Convinced to Change

Luke 16:31 -‘If they do not hear Moses and the Prophets, neither will they be convinced if someone should rise from the dead.’ 

What does it take to persuade you to change your beliefs and behaviors? Would a rock solid argument win you over? What about an emotionally moving story? Would a miracle convince you of supernatural reality or do you trust what you parents told you? Do you find that any change is too uncomfortable and inconvenient to even consider? Perhaps your identity is wrapped up in tradition and to change would seemingly be to deny yourself.

Jesus tells a fascinating story in Luke 16 about a nameless rich man and a beggar named Lazarus. We do not know if he is the same Lazarus Jesus raised from the dead in John 11. The latter was the brother of Mary and Martha and did not seem to live in the poverty of the Lazarus in Luke 16. Yet, there is certainly the connection with the idea of being raised from the dead. Either way, Jesus’ points in this story seems to be to help his listeners understand 1) the reality of eternal rewards and punishment and 2) how difficult it can be to change some people’s beliefs and behaviors.

When the rich man is suffering in torment and Lazarus is now chillin’ on Abraham’s lap, the rich man begs Abraham to send Lazarus to his brothers to get them to repent. “Surely they will believe if someone rises from the dead,” he says in verse 30, but Abraham says even a resurrection is not enough to persuade some people.

Certainly this is a prophetic reference to Jesus’ resurrection. Many of those most aware of what actually happened refused to change their behaviors when they knew that Jesus was no longer dead. They lived as they had been living and tried to stomp out any evidence of the truth. Why? Was it an awareness that their earthly position and possessions might be at risk? Did they want the short term benefit at an enormous long term cost?

It is wise for each of us to consider the cost of change and what it would take for us to believe it is worthwhile. This applies in nearly every area of life, whether eliminating a bad habit, succeeding in business, or improving our relationships. We can never improve if we are not willing to change. Yet the most important changes are eternal. Please do not be afraid to make the biggest change of all through Jesus Christ.