Harmony of the Gospels
The harmony of the Gospels refers to the way the four Gospel accounts—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, work together to provide a comprehensive and coherent narrative of the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Despite differences in detail, emphasis, and order, the Gospels collectively present a unified testimony of Jesus’ life and mission. Here are several key aspects of the harmony of the Gospels:
Consistent Core Message: All four Gospels agree on the central message of the New Testament: Jesus is the Messiah, the Son of God, who came to save humanity through His death and resurrection. They consistently highlight His teachings, miracles, crucifixion, and resurrection.
Complementary Perspectives: Each Gospel offers a unique perspective that complements the others. Mark, as the earliest Gospel, provides a concise and action-oriented account. Matthew emphasizes Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, appealing particularly to a Jewish audience. Luke, often called the “Gentile Gospel,” highlights Jesus’ compassion and universal salvation. John focuses on the divinity of Jesus and offers a more theological exploration of His identity.
Parallel Accounts: Many events and teachings in Jesus’ life are recorded in more than one Gospel. These parallel accounts can be compared and contrasted to gain a fuller understanding. For example, the Sermon on the Mount is recorded in Matthew (chapters 5-7), while Luke (chapter 6) records a similar sermon known as the Sermon on the Plain. These accounts provide different emphases and details but share the same core teachings.
Chronological Order: While each Gospel presents events in a different order, scholars have reconstructed a generally agreed-upon chronological framework for Jesus’ ministry. This helps readers understand the sequence of events and the development of His teachings and miracles.
Distinct Themes and Audiences: Each Gospel writer had a specific audience and theological focus, which influenced their account. Matthew emphasizes Jesus as the Jewish Messiah; Mark presents a portrayal of Jesus as the suffering servant; Luke highlights Jesus’ compassion and outreach to the marginalized; John presents a more theological narrative, emphasizing Jesus’ divine nature.
Mutual Verification: The Gospels mutually verify key events in Jesus’ life. For example, the accounts of Jesus’ baptism, transfiguration, crucifixion, and resurrection are corroborated across multiple Gospels, lending credibility and authority to the narrative.
Purposeful Differences: Differences between the Gospels are often purposeful, serving to highlight different aspects of Jesus’ ministry and mission. These variations can enrich the reader’s understanding and appreciation of the multifaceted nature of Jesus’ work and character.
Jesus’ Early Life Prior To Beginning His Ministry
| # | Event | Matthew | Mark | Luke | John |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Luke’s Introduction | Lk 1:1-4 | |||
| 2 | John’s Introduction | Jn 1:1-18 | |||
| 3 | Genealogy of Jesus (Joseph’s Lineage) | Matt 1:1-17 | |||
| 4 | Genealogy of Jesus (Mary’s Lineage) | Lk 3:23-38 | |||
