My current trip through the Greek New Testament has me in luke 15, the Prodigal Son story. At least one scholar calls it the Parable of the Older Brother because he thinks that's the main focus of the story. In any case, the wayward son comes back. His father throws the party to end all parties.
The older brother hears from the field and comes to find out what's going on. When he learns about his brother, he throws a hissy fit.
My question: why didn't he already know? Why didn't his father call him from the field the instant he saw his other son? Why was he left in the dark and had to go around asking somebody what was going on?
I mean, I know it ruins the story if he does, but besides that...
Thoughts?