A parable or a true story?

Day 108

OT Reading: 1 Samuel 25-26

NT Reading: Luke 16:16-31

There is a question I've had about Luke 16:16-31 for some time. Here Jesus tells a story about a rich man and a poor man named Lazarus. Since you've (hopefully) just read the story I won't recount all the details. However the question that I come back to is whether this story is a parable or whether it is a true story. And for the record, this is a debate that really happens in academic or scholarly circles so I'm not just making up something to write about :-).

On one hand I'm inclined to say that this is a true story, and here Jesus gives us a glimpse into how things are set up on the other side of eternity. If it's a true story (which, with this being Jesus...he would be the one to know details like this) then we are given picture of a chasm that exists between heaven and hell. Also we can see that some form of communication could potentially happen between the two. Just interesting "other-worldly" tidbits.

On the other hand the details of the story lead me to believe this is a parable. In context Jesus has made the point that the Law and the Prophets would not disappear...then he steps into how the testimony of those prophets would let men know about the coming wrath. Also Jesus' last statement, "they will not be convinced even if someone rises from the dead." leads one to believe that he's alluding to his own impending death and how some would still not believe even after he returned.

Personally, I believe the overall story is a parable. Sure, it may have some facts mixed in that Jesus shares with us...but that's my position. Ultimately this isn't one of those issues where we have to agree. Frankly I just enjoy discussing the idea.