17
"That brought him to his senses. He said, 'All those farmhands working for my father sit down to three meals a day, and here I am starving to death.
18
I'm going back to my father. I'll say to him, Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you;
19
I don't deserve to be called your son. Take me on as a hired hand.'
20
He got right up and went home to his father. When he was still a long way off, his father saw him. His heart pounding, he ran out, embraced him, and kissed him.
21
The son started his speech: 'Father, I've sinned against God, I've sinned before you; I don't deserve to be called your son ever again.'
22
"But the father wasn't listening. He was calling to the servants, 'Quick. Bring a clean set of clothes and dress him. Put the family ring on his finger and sandals on his feet.
23
Then get a grain-fed heifer and roast it. We're going to feast! We're going to have a wonderful time!
24
My son is here - given up for dead and now alive! Given up for lost and now found!' And they began to have a wonderful time.
25
"All this time his older son was out in the field. When the day's work was done he came in. As he approached the house, he heard the music and dancing.
26
Calling over one of the houseboys, he asked what was going on.
27
He told him, 'Your brother came home. Your father has ordered a feast - barbecued beef! - because he has him home safe and sound.'