Relationship between Mark and the other Synoptic Gospels
Notes from Introduction
In my introduction I introduce the common two source hypothesis (right). I want to make clear that there are a variety of other hypotheses, but this is the most accepted one today. The simple diagram only shows the two written sources and does not include oral tradition which additionally plays an influential role the Gospels. If you are interested in learning more about Tatian's Diatessaron, there is an English Translation available at EarlyChristianWritings.
Primary Sources The primary source for this lesson will be NET Bible's Synopsis of the four Gospels. Although all four Gospels will be provided, today we will primarily focus on the Synoptic Gospels: Matthew, Mark, and Luke. Please click here open today's lesson in a new window. Today's lesson will be based on the 5 Gospel accounts below.
Temptation (of Jesus)
John the Baptist
The Lord's Prayer
Prediction of the Destruction of the Temple
The Death of Jesus
Fun Fact: Of all the verses in the Gospel of Mark, approximately 91% of them appear in Matthew and 48% of them appear in Luke.
Secondary Sources
Are the differences between the Gospels necessarily contradictions? by Dr. Darrell Bock of Dallas Theological Seminary
I found this video to be interesting. Dr. Bock uses the text segments above where Jesus cries out from the cross to show how differences do not equate to a contradiction. His literary analysis of Psalm 22 (Mark) perhaps provide another way to read Jesus' exclamation in Mark.
Notice his tendency though to harmonize the two in his comparisons. He wants to place the single cry of Luke into the the second cry of Mark that is not described. Some scholars call this blend or harmony a "Hallmark (Greeting Card) Gospel". Isn't it fascinating that this began as early as Tatian and still continues in some form or another until today?
The Relationship Between the Gospels by Dr. James F. McGrath of Butler University in Indianapolis.
For the scope of this lesson today there will not be enough time to watch the entire video. However, I do encourage you to come back and watch it at a later time for a more in depth look at the "Synoptic Problem" and a wider breadth of scriptural examples of differences.
Conclusion
As we bring this lesson to a close, let us reflect on what we have learned. After being presented with some differences between each of the Synoptic Gospels, the question becomes, “what will our response to these differences?” The five sets of scripture we read earlier in the lesson hopefully highlighted some differences you did not notice before. If you enjoyed today’s lesson I encourage you to dig deeper into Gospels and continue this journey of critical thinking in the context of faith.
It is our prayer that this lesson and the previous seven lessons would enrich your understanding and give you the tools necessary to successfully preach and teach from the Gospel of Mark. Grace and peace to you.
Conclusion
As we bring this lesson to a close, let us reflect on what we have learned. After being presented with some differences between each of the Synoptic Gospels, the question becomes, “what will our response to these differences?” The five sets of scripture we read earlier in the lesson hopefully highlighted some differences you did not notice before. If you enjoyed today’s lesson I encourage you to dig deeper into Gospels and continue this journey of critical thinking in the context of faith.
It is our prayer that this lesson and the previous seven lessons would enrich your understanding and give you the tools necessary to successfully preach and teach from the Gospel of Mark. Grace and peace to you.
Composed by Andrew Schreiner
