18
I'll go at once to my father, and I'll say to him, "Father, I've sinned against heaven and you.
19
I don't deserve to be called your son anymore. Make me one of your hired men."'
20
"So he went at once to his father. While he was still at a distance, his father saw him and felt sorry for him. He ran to his son, put his arms around him, and kissed him.
21
Then his son said to him, 'Father, I've sinned against heaven and you. I don't deserve to be called your son anymore.'
22
"The father said to his servants, 'Hurry! Bring out the best robe, and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
23
Bring the fattened calf, kill it, and let's celebrate with a feast.
24
My son was dead and has come back to life. He was lost but has been found.' Then they began to celebrate.
25
"His older son was in the field. As he was coming back to the house, he heard music and dancing.
26
He called to one of the servants and asked what was happening.
27
"The servant told him, 'Your brother has come home. So your father has killed the fattened calf to celebrate your brother's safe return.'
28
"Then the older son became angry and wouldn't go into the house. His father came out and begged him to come in.