16. “God wanted the people to live by the law of Moses and the writings of the prophets. But ever since John came, the Good News about the kingdom of God is being told. Now everyone is trying hard to get into the kingdom.
17. 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. “If a man divorces his wife and marries another woman, he 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 lived in luxury every day.
20. There was also a very poor man named Lazarus, whose body was covered with sores. Lazarus was often placed at the rich man’s gate.
21. He wanted to eat only the small pieces of food that fell from the rich man’s table. And the dogs would come and lick his sores!
22. Later, Lazarus died. The angels took Lazarus and placed him in the arms of Abraham. The rich man died, too, and was buried.
23. But he was sent to where the dead are and had much pain. The rich man 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 all the bad things happened to Lazarus. Now Lazarus 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 leave there and come here.’
27. The rich man said, ‘Then please send Lazarus to my father’s house on earth!
28. I have five brothers. Lazarus could warn my brothers so that they will not come to this place of pain.’
29. But Abraham said, ‘They have the law of Moses and the writings of the prophets to read; let them learn from them!’
30. The rich man said, ‘No, father Abraham! If someone came to them from the dead, they would believe and change their hearts and lives.’