21
Then his son said, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I no longer deserve to be called your son.'
22
But the father said to his servants, ‘Quickly, bring out the best robe and put it on him! Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet!
23
Fetch the fattened calf and slaughter it. We must celebrate with feasting
24
because this son of mine was dead and has come back to life! He was lost and is found!' And they began to celebrate.
25
" Now his older son was in the field. Coming in from the field, he approached the house and heard music and dancing.
26
He called one of the servants and asked what was going on.
27
The servant replied, ‘Your brother has arrived, and your father has slaughtered the fattened calf because he received his son back safe and sound.'
28
Then the older son was furious and didn't want to enter in, but his father came out and begged him.
29
He answered his father, ‘Look, I've served you all these years, and I never disobeyed your instruction. Yet you've never given me as much as a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.
30
But when this son of yours returned, after gobbling up your estate on prostitutes, you slaughtered the fattened calf for him.'
31
Then his father said, ‘Son, you are always with me, and everything I have is yours.