This section is remarkable in the contrasts between the Gospel accounts. Compare them and see what you find. I will return to this comparison tomorrow. Rather than tell you the differences I will let you find them for yourself. As I have told you many times before I know there are some of you who prefer to have the time to do the work and find the treasure for yourself. Those of you who just want me to get on and “tell you the answers” only have to wait 24 hours. Surely that is not too much to ask.
Just a glance shows you Matthew’s account is expansive whereas Luke follows Mark’s shorter account. Fruitful ground for analyzing the purpose of each writer. Although Matthew’s account is expansive I won’t be spending the time analyzing it in detail. Simply because my focus is Luke and not Matthew. But it can shed light on Luke’s purpose when we compare the differences between them. Or if you wish to focus on Matthew’s account then you can work from the comparative columns I have given you.
Allow me to remind you again of the ground covered by all three Gospels writers working in unison over the last chapter(s). Take note how each has a particular theme or point to bring out. Often times one or other of them add significant additions to the story in order the bring out the emphasis they want. Some keep the material short and some add extra material.
I have listed the segments in order for you and coloured those which are not recorded by all three writers together. That way you can track the differences between them. Also note the similarities and shared elements. It is significant that these three gospel writers keep closely in parallel over much of this material.
- Why is the material in the same order for each gospel?
- Why does the previous section end so abruptly and then is concluded by the portion before us today?
We will continue with this in the next Gem.
Sorry this has been another of those Gems which leaves you with more questions than answers. But sometimes that is how life is.
Anything taken to the extreme becomes error. Balance is the key to life.
A R Bernard
Half the trouble in life is caused by saying YES too quickly, and not saying NO soon enough?
Rick Godwin
Successful people ask better questions, and as a result, they get better answers.
Tony Robbins
Thanking God after he answers a prayer is gratitude. Thanking him in advance is faith.
Rick Warren