What does Luke 16:28 mean?
When the two men were alive on earth, the rich man ignored Lazarus. He enjoyed sumptuous meals in his mansion and wore luxurious clothing. Lazarus lay starving outside his gate, on the street, with dogs licking his open sores. When the men died, angels took Lazarus to paradise where Abraham greeted him warmly. The rich man went to Hades, a place of torment, where he awaits final judgment and hell (Luke 16:19–23; Revelation 20:13–15).When the rich man saw Lazarus with Abraham, his first thought was how Lazarus could serve him. First, he asked Abraham to send Lazarus with a bit of water. Abraham told him that was impossible. Now, he wants Abraham to send Lazarus to warn his brothers to change their lives lest they join him in eternal damnation (Luke 16:24–27).
This exchange involves a common complaint of many unbelievers: that God hasn't given quite enough information. In other words, the rich man suggests that if he—or others—were to be given more direct information, then of course they'd submit to God. A miracle, especially, is claimed as the perfect way to make the truth clear (Matthew 12:39). Abraham rejects this claim entirely. For those religious experts who criticize Jesus, they have more than enough knowledge to know how God expects them to respond (Luke 16:29–31). "Moses and the Prophets" is a shorthand for the Old Testament (Luke 16:29). These religious leaders have the Scriptures, which testify about Jesus, and yet they reject Him (John 5:39). Everyone, everywhere, is given enough revelation of God (Romans 1:18–20; Psalm 19:1) that there is no excuse for not seeking Him out (Matthew 7:7–8).
Jesus is telling this story to a group of Pharisees who interrupted His teaching. He had been telling His disciples to be wise in the ways of the world and to use whatever resources they have to bless others. They cannot prioritize worldly treasure and God at the same time (Luke 16:1–13). "The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all these things, and they ridiculed [Jesus]" (Luke 16:14).
In a poetic sense, Jesus is fulfilling the rich man's request. Jesus is warning the rich man's "brothers": the Pharisees. They need to stop living selfishly. If they don't, they are going to find themselves in torment.
