He couldn’t invite his rich friends over for feasts anymore. The rich man couldn’t eat his fine foods anymore. Then Lazarus died, and Jesus welcomed him into Heaven. “Lazarus,” he said sadly, “the rich man wants me to tell you never to come back.” The servant slowly trudged down the steps to the gate. “Don’t ever come and ask me for crumbs for Lazarus again.” “How many times do I have to send him away?” he shouted. The rich man just wanted to eat his delicious dinner. The Rich Man didn’t ask what Lazarus wanted. “Sir,” the servant said, “Lazarus is at the gate.”

Surely this evening the rich man would share some food with the hungry beggar. The next evening, the rich man’s servant saw Lazarus at the gate again. Slowly Lazarus got to his feet and began to shuffle off. He poked at the dogs hovering around him, dogs waiting to lick his sores. Lazarus picked up the cane he used for walking. “Lazarus,” he said, sadly, “The rich man says you must go away.” “He is dirty and sick, and he cannot sit at my gate.” The rich man stood up and wrapped his beautiful purple robe tighter around him. “He says he just wants the crumbs that fall from your table,” said the servant timidly “Tell him to go away!” said the rich man. He thought of the raggedy beggar at his gate. Silver dishes steamed and filled the room with delicious smells. He looked around the table at his beloved family and richly dressed friends.

The rich man had a piece of juicy meat on his fork, ready to take a bite. “The beggar, Lazarus, is at the gate again,” the servant said to the rich man. Read what happens to the unkind Rich Man when he refuses to help the beggar… Lazarus the beggar wanted just the crumbs from the Rich Man’s table.

Children's bible story of lazarus