| 5 | John’s Birth Foretold to Zecharias | Lk 1:5-25 | |||
| 6 | Jesus’ Birth Foretold to Mary | Lk 1:26-38 | |||
| 7 | Mary Visits Elizabeth | Lk 1:39-56 | |||
| 8 | Jesus’ Birth Foretold to Joseph | Matt 1:18-25 | |||
| 9 | Birth & Early Life of John | Lk 1:57-80 | |||
| 10 | Birth of Jesus | Lk 2:1-7 | |||
| 11 | Birth Announced to Shepherds | Lk 2:8-20 | |||
| 12 | Jesus Presented at the Temple | Lk 2:21-39 | |||
| 13 | Wise Men Visit Jesus | Matt 2:1-12 | |||
| 14 | Flight to Egypt & Slaying Infants | Matt 2:13-18 | |||
| 15 | Return from Egypt | Matt 2:19-23 | |||
| 16 | Jesus at 12 Visits Jerusalem | Lk 2:40-52 | |||
| 17 | Preaching of John | Matt 3:1-12 | Mk 1:1-8 | Lk 3:1-20 | Jn 1:19-28 |
| 18 | Baptism of Jesus | Matt 3:13-17 | Mk 1:9-11 | Lk 3:21-22 | |
| 19 | Temptation of Jesus | Matt 4:1-11 | Mk 1:12-13 | Lk 4:1-13 | |
| 20 | John’s Testimony of Jesus | Jn 1:29-34 | |||
| 21 | Jesus’ First Disciples | Jn 1:35-51 | |||
| 22 | Wedding at Cana | Jn 2:1-12 | |||
| 23 | First Cleansing of the Temple | Jn 2:13-25 | |||
| 24 | Jesus & Nicodemus | Jn 3:1-21 | |||
| 25 | John to Decrease, Jesus Increase | Jn 3:22-36 |
Jesus’ First Year Of Ministry And Teaching
| # | Event | Matthew | Mark | Luke | John |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 26 | Jesus Begins Ministry | Matt 4:12-17 | Mk 1:14-15 | Lk 4:14-15 | Jn 4:1-3 |
| 27 | Samaritan Woman | Jn 4:4-42 | |||
| 28 | Nobleman’s Son Healed | Jn 4:43-54 | |||
| 29 | Jesus Calls Four Fishermen | Matt 4:18-22 | Mk 1:16-20 | Lk 5:1-11 | |
| 30 | Man with Unclean Spirit | Mk 1:21-28 | Lk 4:31-37 | ||
| 31 | Peter’s Mother-in-law | Matt 8:14-17 | Mk 1:29-34 | Lk 4:38-41 | |
| 32 | Jesus Preaches in Galilee | Matt 4:23-25 | Mk 1:35-39 | Lk 4:42-44 | |
| 33 | Beatitudes | Matt 5:1-12 | Lk 6:20-26 | ||
| 34 | Salt, Light, Law | Matt 5:13-20 | |||
| 35 | Attitude Toward Others | Matt 5:21-48 | Lk 6:27-36 | ||
| 36 | Almsgiving, Prayer, Fasting | Matt 6:1-18 | |||
| 37 | Treasures & Anxiety | Matt 6:19-34 | |||
| 38 | Judging | Matt 7:1-6 | Lk 6:37-42 | ||
| 39 | Ask, Seek, Knock | Matt 7:7-12 | |||
| 40 | Two Ways & False Prophets | Matt 7:13-23 | Lk 6:43-45 | ||
| 41 | Two Foundations | Matt 7:24-29 | Lk 6:46-49 | ||
| 42 | Jesus Heals a Leper | Matt 8:1-4 | Mk 1:40-45 | Lk 5:12-16 | |
| 43 | Centurion’s Servant | Matt 8:5-13 | Lk 7:1-10 | ||
| 44 | Man with Palsy | Matt 9:1-8 | Mk 2:1-12 | Lk 5:17-26 | |
| 45 | Call of Matthew | Matt 9:9-13 | Mk 2:13-17 | Lk 5:27-32 | |
| 46 | Question About Fasting | Matt 9:14-17 | Mk 2:18-22 | Lk 5:33-39 |
Jesus’ Second Year Of Ministry And Teaching
| # | Event | Matthew | Mark | Luke | John |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 47 | Jesus Heals on Sabbath | Jn 5:1-47 | |||
| 48 | Disciples Pick Corn | Matt 12:1-8 | Mk 2:23-28 | Lk 6:1-5 | |
| 49 | Man with Withered Hand | Matt 12:9-14 | Mk 3:1-6 | Lk 6:6-11 | |
| 50 | Multitude at Seaside | Matt 12:15-21 | Mk 3:7-12 | ||
| 51 | Jesus Selects 12 Apostles | Mk 3:13-19 | Lk 6:12-19 | ||
| 52 | Widow’s Son Raised | Lk 7:11-17 | |||
| 53 | Messengers from John | Matt 11:2-19 | Lk 7:18-35 | ||
| 54 | Unrepentant Cities | Matt 11:20-24 | |||
| 55 | Jesus Rejoices | Matt 11:25-30 | |||
| 56 | Jesus Anointed (Pharisee) | Lk 7:36-50 | |||
