New International Reader's Version

Luke 15:14-26 New International Reader's Version (NIRV)

14. He spent everything he had. "Then the whole country ran low on food. So the son didn't have what he needed.

15. He went to work for someone who lived in that country, who sent him to the fields to feed the pigs.

16. The son wanted to fill his stomach with the food the pigs were eating. But no one gave him anything.

17. "Then he began to think clearly again. He said, 'How many of my father's hired workers have more than enough food! But here I am dying from hunger!

18. I will get up and go back to my father. I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven. And I have sinned against you.

19. I am no longer fit to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired workers." '

20. So he got up and went to his father. "While the son was still a long way off, his father saw him. He was filled with tender love for his son. He ran to him. He threw his arms around him and kissed him.

21. "The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer fit to be called your son.'

22. "But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.

23. Bring the fattest calf and kill it. Let's have a big dinner and celebrate.

24. This son of mine was dead. And now he is alive again. He was lost. And now he is found.' "So they began to celebrate.

25. "The older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing.

26. So he called one of the servants. He asked him what was going on.