18. I’ll get up, go to my father, and say to him, Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight.
19. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired hands.’
20. So he got up and went to his father. But while the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion. He ran, threw his arms around his neck, and kissed him.
21. The son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight. I’m no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22. “But the father told his slaves, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
23. Then bring the fattened calf and slaughter it, and let’s celebrate with a feast,
24. because this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found! ’ So they began to celebrate.
25. “Now his older son was in the field; as he came near the house, he heard music and dancing.
26. So he summoned one of the servants and asked what these things meant.
27. ‘Your brother is here,’ he told him, ‘and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.’
28. “Then he became angry and didn’t want to go in. So his father came out and pleaded with him.
29. But he replied to his father, ‘Look, I have been slaving many years for you, and I have never disobeyed your orders, yet you never gave me a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.
30. But when this son of yours came, who has devoured your assets with prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.’
31. “ ‘Son,’ he said to him, ‘you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.
32. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.’ ”