Luke 15:12-20

12The younger of them [inappropriately] said to his father, ‘Father, give me the share of the property that falls to me.’ So he divided the estate between them.

13A few days later, the younger son gathered together everything [that he had] and traveled to a distant country, and there he wasted his fortune in reckless and immoral living.

14Now when he had spent everything, a severe famine occurred in that country, and he began to do without and be in need.

15So he went and forced himself on one of the citizens of that country, who sent him into his fields to feed pigs.

16He would have gladly eaten the [carob] pods that the pigs were eating [but they could not satisfy his hunger], and no one was giving anything to him.

17But when he [finally] came to his senses, he said, ‘How many of my father’s hired men have more than enough food, while I am dying here of hunger!

18I will get up and go to my father, and I will say to him, “Father, I have sinned against heaven and in your sight.

19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; [just] treat me like one of your hired men.” ’

20So he got up and came to his father. But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was moved with compassion for him, and ran and embraced him and kissed him.