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!