Comparing And Contrasting Two Of The Synoptic Gospels

When taking on the task of comparing and contrasting two of the synoptic gospels, especially when one is approaching the comparison of the same teaching or incident, there are many items to consider. Basic textual similarities and differences can be a factor in completing your task and must be considered very carefully. When discussing the Lord’s prayer and how and when it is seen in the gospels according to Matthew and Luke the reader can tell that some similarities do exist, however the two authors have different takes on what Jesus says and how in depth he goes. Take the gospel according to Matthew first, he has an approach that would suggest that he interpreted the Lord’s prayer as a daily prayer that is to be said as a ritual. In context Matthew was writing to a specific
This would give the early Christians who converted from Judaism an answer to a likely valid concern of when and how to pray to God as a practicing Christian. Luke on the other hand writes to a less broad audience as he is writing his Gospel to a specific person Theophilus. Knowing this detail, one might infer that Luke was writing to a person who was less concerned with trying to be converted, but was interested in the stories and teachings of Jesus, to get a small glimpse of the way he taught and the things he said. It is also hard to ignore the reverence to God that is shown in the phrases shared by both Gospels. Both Gospels start with the term “Father” this is significant because of the society in which both of the authors and the majority of readers were living in. The culture was very patriarchal and to reference God as our Heavenly Father this would have been seen as a term of utmost respect. They also demonstrate God’s power and acknowledge such when the prayer shows his ability to forgive them of their