| 57 | More Teaching in Galilee | Lk 8:1-3 | |||
| 58 | House Divided | Matt 12:22-37 | Mk 3:20-30 | Lk 11:14-23 | |
| 59 | Evil Generation Seeks Sign | Matt 12:38-42 | Lk 11:29-36 | ||
| 60 | Return of Unclean Spirit | Matt 12:43-45 | Lk 11:24-28 | ||
| 61 | Jesus’ Mother & Brothers | Matt 12:46-50 | Mk 3:31-35 | Lk 8:19-21 | |
| 62 | Jesus Denounces Pharisees | Lk 11:37-54 | |||
| 63 | Hypocrisy, Fear, Watchful | Lk 12:1-59 | |||
| 64 | Repentance | Lk 13:1-9 | |||
| 65 | Parable of the Sower | Matt 13:1-23 | Mk 4:1-20 | Lk 8:4-15 | |
| 66 | Parable of the Candle | Mk 4:21-25 | Lk 8:16-18 | ||
| 67 | Parable of Growing Seed | Mk 4:26-29 | |||
| 68 | Wheat & Tares | Matt 13:24-30 | |||
| 69 | Mustard Seed & Leaven | Matt 13:31-35 | Mk 4:30-34 | ||
| 70 | Tares Explained | Matt 13:36-43 | |||
| 71 | Treasure, Pearl, Net | Matt 13:44-53 | |||
| 72 | Sacrifice to Follow | Matt 8:18-22 | Lk 9:57-62 | ||
| 73 | Jesus Calms Storm | Matt 8:23-27 | Mk 4:35-41 | Lk 8:22-25 | |
| 74 | Jesus Heals Demoniacs | Matt 8:28-34 | Mk 5:1-20 | Lk 8:26-39 | |
| 75 | Ruler’s Daughter & Woman | Matt 9:18-26 | Mk 5:21-43 | Lk 8:40-56 | |
| 76 | Two Blind Men & Demoniac | Matt 9:27-34 | |||
| 77 | Jesus Rejected at Nazareth | Matt 13:54-58 | Mk 6:1-6 | Lk 4:16-30 | |
| 78 | Harvest Plenteous | Matt 9:35-38 | |||
| 79 | Jesus Sends Twelve | Matt 10:1-11:1 | Mk 6:7-13 | Lk 9:1-6 | |
| 80 | Death of John | Matt 14:1-12 | Mk 6:14-29 | Lk 9:7-9 | |
| 81 | Five Thousand Fed | Matt 14:13-21 | Mk 6:30-44 | Lk 9:10-17 | Jn 6:1-15 |
| 82 | Jesus Walks on Sea | Matt 14:22-36 | Mk 6:45-56 | Jn 6:16-21 | |
| 83 | Bread of Life | Jn 6:22-71 |
Jesus’ Third Year Of Ministry And Teaching
| # | Event | Matthew | Mark | Luke | John |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 84 | Things That Defile | Matt 15:1-20 | Mk 7:1-23 | ||
| 85 | Healing Woman’s Daughter | Matt 15:21-28 | Mk 7:24-30 | ||
| 86 | Jesus Heals People | Matt 15:29-31 | Mk 7:31-37 | ||
| 87 | Feeding the 4000 | Matt 15:32-39 | Mk 8:1-9 | ||
| 88 | Demand for a Sign | Matt 16:1-4 | Mk 8:10-13 | ||
| 89 | Leaven of Pharisees | Matt 16:5-12 | Mk 8:14-21 | ||
| 90 | Blind Man Healed | Mk 8:22-26 | |||
| 91 | Peter’s Confession | Matt 16:13-20 | Mk 8:27-30 | Lk 9:18-21 | |
| 92 | Jesus Foretells Death | Matt 16:21-28 | Mk 8:31-9:1 | Lk 9:21-27 | |
| 93 | Transfiguration | Matt 17:1-13 | Mk 9:2-13 | Lk 9:28-36 | |
| 94 | Demoniac Boy | Matt 17:14-21 | Mk 9:14-29 | Lk 9:37-43 | |
| 95 | Jesus Again Foretells Death | Matt 17:22-23 | Mk 9:30-32 | Lk 9:43-45 | |
| 96 | Tribute Money | Matt 17:24-27 | |||
| 97 | False Ambition | Matt 18:1-6 | Mk 9:33-37 | Lk 9:46-48 | |
| 98 | Not Against Us | Mk 9:38-42 | Lk 9:49-50 | ||
| 99 | Temptations to Sin | Matt 18:7-14 | Mk 9:43-50 | ||
| 100 | Forgiving Another | Matt 18:15-35 | |||
| 101 | Unbelief of Brothers | Jn 7:1-9 | |||
| 102 | Journey to Jerusalem | Lk 9:51-56 | Jn 7:10 | ||
| 103 | Feast of Tabernacles | Jn 7:11-53 | |||
| 104 | Woman Caught in Adultery | Jn 8:1-11 | |||
| 105 | Jesus the Messiah | Jn 8:12-59 | |||
| 106 | Blind Man Healed | Jn 9:1-41 | |||
| 107 | Good Shepherd | Jn 10:1-21 | |||
| 108 | Sending the Seventy | Lk 10:1-24 | |||
| 109 | Good Samaritan | Lk 10:25-37 | |||
