Outside the Gate is based on Luke 16: 19-31
There was a man from a wealthy family who had everything – good clothes, fine foods, his children at the best schools. They lived in a gated community and just outside that gate was a refugee, named Lazarus.
Lazarus would have been delighted to have even the smallest of the man’s rooms and to eat any of his leftovers. But his only comfort was a stray dog, who slept with him and kept him warm.
The day came when Lazarus died. Lazarus was escorted by angels! He was taken to the side of his great ancestor, Abraham.
The rich man died as well – and was buried. No angels for him! He was suffering in agony. But when he looked up he could see Abraham, a long way away, with Lazarus the ex-refugee happy by his side.
So he called out to Abraham, “Abraham, my forefather, have pity on me! I’m in torment here! Just get Lazarus to come down here, dip his finger in some water and cool my mouth with the drops.”
But Abraham looked at him and said, “Lad, you had everything you wanted while you lived. Meanwhile, Lazarus here got everything bad. Now he’s here in comfort and you’re the one who’s suffering. Besides, there’s a huge abyss fixed between us and I do mean huge. So huge, it’s impossible for anyone to cross it – however much they may want to.”
“Well, then,” said the man, “Why don’t you send Lazarus with a message to my family? I’ve got a big family and he could warn them, warn them solemnly, about what’s happened to me. That way they won’t end up here, like me.”
Abraham answered, “Lad, they’ve already got Moses and the prophets. Maybe they should listen to them?”
“Yes, but…” said the man, “… if someone came back from the dead … they’d take that seriously!”
“If someone won’t listen to Moses and the prophets,” said Abraham, “not even someone returning from the dead will convince them!”
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Commentary on Outside the Gate
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