Lazarus

Lazarus is the name given to the poor man in Jesus' parable of the rich man and Lazarus (Lk.16.19-31). In the parable, Lazarus is described as a beggar covered with sores who longed to eat the crumbs falling from the rich man's table (Lk.16.20-21). When both men died, Lazarus was carried by angels to Abraham's side in heaven, while the rich man found himself in Hades, in torment (Lk.16.22-23). The rich man called out to Abraham, asking him to send Lazarus to dip his finger in water and cool his tongue (Lk.16.24). However, Abraham replied that a great chasm separated them and that it was impossible for anyone to cross from one side to the other (Lk.16.25-26). The parable emphasizes the reversal of fortunes in the afterlife and the importance of caring for the poor and needy in this life.