This is the fourth 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 ESV text of BibleWorks 9.

Jesus the Teacher

In all four Gospels Jesus is addressed as rabbi or teacher. “Jesus turned and saw them following and said to them, “What are you seeking?” And they said to him, “Rabbi” (which means Teacher), “where are you staying?”” (John 1:38 ESV). See also Matthew 8:19, Mark 4:38 and Luke 3:12.

The Messiah

In all four Gospels there are indications that people believed Jesus to be the Messiah. “One of the two who heard John speak and followed Jesus was Andrew, Simon Peter’s brother. He first found his own brother Simon and said to him, “We have found the Messiah” (which means Christ).” (John 1:40-41 ESV). See also Matthew 16:16, Mark 8:29 and Luke 9:20.

Simon Peter

“He brought him to Jesus. Jesus looked at him and said, “You are Simon the son of John. You shall be called Cephas” (which means Peter). (John 1:42 ESV). In all four Gospels there are indications that Jesus gives Simon a name meaning something like ‘the rock’. See also Matthew 16:17-18, Mark 3:16 and Luke 6:14.