This is the ninth post in a series of blogposts on similarities between the Gospel of John and the Synoptic Gospels.

Complicated Relationship with Mother and Brothers

“For not even his brothers believed in him.” John 7:5 (ESV). All four Gospels contain indications that Jesus had a somewhat complicated relationship with his mother and especially with his brothers. See Mark 3:20-21, 31-35; Matthew 12:43; Luke 2:41-52, 8:19-21 and John 2:1-5. Admittedly, John 2:12 points in a positive direction.

Jewish People Who Wanted Jesus Dead

“After this Jesus went about in Galilee. He would not go about in Judea, because the Jews were seeking to kill him.” John 7:1 (ESV). All four Gospels provide evidence that there were Jews who wanted Jesus dead. See, for example, Matthew 12:14, Mark 8:31 and Luke 23:18-25.

Mary and Martha

“Now a certain man was ill, Lazarus of Bethany, the village of Mary and her sister Martha.” John 11:1 (ESV). The sisters Mary and Martha are also mentioned in Luke 10:38-42.