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.
25
"The older son was in the field, and as he came closer to the house, he heard the sound of music and dancing.
26
So he called to one of the servants and asked what all this meant.
27
The servant said, 'Your brother has come back, and your father killed the fat calf, because your brother came home safely.'