16
He would gladly have filled himself with the pods that the pigs were eating; and no one gave him anything.
17
But when he came to himself he said, "How many of my father's hired hands have bread enough and to spare, but here I am dying of hunger!
18
I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you;
19
I am no longer worthy to be called your son; treat me like one of your hired hands." '
20
So he set off and went to his father. But while he was still far off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion; he ran and put his arms around him and kissed him.
21
Then the son said to him, "Father, I have sinned against heaven and before you; I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
22
But the father said to his slaves, "Quickly, bring out a robe—the best one—and put it on him; put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
23
And get the fatted calf and kill it, and let us eat and celebrate;
24
for this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found!' And they began to celebrate.
25
"Now his elder son was in the field; and when he came and approached the house, he heard music and dancing.
26
He called one of the slaves and asked what was going on.