Are You a Beggar? – September 30, 2022

Read: Luke 16:19-31

The time came when the beggar died and the angels carried him to Abraham’s side.
Luke 19:22

Are You a Beggar?

Family Devotion – September 30, 2022

Devotion based on Luke 19:22

See series: Devotions

In the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen.

Do you know what a beggar is? You might beg your mom or grandma for one more delicious cookie. But Jesus’ story today is about a homeless man named Lazarus. Does Jesus want us to be like him—to leave our homes and live on the streets as beggars? Thankfully, no! Jesus’ story is not really about being rich or poor, having lots of amazing food or just crumbs, owning a big home or being homeless. It’s about realizing that all people, the rich and the poor, are… beggars. And the biggest thing you have to ask yourself is this: Am I a beggar?

The Bible shows us how we are all beggars. A homeless person with a cardboard sign on the street has a need for food or shelter. But if we are beggars too, then what do we need? Well, we are all going to one day die, and we need someone to save us from that. Our world is decaying and there is violence everywhere. We can’t fix it! We need someone to make a “new heavens and a new earth.” But there’s a lot of wrong feelings like anger and thoughts inside us—we need someone to save us from ourselves.

So, who do we beg from? We beg from the one who gave our bodies and the world to us in the first place—God! We have a God who doesn’t simply give us a crumb from his table. He feeds our faith. He sacrificed his Son Jesus to forgive us. He invites us to a feast that will last forever in heaven. With great care and love, he prepares a room for us in his mansion.

Better to be a beggar asking God to save us than the rich man in Jesus’ story who ignored Lazarus—even worse, he ignored his own need for God. God never promised an easy life. But, dear beggar of God, our feast is coming! Like Lazarus, we will be at Abraham’s side, living with GOD!

So, remember. Remember every day that you have a wonderful thing coming to you! God promises this to you. The more you remember, the more joyful and steadfast we will be as we live on this earth.

Closing Prayer:

God, thank you for not merely giving us a crumb from your table, but preparing a huge feast for us in heaven one day! Give us strength to remember you and to patiently wait for life with you. In the name of Jesus. Amen.

The questions below are to help families discuss this devotion. The questions are divided by age group as suggestions, but anyone could reflect on any of the questions as they desire.

Questions for Younger Children

  • What does it mean to beg?
  • What do we beg from Jesus? What does Jesus give us?

Questions for Elementary Age Children

  • If this parable isn’t about being poor like Lazarus, then what is it about?
  • How is the reward of heaven greater than any reward we could have on earth?

Questions for Middle School and Above

  • How can we be tempted to be like the “rich man?”
  • What is the purpose of regularly remembering God’s promise of heaven?

 

Family Devotions are brought to you by WELS Discipleship.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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