Reconciliation embodies the Parable of the Prodigal Son, Christ's great story of forgiveness in Luke 15:11-32. The artist and advisory committee studied the parable together, deciding to depict all three characters at the climactic end of the story. The sculpture reflects the ethos of Duke Divinity School and the work of their Center for Reconciliation.

Each figure's posture and dress reveal his inner state. The prodigal kneels in contrition, flinging his arm around his father in desperation and despair. The older brother clenches his arms and turns his head and entire body away from this reunion of his father and brother. And the father, stooped and frail, embraces and comforts the prodigal with one hand, and with the other hand reaches out to touch and plead with his older son. The father, in his person and with his words, is the bridge between these estranged brothers, beseeching the older brother: "Son, you are always with me, and all that is mine is yours. But we had to celebrate and rejoice, because this brother of yours was dead and has come to life; he was lost and has been found."