15. Jesus said to them, “You make yourselves look good in front of people. But God knows what is really in your hearts. What people think is important is worth nothing to God.
16. “Before John the Baptizer came, people were taught the Law of Moses and the writings of the prophets. But since the time of John, the Good News about God’s kingdom is being told. And everyone is trying hard to get into it.
17. But even the smallest part of a letter in the law cannot be changed. It would be easier for heaven and earth to pass away.
18. “Any man who divorces his wife and marries another woman is guilty of adultery. And the man who marries a divorced woman is also guilty of adultery.”
19. Jesus said, “There was a rich man who always dressed in the finest clothes. He was so rich that he was able to enjoy all the best things every day.
20. There was also a very poor man named Lazarus. Lazarus’ body was covered with sores. He was often put by the rich man’s gate.
21. Lazarus wanted only to eat the scraps of food left on the floor under the rich man’s table. And the dogs came and licked his sores.
22. “Later, Lazarus died. The angels took him and placed him in the arms of Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried.
23. He was sent to the place of death and was in great pain. He saw Abraham far away with Lazarus in his arms.
24. He called, ‘Father Abraham, have mercy on me! Send Lazarus to me so that he can dip his finger in water and cool my tongue. I am suffering in this fire!’
25. “But Abraham said, ‘My child, remember when you lived? You had all the good things in life. But Lazarus had nothing but problems. Now he is comforted here, and you are suffering.
26. Also, there is a big pit between you and us. No one can cross over to help you, and no one can come here from there.’