14
The Pharisees, who were lovers of money, heard all this, and they ridiculed him.
15
So he said to them, "You are those who justify yourselves in the sight of others; but God knows your hearts; for what is prized by human beings is an abomination in the sight of God.
16
"The law and the prophets were in effect until John came; since then the good news of the kingdom of God is proclaimed, and everyone tries to enter it by force.
17
But it is easier for heaven and earth to pass away, than for one stroke of a letter in the law to be dropped.
18
"Anyone who divorces his wife and marries another commits adultery, and whoever marries a woman divorced from her husband commits adultery.
19
"There was a rich man who was dressed in purple and fine linen and who feasted sumptuously every day.
20
And at his gate lay a poor man named Lazarus, covered with sores,
21
who longed to satisfy his hunger with what fell from the rich man's table; even the dogs would come and lick his sores.
22
The poor man died and was carried away by the angels to be with Abraham. The rich man also died and was buried.
23
In Hades, where he was being tormented, he looked up and saw Abraham far away with Lazarus by his side.
24
He called out, "Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus to dip the tip of his finger in water and cool my tongue; for I am in agony in these flames.'