| [an error occurred while processing this directive] | New International Version |
| 1[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 1Now the tax collectors and sinners were all gathering around to hear Jesus. |
| 2[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 2But the Pharisees and the teachers of the law muttered, "This man welcomes sinners and eats with them." |
| 3[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 3Then Jesus told them this parable: |
| 4[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 4"Suppose one of you has a hundred sheep and loses one of them. Doesn't he leave the ninety-nine in the open country and go after the lost sheep until he finds it? |
| 5[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 5And when he finds it, he joyfully puts it on his shoulders |
| 6[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 6and goes home. Then he calls his friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost sheep.' |
| 7[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 7I tell you that in the same way there will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent. |
| 8[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 8"Or suppose a woman has ten silver coins and loses one. Doesn't she light a lamp, sweep the house and search carefully until she finds it? |
| 9[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 9And when she finds it, she calls her friends and neighbors together and says, 'Rejoice with me; I have found my lost coin.' |
| 10[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 10In the same way, I tell you, there is rejoicing in the presence of the angels of God over one sinner who repents." |
| 11[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 11Jesus continued: "There was a man who had two sons. |
| 12[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 12The younger one said to his father, 'Father, give me my share of the estate.' So he divided his property between them. |
| 13[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 13"Not long after that, the younger son got together all he had, set off for a distant country and there squandered his wealth in wild living. |
| 14[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 14After he had spent everything, there was a severe famine in that whole country, and he began to be in need. |
| 15[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 15So he went and hired himself out to a citizen of that country, who sent him to his fields to feed pigs. |
| 16[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 16He longed to fill his stomach with the pods that the pigs were eating, but no one gave him anything. |
| 17[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 17"When he came to his senses, he said, 'How many of my father's hired servants have food to spare, and here I am starving to death! |
| 18[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 18I will set out and go back to my father and say to him: Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. |
| 19[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 19I am no longer worthy to be called your son; make me like one of your hired servants.' |
| 20[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 20So he got up and went to his father. "But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. |
| 21[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 21"The son said to him, 'Father, I have sinned against heaven and against you. I am no longer worthy to be called your son.' |
| 22[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 22"But the father said to his servants, 'Quick! Bring the best robe and put it on him. Put a ring on his finger and sandals on his feet. |
| 23[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 23Bring the fattened calf and kill it. Let's have a feast and celebrate. |
| 24[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 24For this son of mine was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.' So they began to celebrate. |
| 25[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 25"Meanwhile, the older son was in the field. When he came near the house, he heard music and dancing. |
| 26[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 26So he called one of the servants and asked him what was going on. |
| 27[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 27Your brother has come,' he replied, 'and your father has killed the fattened calf because he has him back safe and sound.' |
| 28[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 28"The older brother became angry and refused to go in. So his father went out and pleaded with him. |
| 29[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 29But he answered his father, 'Look! All these years I've been slaving for you and never disobeyed your orders. Yet you never gave me even a young goat so I could celebrate with my friends. |
| 30[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 30But when this son of yours who has squandered your property with prostitutes comes home, you kill the fattened calf for him!' |
| 31[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 31"'My son,' the father said, 'you are always with me, and everything I have is yours. |
| 32[an error occurred while processing this directive] | 32But we had to celebrate and be glad, because this brother of yours was dead and is alive again; he was lost and is found.'" |
| [an error occurred while processing this directive] | New International Version (NIV) Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide. |
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