So begins the parable of the prodigal son, one of the most familiar and beloved passages in all of scripture.

All of Hebrew scripture tells us that when there’s two sons there’s bound to be some estrangement and division. Much of our human experience tells us the same. When there are two of anything — siblings, families, groups, teams — it’s just a matter of time before the divisions appear.

Like the family in Jesus’ parable, we know estrangement and division — it’s all around us. Who hasn’t relished the news that the other side in some contest has lost and our side has won? We’ve all heard of, and many of us have even experienced, sibling rivalries, or are, even now, living the pain of family estrangements. Maybe we’ve been part of the household that feels like the odd man out in extended family gatherings.

Estrangements and divisions show up in families and communities and international affairs. And because we’re acquainted with these divisions, this most familiar of Jesus’ parables hits close to home for many of us and leaves us with questions — will the elder son join the party? Has the younger son really been reformed? What will happen when the father eventually dies?

In the wilderness of estrangement and division that surrounds us, the way of Jesus offers us restoration, relationship and reconciliation. And what if that’s the point of Jesus’ parable? What if in all the places where us and them thinking rules our minds, Jesus has already set a table for them and us, where his mercy and compassion, his forgiveness and love are served for all?

There was a man who had two sons. . .

In the death and resurrection of Jesus, God has set a feast for us where the estrangement and division that we live with daily in our lives has already been reconciled. In eternity, we will feast at this table! And today we are invited to share with Jesus in setting tables on this side of the heavenly banquet as well.