What Are the Synoptic & Johannine Gospels?

 📖 The Synoptic Gospels vs. the Gospel of John: What's the Difference?

If you’ve ever read through the four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—you might have noticed something curious. The first three feel like variations on a theme, often telling the same stories, sometimes even using the same wording. Then you hit John, and suddenly the whole tone changes.

That’s not a mistake. It’s because Matthew, Mark, and Luke are known as the Synoptic Gospels, while John stands apart as a Johannine Gospel, offering a different angle on the life and ministry of Jesus.

But what exactly makes them different?

🔍 What Does “Synoptic” Mean?

The word “Synoptic” comes from the Greek syn (“together”) and opsis (“view”) — meaning they can be “seen together.” The Synoptic Gospels tell many of the same stories, often in the same sequence and with similar wording. They give us a shared perspective on Jesus' life, miracles, teachings, and interactions.

Mark is widely considered the earliest Gospel and likely served as a source for both Matthew and Luke.

Matthew presents Jesus as the Jewish Messiah and includes lots of Old Testament references.

Luke emphasises Jesus' compassion and outreach to Gentiles, women, and the marginalised.

Despite their differences in audience and emphasis, the Synoptic Gospels follow a similar structure:

Jesus’ baptism → Galilean ministry → teachings and miracles → journey to Jerusalem → Passion and Resurrection.

🌊 Enter the Gospel of John (Johannine Gospel)

Then we come to John — and things look quite different.

John opens not with a manger, but with eternity: “In the beginning was the Word…” (John 1:1)

Rather than parables and exorcisms, John gives us lengthy theological discourses, symbolic language, and seven powerful “I AM” statements:

“I am the bread of life”

“I am the light of the world”

“I am the good shepherd”... and more.

John’s Gospel focuses on who Jesus is, not just what He did. His aim is explicitly stated: “These are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.” (John 20:31)

💡 So Why the Differences?

The differences are not contradictions—they are complementary. Each Gospel writer had a unique purpose and audience:

Matthew: Jewish Christians — to prove Jesus is the Messiah.

Mark: Roman audience — fast-paced and action-driven.

Luke: Gentiles — highlighting Jesus’ humanity and inclusivity.

John: The whole world — drawing attention to Jesus' divinity and the offer of eternal life.

Together, they give us a multifaceted portrait of Jesus:

Fully God, fully Man. Teacher, Saviour, Servant, King.

✝️ Final Thought

The Synoptic Gospels show us what Jesus did.The Gospel of John invites us to see who Jesus is. Both are essential. Both are inspired. And together, they lead us to the same place: Faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Article written by Shaun Fereday, Prison Chaplain (Sessional) & Leader @SFGH