17
"At last he came to his senses and said, `Any number of my father's hired workers have food to spare; and here I am, starving to death!
18
I'm going to get up and go back to my father and say to him, "Father, I have sinned against Heaven and against you;
19
I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired workers." '
20
So he got up and started back to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with pity. He ran and threw his arms around him and kissed him warmly.
21
His son said to him, `Father, I have sinned against Heaven and against you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son --'
22
but his father said to his slaves, `Quick, bring out a robe, the best one, and put it on him; and put a ring on his finger and shoes on his feet;
23
and bring the calf that has been fattened up, and kill it. Let's eat and have a celebration!
24
For this son of mine was dead, but now he's alive again! He was lost, but now he has been found!' And they began celebrating.
25
"Now his older son was in the field. As he came close to the house, he heard music and dancing.
26
So he called one of the servants and asked, `What's going on?'
27
The servant told him, `Your brother has come back, and your father has slaughtered the calf that was fattened up, because he has gotten him back safe and sound.'