Published by The canonical gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John all tell the story of Jesus’ life. In each of these books, there are repeating stories or stories which are found in all four books such as when Jesus feeds five thousand and Jesus rides a donkey into town. On the other side of the coin, there are stories unique to three of the four books.
Matthew
The gospel of Matthew tells of nine special events that are not mentioned anywhere in the other three books. It is said the reason was communicating to the Jewish people. Five of the nine fulfill old testament prophesies.
1. Josephs dream – Matt. 1:20-24
2. Escape to Egypt – Matt 2:13-15
3. Slaughter of the children – Matt. 2:16-18
4. Death of Judas – Matt. 27:3-10
5. Baptism emphasis in Great Commission – Matt. 28:19-20
The other four would have been an interest to the Jewish people then:
1. Visit of the magi – Matt. 2:1-12
2. Dream of Pilates wife – Matt. 27:19
3. Other resurrections – Matt 27:52
4. Bribery of the guards – Matt. 22:11-15
Mark
The gospel of Mark only has three unique stories compared to Matthew’s nine stories. The story of the growing seed is the first, Mark 4:26-29, which tells us we are to share the news of Jesus, but only God can make t grow in their lives. In Mark, 7:31-37, Jesus heals a deaf man who couldn’t talk referring to Jesus caring about our spiritual and physical needs. The last comes to us in Mark 8:22-26. Here Jesus is considerate as he make sure the sight of a blind man if fully restored.
Luke
Luke’s account of Jesus life contains 12 unique stories. Within these 12 events are some special accounts of Jesus life including special events before the birth of John the Baptist and Jesus (Luke 1:5-80) information about Jesus childhood (Luke 2:1-52), and the trial before Herod (Luke 23:6-12). The following are the other 9 accounts.
1. Herod puts John in prison – Luke 3:19-20
2. Jesus rejected at Nazareth – Luke 4:16-30
3. Jesus Provide miraculous catch of fish – Luke 5:1-11
4. Jesus raises a widow’s son from dead – Luke 7:11-17
5. A sinful women anoints Jesus feet – Luke &:11-17
6. Women travel with Jesus – Luke 8:1-3
7. Events, miracles, and teachings before Christ‘s death- Luke 10:1-18:14
8. Meets Zacchaeous and tell the parable of the King’s 10 servants – Luke 19:1-27
9. Jesus last words before ascension – Luke 24:44-49
Each book brings us stories of Jesus life. Some tell the same story that has been told in other books, yet there are unique stories about Jesus and his time on earth with us that are unique to three of the books.
