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.
25. The elder son had been out in the field. But when he came near the house, he heard the music and dancing.
26. So he called one of the servants over and asked, “What's going on here?”
27. The servant answered, “Your brother has come home safe and sound, and your father ordered us to kill the best calf.”
28. The elder brother got so angry that he would not even go into the house.His father came out and begged him to go in.
29. But he said to his father, “For years I have worked for you like a slave and have always obeyed you. But you have never even given me a little goat, so that I could give a dinner for my friends.
30. This other son of yours wasted your money on prostitutes. And now that he has come home, you ordered the best calf to be killed for a feast.”
31. His father replied, “My son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.
32. But we should be glad and celebrate! Your brother was dead, but he is now alive. He was lost and has now been found.”