Chapter 6: The Synoptic Gospels - Study Notes

CH 6: The Synoptic Gospels

Review (CH. 3): Formation of the New Testament

  • 3 Stages:
    • Historical Jesus
    • Oral Tradition
    • New Testament Writings
  • 4 Sections:
    • Gospels
    • Acts of the Apostles
    • Epistles
    • Book of Revelation

What does the word “Gospel” mean?

  • "Good News"

What is the Gospel?

  • Gospel means “Good News”
  • The very life of Jesus Christ is the Good News of God’s love and salvation for all
  • Four written versions of the “Good News”
  • Each evangelist proclaims the Good News in a unique way

Word Study

  • Euangelion: "Gospel"

The Four Gospels

  • Based on the teachings of Jesus and His life
  • The evangelists were guided by the Holy Spirit as they compiled and wrote the gospels.
  • Tell the same stories in slightly different ways based on the community they were writing for
  • All 4 Gospels are necessary for us to fully understand Jesus’ message
  • Never contradict each other - differ in detail but not religious truth

Hypothetical Scenario

  • If 3 of your closest friends wrote an essay about you, would all 3 be the same? Why or why not?

Synoptic Gospels

  • The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, & Luke share a similar structure and some of the same source
  • They are very different than the Gospel of John who has a unique structure and sources.

Comparing the Synoptics

  • Matthew 5:13: "You are the salt of the earth. But if salt loses its taste, with what can it be seasoned? It is no longer good for anything but to be thrown out and trampled underfoot."
  • Mark 9:50: "Salt is good, but if salt becomes insipid, with what will you restore its flavor? Keep salt in yourselves and you will have peace with one another."
  • Luke 14:34-35: "Salt is good but if salt itself loses its taste, with what can its flavor be restored? It is fit neither for the soil nor the manure pile; it is thrown out. Whoever has ears ought to hear."

Synoptic Gospels: Definition

  • From the Greek synoptikos, meaning “see together”
  • The synoptic Gospels are: Matthew, Mark, Luke
  • They are similar enough that you can look at them side-by-side and find common elements
  • Matthew: 1068 verses, contains 80% of Mark
  • Mark: 661 verses
  • Luke: 1149 verses, Contains 65% of Mark
  • Conclusion: Mark was likely used as a source by Matthew and Luke.

Which Gospel Came First?

  • Traditionally, Matthew was believed to be written the first
  • Biblical scholars have found evidence that Mark was actually written first, shortly before or after the Temple’s destruction by the Romans in 70 AD.
  • Matthew and Luke were written later, both using Mark as one of their sources.
  • Approximate Dates:
    • Matthew: 80s AD
    • Mark: 67 – 73 AD
    • Luke: 75-90 AD

The Q Source

  • Q – from the German “quelle” meaning “source”
  • The Q source or the Quelle source was most likely an early collection of Jesus’ sayings in written or oral form.
  • Both Matthew and Luke used the Q source.
  • It contributed approximately 220 to 235 verses (in whole or part) to both their Gospels.

Examples of Material from Q, M, and L Sources

  • Q Source:
    • Beatitudes (Matthew 5:3, 4, 6, 11-12; Luke 6:20-23)
    • Lord's Prayer (Matthew 6:9-13; Luke 11:2-4)
    • Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:12-14; Luke 15:4-7)
  • M Source (Matthew):
    • Infancy Narratives: Joseph's dreams, Jesus' birth, magi, flight into Egypt, slaughter of the innocents of Bethlehem, return from Egypt (Matthew 1:18-23)
    • Peter trying to walk on water (Matthew 14:28-31)
    • Parable of the Sheep and the Goats (Matthew 25:31-46)
  • L Source (Luke):
    • Infancy Narratives: Announcement of John's birth and Jesus' birth, Mary's visit to Elizabeth, Mary's Magnificat, John's birth, Zechariah's canticle, Jesus' birth, circumcision and naming of Jesus, presentation in the Temple, return to Nazareth, Jesus in the Temple (Luke 1:5-2:52)
    • Parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:29-37)
    • Zacchaeus the tax collector (Luke 19:1-10)

Sources of the Synoptic Gospels

  • Matthew, Mark, & Luke have similar common verses and complement each other
  • They each also contain their own unique work
  • Mark was the first one written
  • Matthew and Luke use a variety of sources:
    1. Mark’s Gospel
    2. Q source

The Synoptic Gospels and the Mystery of Christ

  • The Synoptic Gospels present the mystery of Christ’s life.
  • Mysterion refers to God himself, his omnipotence, and his saving plan.
  • Omnipotence: An attribute of God meaning that he is all powerful. His power is universal, loving, and mysterious
  • The same God who is mystery is the very same God who revealed himself in human history.

