"I want to begin here this morning by pointing out that the mention of Lazarus by name is how we know this is a real story as opposed to a parable. Jesus never used real names in parables; his point here is obvious… He has tried every way possible to get the attention of the Pharisees. He has been direct. He has used parables to illustrate the truth of His statements. The sneer, however, has not left their faces and Jesus now turns to a real-life example of the exactly what it will cost the Pharisees if they do not repent."