The Synoptic Gospelsਨਮੂਨਾ

Introduction to the Synoptic Gospels

Welcome to the Synoptic Gospels—three accounts, one story. What are the synoptics? So glad, you asked. Before we get into it, the four Gospels are Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. But John is not a synoptic because he doesn't follow the pattern that others follow. So… Matthew, Mark, and Luke.

What we’ve got here is not a game of “telephone” where details get lost. Instead, think of key witnesses in a court case. We have different portraits of Jesus, each one offering a unique angle on His Life and Ministry. Matthew presents Jesus as the fulfillment of Jewish prophecy, Mark emphasizes Jesus’ role as the Suffering Servant, and Luke introduces us to Jesus as the Savior for all Humanity. These perspectives don’t compete; they complement one another.

Imagine watching three different remakes of the same movie. Each version has its own artistic flair, its own focus. That’s what the synoptics are like. Matthew speaks to the Jewish audience, drawing connections between Jesus and the Old Testament promises. Mark is fast-paced and to the point. Luke, the historian, gives us the inclusive, big-picture view, emphasizing Jesus' compassion for the outcasts. These Gospels were designed for different audiences. They weren’t written to us, but ultimately they were all written for us.

So why different Gospels? 1. We get unique perspectives on Jesus for starters. 2. Different communities require an authoritative view of the writers. Peter (who Mark relied on to write) is in Rome; Matthew’s probably in Jerusalem. Luke is on the road with Paul. 3. The early Church retained each Gospel in the Canon and recognized their inspiration and authority. They are clearly doing different things and have a needed emphasis.

I’ve included some verses throughout the four days, but if you’re feeling really brave, read each Gospel front to back before diving into each day of the devotional.