Understanding God

  • Can we have a full understanding of God just by reading the Old Testament?

Jesus’ Birth

  • The events of Jesus’ birth and early life reveal his:
    • Identity – Who Jesus is
    • Mission – What Jesus is here to do
    • Love (especially for outcasts!)
  • Only the Gospels of Matthew and Luke contain the infancy narratives (stories of Jesus’ Birth)

Jesus’ Early Life

  • Key events:
    • Annunciation: Luke 1:26-38
    • Visitation: Luke 1:39-45, 56
    • Nativity: Matthew 1:18-25; Luke 2:1-20
    • Presentation: Luke 2:21-39
    • Visit of the Magi: Matthew 2:1-23
    • Lost in the Temple: Luke 2:40-52
  • The Hidden Years refers to the time between Jesus’ return as a toddler and emergence as an adult at the beginning of his public ministry.

Jesus’ Public Life

  • Little is known about Jesus between his childhood and age 30.
  • Three events prepare Jesus for his public ministry:
    • Jesus’ Baptism
    • Temptation by the Devil
    • Call of the Apostles

Jesus’ Baptism

  • Matthew 3:13-17, Mark 1:9–11, Luke 3:21–22
  • Key points:
    • John the Baptist initially tries to refuse to baptize Jesus (in Matthew).
    • The baptism takes place in the Jordan River.
    • After his baptism, Jesus goes into the desert.
    • The Trinity is present: Father (voice), Son (Jesus), Holy Spirit (dove).
    • Jesus did not need baptism for forgiveness of sins but to show solidarity with humanity.

The Temptation of Christ

  • Matthew 4:1-11
  • Jesus is tempted by Satan in the desert after his baptism, which is symbolic of spiritual testing.
  • Three temptations:
    • Command stones to turn into bread (Lust of the Flesh)
    • Throw himself down from temple (Pride of Life)
    • All riches of the world if He worships Satan (Lust of the Eyes)

Comparison to Genesis

  • Genesis 2:15-17: God tells Adam and Eve not to eat from the tree of knowledge.
  • Genesis 3:1-6: Satan tempts Eve to eat the fruit, promising wisdom and godly powers.
  • Similarities: Jesus' temptation in Matthew 4:1-11 mirrors the temptation of Adam and Eve.
  • Jesus resisting the temptation undoes the sin of Adam and Eve.

Jesus’ Followers

  • Mark 1:14-20
  • After his time in the desert, Jesus calls disciples to follow him.
  • He says to them: Follow me and I will make you fishers of men.
  • The disciples respond immediately, leaving their nets.
  • Jesus calls disciples, some of whom eventually become his Apostles.

Qualities of a Disciple

  • What qualities do you think are important for someone who wants to be a disciple of Jesus?

Disciple vs. Apostle

  • Disciples:
    • People who chose to follow Jesus
    • Literally means “learner” or follower
    • Many Rabbis had disciples
    • Jesus had many disciples, including a special group of 70 that included women.
  • Apostles:
    • 12 men Jesus chose from among his disciples
    • 12 Apostles = symbolic of the Tribes of Israel
    • Came from various backgrounds; most were poor fishermen

The Twelve Apostles

  • Matthew 10:2-4
  • Peter, Andrew, James (son of Zebedee), John (The Beloved Disciple), Philip, Bartholomew, Matthew (Levi), Thomas, James, son of Alphaeus, Simon the Zealot, Judas, son of James (Thaddaeus), Judas

Peter’s Leadership

  • Peter was a poor illiterate fisherman with many flaws
  • Mark 8:31-33: Peter rebukes Jesus for predicting his suffering; Jesus rebukes Peter.
  • Luke 9:18-20: Peter recognizes Jesus as the Messiah.
  • Jesus gave Peter a special leadership role among the Apostles and the authority to govern the Church
  • Matthew 16:18-20: Jesus says to Peter, "You are Peter, and on this rock I will build my church."
  • This leadership is passed down through Apostolic succession to the Popes and Bishops today.

The Coming of God’s Kingdom

  • Mark 1:15: "This is the time of fulfillment. The kingdom of God is at hand. Repent and believe in the gospel."

How did Jesus reveal the Kingdom of God?

