John and the Synoptic Gospels

Differences between John and the Synoptic Gospels

There are many similarities between the gospels, in all the Gospels Jesus begins his journey by baptizing John (Achtemeier, Green, and Thompson, 2001). Each of the Gospels also talks about the way Jesus taught the people, the way he travels with disciples, heals people, and “is eventually arrested, tried, crucified, buried and resurrected” (Achtemeier et al., 2001, pg.197). The interesting fact is that three of the Gospels (Mark, Luke and Matthew) are synoptic meaning they are very similar; yet, Johns Gospel does not fit in category with the other synoptic Gospels. For John’s Gospel tends to have many differences in comparison to the other three Gospels.

The gospel of John was eventually accepted into the cannon even though people opposed to this Gospel (Pryor, 1991). The gospel contained differences which included leaving out some information found in the other synoptic Gospels. Like the supper for the Lord and the temptations Jesus had along with many other situations (Harris, n. d.).

Many of these differences are explained by saying that while the synoptic gospels led you to the physical facts, John wrote more about the spiritual facts (Achtemeier et al., 2001, pg.199). John wrote different from the other writers, he gave the meaning of Jesus’ gospel through a spiritual sense. This is why many choose Johns Gospel over the rest, because, Johns Gospel gives you a deeper connection with the story of Jesus. Many refer to the synoptic gospels for facts as to what Jesus actually said, and to John for the greater message and connection; the greater meaning of it all.

The book of John is unique and very different from the other Gospel's. While Matthew was written primarily for the Jewish audience, and Mark and Luke for the Roman and Greek, John appears to have been aimed at a universal audience. His motive is clear, to an evangelistic view: calling on man to make a decision on Jesus.

The writer's goal is to...