost thou wash my feet?
Jesus answered and said unto him, What I do thou knowest not now; but thou shalt know hereafter.
Peter saith unto him, Thou shalt never wash my feet. Jesus answered him, If I wash thee not, thou hast no part with me.
Simon Peter saith unto him, Lord, not my feet only, but also my hands and my head.

 

[JLB]

In this teaching, Jesus used an expression that His hearers would be familiar with. By saying Abraham's Bosom, those that heard this expression equated it with a fathers loving embrace or a fathers loving care.

Where Father Abraham's was, had to be a good place for he was known as a "friend" of God. God chose him to make "blood covenant" with. To start as it were a holy nation with.

So it makes perfect sense to name the "final resting place' of those that followed the way of Abraham, as Abraham's Bosom.

Where Father Abraham would welcome you with "open arms" and embrace you to his bosom as a father would lovingly embrace a child, is where the covenant saints would go as they passed from this life to the next.

Jesus said to the thief on the cross, "This day you will be with Me in Paradise".

And the Scripture, foreseeing that God would justify the Gentiles by faith, preached the gospel to Abraham beforehand, saying, "In you all the nations shall be blessed." So then those who are of faith are blessed with believing Abraham. Galatians 3:8-9


JLB