Luke 16:29 – “Abraham replied, ‘They have Moses and the Prophets; let them listen to them.’”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, Abraham responds to the rich man’s plea to send Lazarus to warn his five brothers. Abraham points out that they already have everything they need for salvation—“Moses and the Prophets,” which refer to the Old Testament Scriptures. These writings contain God’s laws, commands, and promises, as well as warnings about the consequences of sin and the call to live a life of righteousness.
Abraham’s response emphasizes that God has already provided the necessary instructions for people to avoid judgment. The problem isn’t a lack of information but a failure to listen and obey. The rich man’s brothers don’t need a miraculous sign or someone to rise from the dead—they need to heed the Word of God, which is sufficient to lead them to repentance.
Historical Context
During Jesus’ time, the Jewish people had great respect for the Scriptures, which included the writings of Moses (the first five books of the Bible) and the Prophets (such as Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel). The Law of Moses contained instructions for living a godly life, while the Prophets called people to repent and warned of God’s judgment. These Scriptures were read regularly in synagogues and were meant to guide the people in their relationship with God.
However, despite their knowledge of the Scriptures, many people, including the Pharisees, failed to understand the heart of God’s message. They focused on external rituals and legalism while neglecting the deeper call to love God and care for others (Micah 6:8). This parable addresses that spiritual blindness, showing that even with access to God’s Word, people can choose to ignore it.
Theological Implications
This verse highlights the sufficiency and authority of God’s Word. Abraham’s response makes it clear that the Scriptures contain all the truth needed for salvation. People do not need additional signs or miracles to believe in God or to understand His call to repentance. The Bible is God’s revelation to humanity, and it is through hearing and obeying His Word that people come to faith.
Theologically, this verse also emphasizes the responsibility of individuals to respond to God’s Word. The rich man’s brothers had access to the truth, but it was up to them to listen and obey. This reinforces the idea that people are accountable for how they respond to God’s revelation.
Literary Analysis
This verse is part of a dialogue that serves as a turning point in the parable. Abraham’s statement is a rebuke of the rich man’s assumption that a miraculous sign is necessary to convince his brothers. The repetition of the idea that the brothers already have what they need (“Moses and the Prophets”) underscores the sufficiency of Scripture and the seriousness of ignoring it.
The phrase “let them listen to them” is significant because it highlights the importance of not just hearing the Word of God but truly listening—understanding it and putting it into action. The parable uses this statement to show that the failure to listen to God’s Word is at the heart of the rich man’s problem and the potential downfall of his brothers.
Biblical Cross-References
- Deuteronomy 30:10 – “Obey the Lord your God and keep his commands and decrees that are written in this Book of the Law and turn to the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul.”
- Psalm 119:105 – “Your word is a lamp for my feet, a light on my path.”
- 2 Timothy 3:16-17 – “All Scripture is God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness, so that the servant of God may be thoroughly equipped for every good work.”
These verses emphasize the power, authority, and sufficiency of God’s Word in guiding people to righteousness and salvation.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For today’s Christians, this verse is a reminder of the importance of Scripture in their daily lives. The Bible is not just a historical document or a collection of moral teachings—it is the living Word of God, meant to guide, convict, and transform us. This verse challenges believers to take the Bible seriously, reading it, meditating on it, and applying its truths to their lives.
It also serves as a warning against waiting for extraordinary signs or experiences to strengthen our faith. Too often, people look for dramatic events to confirm God’s existence or guidance, but Abraham’s words remind us that the truth is already available in Scripture. The question is whether we are willing to listen and respond.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is shown in the fact that He has revealed Himself through His Word. He didn’t leave humanity in the dark, wondering how to live or how to be saved. Through Moses and the Prophets—and ultimately through Jesus Christ—God provided clear instructions for living a life that pleases Him and leads to eternal life.
God’s love is also evident in the way He continually calls people to repentance. The Scriptures are filled with warnings, promises, and invitations, all motivated by His desire to bring people into a right relationship with Him. His patience and persistence show that He doesn’t want anyone to perish but desires everyone to come to repentance (2 Peter 3:9).
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the fulfillment of “Moses and the Prophets.” The Old Testament Scriptures point to Him as the promised Messiah (Luke 24:27). Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus completed what was foretold in the Law and the Prophets, making salvation possible for all who believe.
This verse also foreshadows the fact that even after Jesus’ resurrection, many people would still refuse to believe. Abraham’s response highlights a spiritual truth: miracles alone don’t produce faith—hearing and obeying God’s Word does. Jesus Himself said, “Blessed are those who have not seen and yet have believed” (John 20:29). Faith comes through hearing the message of Christ (Romans 10:17).
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Am I truly listening to God’s Word, or am I waiting for a sign or extraordinary experience to strengthen my faith?
- How can I make the Bible a more central part of my daily life?
- Do I recognize the authority and sufficiency of Scripture to guide me in my relationship with God?
- How does knowing that Jesus fulfilled the Law and the Prophets deepen my understanding of salvation?
- Who in my life needs to hear the message of God’s Word, and how can I share it with them?
This verse is a call to take seriously the gift of God’s Word and to respond with faith and obedience. By listening to and applying Scripture, believers can grow in their relationship with God and help others do the same, knowing that His Word is sufficient to lead to salvation.