Unlocking the Secrets of Jesus’ Parable: The Rich Man, Lazarus, and the New Covenant Revelation
The parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Luke 16:19-31 KJV) from a New Covenant Creation perspective, we can interpret the verses as follows:
**Verse 19:**
“There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day.”
The rich man here symbolizes the high priest, representing the religious elite of the Old Covenant era. His luxurious lifestyle reflects the privileged position of the religious leaders.
**Verse 20:**
“And there was a certain beggar named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores.”
Lazarus represents a poor Jew who was marginalized and suffering under the Old Covenant system. His sores symbolize the spiritual wounds and afflictions of the Jewish community under the Law.
**Verse 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.”
Lazarus’ desire for crumbs from the rich man’s table signifies the longing of the oppressed Jewish people for spiritual nourishment and relief. The dogs, in this interpretation, represent the Good Samaritans or outsiders who showed kindness to the marginalized Jews.
**Verse 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.”
The death of Lazarus symbolizes the end of the Old Covenant era, and his being carried into Abraham’s bosom signifies the entrance of the faithful Jews into the blessings of the New Covenant, represented by Abraham.
**Verse 23:**
“And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom.”
Here, “hell” represents Sheol or the Old Covenant, and the torment signifies the suffering and wrath of God poured out upon the Jewish nation through the destruction of the Temple and the end of the Old Covenant system. Seeing Abraham afar off symbolizes the contrast between the Old and New Covenants, with the New Covenant bringing comfort.
**Verse 24:**
“And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.”
The rich man’s cry for mercy reflects the desperation of those who clung to the Old Covenant after its end. The flame of torment represents the consequences of rejecting the New Covenant.
**Verse 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.”
Abraham’s response emphasizes the reversal of fortunes under the New Covenant, where those who suffered in the Old Covenant are now comforted, and those who enjoyed privileges are now tormented by the transition.
**Verse 26:**
“And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us, that would come from thence.”
The great gulf symbolizes the irreversibility of the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant. It underscores the separation between the two eras.
**Verse 27-31:**
These verses highlight the importance of heeding the message of Moses and the prophets, representing the Law and prophecies pointing to Jesus as the Messiah. Even if someone were to rise from the dead, it wouldn’t persuade those who reject the foundation of the New Covenant. This emphasizes the significance of understanding and accepting the fulfillment of the Old Covenant in Jesus Christ.
In conclusion, this interpretation from a full preterist New Covenant Creation perspective illustrates the parable as an allegory for the transition from the Old Covenant to the New Covenant, with rich symbolism that represents key elements of this theological viewpoint.