16
"Moses' Teachings and the Prophets were [in force] until the time of John. Since that time, people have been telling the Good News about the kingdom of God, and everyone is trying to force their way into it.
17
It is easier for the earth and the heavens to disappear than to drop a comma from Moses' Teachings.
18
"Any man who divorces his wife to marry another woman is committing adultery. The man who marries a woman divorced in this way is committing adultery.
19
"There was a rich man who wore expensive clothes. Every day was like a party to him.
20
There was also a beggar named Lazarus who was regularly brought to the gate of the rich man's house.
21
Lazarus would have eaten any scraps that fell from the rich man's table. Lazarus was covered with sores, and dogs would lick them.
22
"One day the beggar died, and the angels carried him to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried.
23
He went to hell, where he was constantly tortured. As he looked up, in the distance he saw Abraham and Lazarus.
24
He yelled, 'Father Abraham! Have mercy on me! Send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water to cool off my tongue. I am suffering in this fire.'
25
"Abraham replied, 'Remember, my child, that you had a life filled with good times, while Lazarus' life was filled with misery. Now he has peace here, while you suffer.
26
Besides, a wide area separates us. People couldn't cross it in either direction even if they wanted to.'