The KJV Standard Lesson International Sunday School Lesson

June 24

Lesson 4 (KJV)

Reaping God’s Justice

Devotional Reading: Luke 6:20–26

Background Scripture: Luke 16:19–31; John 5:24–30

Luke 16:19–31

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.

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;

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

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.

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.

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.

27 Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him to my father’s house:

28 For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment.

29 Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them.

30 And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent.

31 And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

Key Verse

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

Justice in the New Testament

Unit 1: God Is Just and Merciful

Lessons 1–4

Lesson Aims

After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:

1. Relate the primary details in Jesus’ story of the rich man and Lazarus.

2. Explain what this passage teaches about caring for those who are poor materially and/or spiritually.

3. Help implement one specific improvement to his or her church’s benevolence ministry.

Lesson Outline

Introduction

A. Noblesse Oblige?

B. Lesson Background

I. Inequity in Life (Luke 16:19–21)

A. Living in Luxury (v. 19)

Who’s Entitled?

B. Suffering in Squalor (vv. 20, 21)

What Will You Do?

II. Justice in Death (Luke 16:22–26)

A. Reward and Punishment (vv. 22, 23)

B. Request and Reply (vv. 24–26)

III. Warning in Writing (Luke 16:27–31)

A. Anguished Plea (vv. 27, 28)

B. Adequate Proof (vv. 29–31)

Conclusion

A. Who Were “the Needy” Then?

B. Who Are “the Needy” Now?

C. Prayer

D. Thought to Remember

HOW TO SAY IT

Hosea	Ho-zay-uh.
Lazarus	Laz-uh-rus.
noblesse oblige	no-bless uh-bleezh.
Pharisees	Fair-ih-seez.
Vitellius	Vih-tell-ih-us.

 Weatherly, Jon et al. “Reaping God’s Justice.” The KJV Standard Lesson Commentary, 2017–2018. Ed. Jim Eichenberger et al. Vol. 65. Colorado Springs, CO: Standard Publishing, 2018. 369–371. Print.