The Gospel Synopsis and Timeline Part 23

256. Parable of the Laborers in the Vineyard.

Mark and Luke do not record this parable but do record the final idea recorded in this parable.

Matt 10:16, Mark 10:31, Luke 13:30.

D.A. Carson writes in one of his Commentaries on Matthew about this passage…

…this parable underlines the paradoxical values of the kingdom of heaven. In a society with no welfare provision or trade unions, where unemployment meant starvation, the action of the landowner in employing extra workers whom he did not really need so late in the day was an act of generosity. But even more extraordinary was the rate of pay, which made no economic sense, and understandably provoked grumbling among those who felt unfairly treated. It was not unfair, of course. No-one was underpaid; it was just that some were treated with ‘unreasonable’ generosity. That is what the kingdom of heaven is like. God’s grace is not limited by our ideas of fairness; his gifts are far beyond what we can deserve. But, like the elder brother in the story of the Prodigal Son, we find it hard to abandon our human scale of values (especially when comparing ourselves with others!) and to accept the large-heartedness of God towards those we regard as undeserving. Thus the disciples’ re-education went one stage further, to embrace the divine principle of the first being last and the last first.

257. Jesus at the Feast of Dedication in Jerusalem.

John records an event where Jesus is at the Feast of Dedication and we see Jesus being threatened with death, ultimately he “got away and left them.”

Luke records another time he was threatened with death and got away, but this time he was in Nazareth but not Jerusalem.

258. Jesus Withdraws across the Jordan.

This event is only recorded in John.

259. The Rising of Lazarus.

This even is only recorded in John.

260. The Chief Priests and Pharisees Take Counsel against Jesus.

All four gospels record this even taking place before passover

Matt and Mark - two days

Luke - was approaching

John - 12:1 - six days before Passover

They all agree on some facts...

those present

Matthew - Leading priests, elders, Caiaphas (high priest)

Mark - Leading Priests, teachers of religious law

Luke - Leading priests, teachers of religious law, other leaders of the people

John - leading priests, Pharisees, high council, Caiaphas (high priest)

those present wanted to kill him

those present were scared of what the people though

261. Jesus Retires to Ephriam.

This even is only recorded in John.

262. The Third Prediction of the Passion. (See no 159 & 165)

The synoptics all agree on Jesus predicting his passion and resurrection.

In several places it is word for word.

263. The Sons of Zebedee; Precedence among the Disciples

It is obvious Matthew and Mark are telling the same story.

Matthew says “mother of James and John

Mark says “James and John spoke to him

The rest of the story aligns many times being word for word.

Matthew, Mark, and Luke all talk about the suffering Jesus will have to endure Luke omits the disciples suffering.

Al four gospels focus on the fact we must be servants as Jesus is a servant, being a servant is how we are first!

264. Healing of the Blind Men (Bartimaeus). (See no 96)

This is the second time in Matthews that he heals two blind men, see 9:27-31

Both stories include 2 blind men who cry out “Son of David, have mercy on us.” The second time “Lord, Son of David, have mercy on us.”

Apart from those who things, the stories differ.

265. Zacchaeus.

This even in only recorded in Luke.

266. The Parable of the Pounds. (See no 299).

In Matthew and Luke both Jesus tellls a parable about what the Kingdom of God/Heaven will be like.

Differences and similarities

Matthew records “a man” Luke records “a nobleman”

the nobleman is going to be crowned king and is hated…

Matthew says servants were give, 5 bags of silver, two bags of silver and one bag of silver. Luke records 10 pounds divided among 10 servants.

In Matthew the servants doubled their investment, in Luke the profit was 10x and 5x and zero profit.

In both stories the one without profit had what was given him taken away and given to the one who made largest profit.

Rewards in Matthew is more responsibilities while in Luke it is cities they will govern.

The profitless servant’s response is the same in both stories, and the master response is the same in both stories.

Matthew records servant without profit is “thrown out into outer darkness where there is weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Luke records that the enemies who did not want the nobleman as his king will be executed.

Mark doesn’t say kingdom but the coming of the son of Man. Does include the man going on a long trip and giving instruction to his slaves about their work, but also includes the gatekeeper is told to keep watch.

267. The Anointing at Bethany. (See no 114 & 306)

We have already discussed this event.

268. The Plot against Lazarus

This even is only recorded in John.