  • Graphic organizer activity with section 4 ch. 6 (pg. 196) to complete.

Jesus the Teacher

  • Jesus taught about the Kingdom of God though:
    • Parables (aka stories)
    • Actions/Miracles
  • Discussion: Which of Jesus’ stories are your favorite?

Jesus’ Miracles

  • These reveal that God’s kingdom is present in Jesus Himself:
    • Mighty works
    • Wonders
    • Signs
  • Jesus’ miracles show Jesus’ power over sin and death
  • Discussion: Which of Jesus’ miracles are you most familiar with?

Transfiguration

  • Matthew 17:1-8
  • Jesus is transfigured on a mountain.
  • Present:
    • Jesus
    • Apostles: Peter, James & John
    • Moses & Elijah, each representing
      • Moses: Law (Torah)
      • Elijah: Prophets
    • All 3 persons of the Trinity
  • Reminds us of God giving Moses the 10 commandments on Mount Sinai.
  • Strengthens the faith of the three Apostles.
  • It is called the Transfiguration because Jesus' appearance is transformed, revealing his divine glory.

Paschal Mystery

  • Jesus’:
    1. Passion (Suffering)
    2. Death
    3. Resurrection
    4. Ascension
  • Through the Paschal Mystery Jesus rescues humanity from sin and death
  • Today the Paschal Mystery is made present through the Sacraments.
  • This is why Mass is so important! We are not remembering what Jesus did. We are actively participating in His Paschal Mystery.

Individual Characteristics of the Synoptic Gospels

  • While they share much in common, each of the Synoptic Gospels focuses on specific qualities of Jesus.

Synoptic Gospels Group Research

  • Each group will research: Matthew, Mark, or Luke.
  • Use your book (Ch. 6 Section 5) to research your assigned gospel and fill out the slide. Be thorough and accurate.
  • Get together with the other groups that had your book and compare answers.
  • When everyone is finished, break into small groups that include someone from each Gospel. Take notes as each person teaches you about their gospel.

Gospel of Mark

  • Date: 67-73 AD
  • Author: Unknown, believed to be the Disciple John Mark
  • Audience: Written for Gentile (Non- Jewish) Christians in Rome who were being persecuted
  • Style: Direct
  • Emphasizes Jesus’:
    • Humanity
    • Deeds rather than words
  • Theme: Following Jesus means suffering as Jesus did – Jesus is the Suffering Messiah that Christians are to imitate
  • Titles of Jesus & Meaning of Each:
    • 1) Christ – “Messiah”, “Anointed One”
    • 2) Son of Man – Jesus calls himself this; comes from prophecy from OT Book of Daniel
    • 3) Suffering Servant – prophesized in Isaiah; to follow Jesus is to pick up your own cross daily, but offering up for suffering for and with Lord leads to salvation and participation in His resurrection

Gospel of Matthew

  • Date: 80s
  • Author: Jewish Scribe; Matthew himself (also called Levi)
  • Audience:
    • Gentile Converts
    • Jewish Christians
  • Style: Divided into 5 sections like the Torah
  • Emphasis: Link Between Judaism & Christianity
  • Theme(s): Jesus fulfills all of God’s promises to the Chosen People and though them, all people
  • Titles of Jesus & Meaning of Each:
    • 1) Emmanuel – Jesus is the Messiah prophesized in the Old Testament
    • 2) New Moses – shows similarities between Jesus and Moses
    • 3) Son of David – Old Testament title of the promised Messiah

Gospel of Luke

  • Date: 80s
  • Author: Gentile Christian; doctor and friend of St. Paul; also wrote Acts of the Apostles
  • Audience: Gentile Christians
  • Style: Highly Polished
  • Emphasizes Jesus’: compassionate nature
  • Theme(s):
    • Jesus is the Universal Savior – Brings salvation to Jews and Gentiles
    • Jesus’ Gospel is truly Good News
  • Jesus’ Messages:
    • 1) Jesus offers a message of Joy – highlights God’s love and forgiveness
    • 2) Jesus is for everyone – he sought out outcasts; Jesus is the compassionate Savior and we are to imitate him

Comparing Prophecies

  • Matching activity:
    • Matthew 1:22-23 – Isaiah 7:14
    • Matthew 2:5-6 – Micah 5:1-2
    • Matthew 2:18 – Jeremiah 31:15
    • Matthew 4:15-16 – Isaiah 9:1-2
    • Matthew 21:5 – Zechariah 9:9
    • Matthew 27:9-10 – Zechariah 11:12-13