15. But Jesus told them:You are always making yourselves look good, but God sees what is in your heart. The things that most people think are important are worthless as far as God is concerned.
16. Until the time of John the Baptist, people had to obey the Law of Moses and the Books of the Prophets. But since God's kingdom has been preached, everyone is trying hard to get in.
17. Heaven and earth will disappear before the smallest letter of the Law does.
18. It is a terrible sin for a man to divorce his wife and marry another woman. It is also a terrible sin for a man to marry a divorced woman.
19. There was once a rich man who wore expensive clothes and every day ate the best food.
20. But a poor beggar named Lazarus was brought to the gate of the rich man's house.
21. He was happy just to eat the scraps that fell from the rich man's table. His body was covered with sores, and dogs kept coming up to lick them.
22. The poor man died, and angels took him to the place of honour next to Abraham.The rich man also died and was buried.
23. He went to hell and was suffering terribly. When he looked up and saw Abraham far off and Lazarus at his side,
24. he said to Abraham, “Have pity on me! Send Lazarus to dip his finger in water and touch my tongue. I'm suffering terribly in this fire.”
25. Abraham answered, “My friend, remember that while you lived, you had everything good, and Lazarus had everything bad. Now he is happy, and you are in pain.