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.
27. " 'Your brother has come home,' the servant replied. 'Your father has killed the fattest calf. He has done this because your brother is back safe and sound.'
28. "The older brother became angry. He refused to go in. So his father went out and begged him.
29. "But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've worked like a slave for you. I have always obeyed your orders. You never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.
30. But this son of yours wasted your money with some prostitutes. Now he comes home. And for him you kill the fattest calf!'
31. " 'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me. Everything I have is yours.