This is the third post in a series of blogposts highlighting some of the similarities between the Gospel of John and the Synoptic Gospels. For this post I have made use of the Greek text and the ESV text of BibleWorks 9.

Descending Spirit

“And John bore witness: “I saw the Spirit descend from heaven like a dove, and it remained on him.” John 1:32 (ESV). All four Gospels contain indications that the Holy Spirit descended on Jesus in the context of his baptism (see also Mark 1:9-10, Matthew 3:16 and Luke 3:21-22).

Will Baptize with the Holy Spirit

All four Gospels contain indications that John believed that the one to come after him would baptize with the Holy Spirit. “I myself did not know him, but he who sent me to baptize with water said to me, ‘He on whom you see the Spirit descend and remain, this is he who baptizes with the Holy Spirit.'” John 1:33 (ESV). See also Matthew 3:11, Mark 1:8 and Luke 3:16.

Son of God

All four Gospels contain indications that Jesus is a/the Son of God. “And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” John 1:14 (ESV). See also Matthew 3:17, Mark 1:11 and Luke 1:35.