The Gospel Synopsis and Timeline Part 17

157. Many Disciples take Offense at Jesus

Only John records this event.

158. Peter’s Confession

Matthew, Mark and Luke tell the same story with few variations.

Matthew and Mark set the location at Caesarea Philippi where as luke doesn’t give a location just that he was alone with his disciples

In all three Jesus asks the question, “Who do people say that I am?”

All three identify John the Baptist, Elijah,

Matthew adds Jeremiah or one of the other prophets

Luke says one of the other ancients prophets risen from the dead

Mark just says one of the other prophets

All three record Jesus asking who the disciples think he is and they all record Peter saying he is the Messiah

Matthew adds “the Son of the living God” and Luke adds “sent from God”

Matthew adds an extended part of the conversation

Matthew 16:17–19 “17 Jesus replied, “You are blessed, Simon son of John, because my Father in heaven has revealed this to you. You did not learn this from any human being. 18 Now I say to you that you are Peter (which means ‘rock’), and upon this rock I will build my church, and all the powers of hell will not conquer it. 19 And I will give you the keys of the Kingdom of Heaven. Whatever you forbid on earth will be forbidden in heaven, and whatever you permit on earth will be permitted in heaven.””

Matthew and Mark record Jesus warning the disicples not to tell anyone where as Luke doesn’t.

John records of Peters Declaration differently

Jesus was responding to some of his disciples abandoning him and asks if the 12 were going to leave too.

Peter responds -

John 6:68–69 “68 Simon Peter replied, “Lord, to whom would we go? You have the words that give eternal life. 69 We believe, and we know you are the Holy One of God.””

John adds the he chose the 12 but one of them was a devil.

159. Jesus Foretells his Passion - (See no 164 & 262)

We see the synoptic gospels again telling a story using many of the same words with little variation.

Mark and Luke record Jesus saying “the Son of Man” while Matthew

“suffer many terrible things” and “the elders, the leading priests, and the teachers of religious law.”

They also all say he would be raised again indicating 3 days.

Matthew and Mark record something additional, Peter’s rebuke of Jesus for saying such things.

While John does not record Jesus directly saying he will suffer, he does use symbolic language to say it

John 12:32–33 “32 And when I am lifted up from the earth, I will draw everyone to myself.” 33 He said this to indicate how he was going to die.”

160. “If Any Man would Come after Me”

The synoptics again record the same story use some of the exact same words and ideas

Being a follower

give up your own way/life,

“take up your cross and follow me” - all word for word

“And what do yo benefit if you gain the whole world but….”

Matthew and Luke “lose your own soul.”

Luke “are yourself lost or destroyed.”

John has some of the same ideas in his gospel although he doesn’t record the same coversation.

161. The Transfiguration

The synoptics again tell the same exact story using many of the same words.

Luke states that the disciples had fallen asleep.

John does not record the transfiguration but does record a voice from heaven. it’s location is after Jesus’ entry into Jerusalem on palm Sunday.

162. The Coming of Elijah

Only Matthew and Mark record this conversation, and it is mostly word for word, Matthew points out that John the Baptist was Elijah who had returned.

163. Jesus Heals a Boy Possessed by a Spirit

We see the Synoptics again telling the same story with mostly the same details.

Mark adds a couple things the other writers don’t have.

Jesus questions about what the arguing is all about.

The father cries out, “I do believe, but help me overcome my unbelief.”

Matthew adds having faith as small as a mustard seed.

Luke omits the part about the the disciples asking why they couldn’t cast out the spirit.

164. Jesus Foretells his Passion Again

The synoptics again agree on this event, but mark leaves out the disciples not understanding and being afraid to ask what he meant.

John notes the plotting of his death by the Jewish leaders.

165. Payment of the Temple Tax

Only Matthew records this event, maybe because he was a tax collector? (Although not for the temple).

166. True Greatness

All the Gospels record the disciples talking about who is the greatest except John. They all touch on welcoming others

Matthew and Luke says welcomes a little child on his behalf welcomes him

Mark adds when you welcome me you welcome the father

He also adds the part about being first requires you to take last place and be a servant.

John records if you welcome my messenger you are welcoming me and the father.

167. The Strange Exorcist

Mark and Luke records John saying to Jesus that someone was casting out demons in Jesus name and they told him to stop. Jesus says anyone who isn’t against us is for us.

Mark and Matthew record Jesus saying that if you give a cup of water to his followers (Mark says “belonging to the Messiah) you will surely be rewarded.

168. Warning concerning Temptations

The synoptics all record Jesus telling his disciples that it would b better to be thrown into the sea with a rock around your neck than to cause a little one to sin.

Matthew and Mark record Jesus saying it would be better to cut off your hands, foot, or eye that have them all and go to hell.

Mark records Jesus discussion about salt and it’s loss of flavor as well as Luke in a different passage.

169. The Parable of the Lost Sheep - (See no 219)

Only Matthew and Luke have the parable of the Lost Sheep.

Matthew records that they have angels in heaven in the presence of the Father.

Mark includes the part about him carrying it home on his shoulders and rejoicing with his friends.