The Prodigal Son

How many times have you heard a sermon on the Prodigal Son? If you have been in church for very long you have probably heard more than you could count. How much have you ever thought the older son. I have been blessed to hear one or two sermons on how the lessons for the older son. Yet, I have never heard anyone consider the relationship between the two brothers past their father's death. How do you think they got along?

Here are somethings to consider. First, when the estate was divided each brother received their portion. Each was given control over a part of the wealth. The older brother seems to have allowed his father to retain control. Did he have to though? Could he have given it all away? Whose fatted calf was it to kill? In Luke 15:31 the father says that what is his is also his son's. Was it the father's or the son's or both?

Second, the older son would have all of the family's wealth. This would mean that the younger brother would be dependent on his older brother (barring making his own riches). what kind of relationship do you think that they had? Did it get better? When? At that first feast? At their father's death?

Let me know what you think.