16. He would have been glad to eat what the pigs were eating, but no one gave him a thing.
17. Finally, he came to his senses and said, “My father's workers have plenty to eat, and here I am, starving to death!
18. I will go to my father and say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against God in heaven and against you.
19. I am no longer good enough to be called your son. Treat me like one of your workers.’ ”
20. The younger son got up and started back to his father. But when he was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt sorry for him. He ran to his son and hugged and kissed him.
21. The son said, “Father, I have sinned against God in heaven and against you. I am no longer good enough to be called your son.”
22. But his father said to the servants, “Hurry and bring the best clothes and put them on him. Give him a ring for his finger and sandals for his feet.
23. Get the best calf and prepare it, so we can eat and celebrate.
24. This son of mine was dead, but has now come back to life. He was lost and has now been found.” And they began to celebrate.