17. “But when he came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired workers have food overflowing, but here I am dying of hunger!
18. I’ll get up and go to my father, and I’ll say to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your presence.
19. I am no longer worthy to be called your son. Make me like one of your hired workers.
20. “And he got up and went to his own father. But while he was still far away, his father saw him and felt compassion. He ran and fell on his neck and kissed him.
21. Then the son said to him, ‘Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your presence. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.’
22. “But the father said to his slaves, ‘Quick! Bring out the best robe and put it on him! Put a ring on his hand and sandals on his feet.
23. Bring the fattened calf and kill it! Let’s celebrate with a feast!
24. For this son of mine was dead and has come back to life—he was lost and is found!’ Then they began to celebrate.
25. “Now his older son was out in the field. And as he came near the house, he heard music and dancing.
26. And he called out to one of the servants and began to ask what these things could be.
27. “The servant said to him, ‘Your brother has come, and your father has killed the fattened calf because he got him back safe and sound.’
28. “But the older son was angry and didn’t want to go in. So his father came outside and pleaded with him.
29. But he answered and said to his father, ‘Look, so many years I’ve slaved away for you—not once did I ignore your order. Yet you’ve never given me a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends.
30. But when this son of yours came—the one who has squandered your wealth with prostitutes—for him you killed the fattened calf!”
31. “Then the father said to him, ‘Son, you are always with me, and everything that is mine is yours.
32. But it was right to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead but has come back to life! He was lost, but is found.’”