Gospel of John vs. the Synoptic Gospels: Key Differences

Introduction

While the Gospel of John bears some similarities to the Synoptic Gospels, as Barrett (1974) points out, it also sets itself apart in several unique ways by focusing on the mystical nature of Christ and the importance of the Church. Even the Synoptic Gospels offer differing details of the life and teachings of Christ, and in many instances John agrees more closely with Mark, while Mark differs from Matthew and Luke. Still, Barrett (1974) affirms that "John's aim was not literal accuracy, and he therefore cannot be expected to show detailed respect for the wording of any source" (p. 228). John's aim, rather, was to illustrate the divine nature of Christ in a way that showed how the Son of God was infinitely unique in the history of the world—and how that uniqueness was to endure through the sacraments of the Church.

The Synoptic Gospels

The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are known as the Synoptic Gospels because they generally share the same synopsis of the life and teachings of Christ: they emphasize the same historical story, commonly in the same order of events, and all three were composed in the Greek language—as was the Gospel of John (Brown, 1997). The Synoptic Gospels, and even John at times, cover the same stories and miracles. For instance, all three Synoptics describe John the Baptist and the Transfiguration, in which Christ's divine nature is manifested (Mt 17:2; Lk 9:28–36; Mk 9:2–3); the calming of the storm (Mt 8:23–27; Lk 8:22–25; Mk 4:35–41); and the expulsion of the money changers from the temple (Mt 21:12–17; Lk 19:45–48; Mk 11:15–19). All four Gospels describe the miracle of the feeding of the five thousand (Mt 14:13–21; Lk 9:12–17; Mk 6:31–44; Jn 6:1–14).

The Synoptic Gospels also focus on the childhood of Christ and on His earthly lineage as a descendant of the House of David. The Gospel of John, however, focuses on a different lineage—a spiritual one, as it were. John describes how Christ was present at the very Beginning: "In the beginning was the Word" (Jn 1:1). As the only apostle to stand by Christ's side at the crucifixion, John would naturally possess a more mystical sense of Christ, one rooted deeply in the spiritual love that Christ as God had and has for His people and His Church. The Synoptic Gospels do not avoid this mystical dimension, but it is not their primary focus. For John it most certainly is—which is why his Gospel rises to such sublime heights, especially in its opening verses.

The Synoptic Gospels also differ from John in terms of their respective audiences. Each was written for a unique readership, whereas the Gospel of John addresses a universal audience. Matthew's intended readership was primarily Jewish, which explains his many references to the Old Testament. Mark's Gospel was oriented mainly toward Roman Gentiles, emphasizing Christ as God above all else. Luke wrote primarily for Greek Gentiles, known for their love of beauty and philosophy, which is why Luke places such emphasis on the truth of Christ (Frey, 1948; Powell, 2013).

Conclusion

While the Synoptic Gospels focus on the life of Christ and common scenes such as Christ's baptism, the parables, and the Last Supper, John does not even address these. Instead, he is focused on the supernatural life of Christ—on His divine origins from the beginning of all time. John celebrates Christ's humanity and His love simultaneously in a way not seen in the Synoptics: for instance, in the turning of water into wine at the wedding feast so that celebration could continue (an act of submission to the will of His mother), and in the raising of Lazarus from the dead (an act of compassion for the will of His friends). In this manner, John weaves a tapestry of Christ that is rich and enlivened by reflections of the Son of God's humanity, divinity, and His enduring love, through the Church, for all mankind.