14
After he had spent everything, a time came when there was no food anywhere in the country, and the son was poor and hungry.
15
So he got a job with one of the citizens there who sent the son into the fields to feed pigs.
16
The son was so hungry that he wanted to eat the pods the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything.
17
When he realized what he was doing, he thought, 'All of my father's servants have plenty of food. But I am here, almost dying with hunger.
18
I will leave and return to my father and say to him, "Father, I have sinned against God and have done wrong to you.
19
I am no longer worthy to be called your son, but let me be like one of your servants."'
20
So the son left and went to his father. "While the son was still a long way off, his father saw him and felt sorry for his son. So the father ran to him and hugged and kissed him.
21
The son said, 'Father, I have sinned against God and have done wrong to you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.'
22
But the father said to his servants, 'Hurry! Bring the best clothes and put them on him. Also, put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
23
And get our fat calf and kill it so we can have a feast and celebrate.
24
My son was dead, but now he is alive again! He was lost, but now he is found!' So they began to celebrate.