| 110 | Martha & Mary | Lk 10:38-42 | |||
| 111 | Teaching on Prayer | Lk 11:1-13 | |||
| 112 | Mustard Seed & Leaven | Lk 13:10-21 | |||
| 113 | Narrow Gate | Lk 13:22-35 | |||
| 114 | Feast of Dedication | Jn 10:22-42 | |||
| 115 | Jesus Heals & Teaches | Lk 14:1-24 | |||
| 116 | Cost of Discipleship | Lk 14:25-35 | |||
| 117 | Lost Sheep | Lk 15:1-7 | |||
| 118 | Lost Coin | Lk 15:8-10 | |||
| 119 | Lost Son | Lk 15:11-32 | |||
| 120 | Dishonest Steward | Lk 16:1-17 | |||
| 121 | Rich Man & Lazarus | Lk 16:19-31 | |||
| 122 | Sin, Faith, Duty | Lk 17:1-10 | |||
| 123 | Death & Raising of Lazarus | Jn 11:1-44 | |||
| 124 | Plot Against Jesus | Jn 11:45-54 | |||
| 125 | Ten Lepers | Lk 17:11-19 | |||
| 126 | Coming Kingdom | Lk 17:20-37 | |||
| 127 | Widow & Judge | Lk 18:1-8 | |||
| 128 | Pharisee & Publican | Lk 18:9-14 | |||
| 129 | Divorce & Remarriage | Matt 19:1-12 | Mk 10:1-12 | Lk 16:18 | |
| 130 | Jesus Blesses Children | Matt 19:13-15 | Mk 10:13-16 | Lk 18:15-17 | |
| 131 | Rich Young Ruler | Matt 19:16-30 | Mk 10:17-31 | Lk 18:18-30 | |
| 132 | Laborers in Vineyard | Matt 20:1-16 | |||
| 133 | Jesus Foretells Death | Matt 20:17-19 | Mk 10:32-34 | Lk 18:31-34 | |
| 134 | Request of James & John | Matt 20:20-29 | Mk 10:35-45 | ||
| 135 | Two Blind Men Healed | Matt 20:30-34 | Mk 10:46-52 | Lk 18:35-43 | |
| 136 | Zaccheus | Lk 19:1 | |||
| 137 | Parable of the Pounds | Lk 19:11-27 | |||
| 138 | Jew’s Passover at Hand | Jn 11:55-57 | |||
| 139 | Jesus Anointed by Mary | Jn 12:1-8 | |||
| 140 | Plot Against Lazarus | Jn 12:9-11 |
Jesus’ Last Days in Jerusalem
| # | Event | Matthew | Mark | Luke | John |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 141 | Jesus’ Entry Into Jerusalem | Matt 21:1-11 | Mk 11:1-11 | Lk 19:28-44 | Jn 12:12-19 |
| 142 | Cleansing the Temple | Matt 21:12-17 | Mk 11:15-19 | Lk 19:45-48 | |
| 143 | Barren Fig Tree | Matt 21:18-22 | Mk 11:12-14,20-26 | ||
| 144 | Jesus’ Authority Questioned | Matt 21:23-27 | Mk 11:27-33 | Lk 20:1-8 | |
| 145 | Parable of the Two Sons | Matt 21:28-32 | |||
| 146 | Wicked Husbandmen | Matt 21:33-46 | Mk 12:1-12 | Lk 20:9-19 | |
| 147 | Marriage Feast | Matt 22:1-14 | |||
| 148 | Paying Taxes to Caesar | Matt 22:15-22 | Mk 12:13-17 | Lk 20:20-26 | |
| 149 | Question About Resurrection | Matt 22:23-33 | Mk 12:18-27 | Lk 20:27-40 | |
| 150 | The Great Commandment | Matt 22:34-40 | Mk 12:28-34 | ||
| 151 | Jesus’ Question | Matt 22:41-46 | Mk 12:35-37 | Lk 20:41-44 | |
| 152 | Jesus Accuses Scribes & Pharisees | Matt 23:1-39 | Mk 12:38-40 | Lk 20:45-47 | |
| 153 | Widow’s Offering | Mk 12:41-44 | Lk 21:1-4 | ||
| 154 | Seeking Jesus | Jn 12:20-50 | |||
| 155 | Destruction of Jerusalem Foretold | Matt 24:1-35 | Mk 13:1-31 | Lk 21:5-33 | |
| 156 | Second Coming of Christ | Matt 24:36-51 | Mk 13:32-37 | Lk 21:34-38 | |
| 157 | Parables of Virgins & Talents | Matt 25:1-30 | |||
| 158 | The Final Judgment | Matt 25:31-46 | |||
| 159 | Leaders Plot Against Jesus | Matt 26:1-5 | Mk 14:1-2 | Lk 22:1-2 | |
| 160 | Jesus Anointed Again at Bethany | Matt 26:6-13 | Mk 14:3-9 | ||
| 161 | Judas Agrees to Betray Jesus | Matt 26:14-16 | Mk 14:10-11 | Lk 22:3-6 | |
| 162 | Jesus Washes Disciples’ Feet | Jn 13:1-17 | |||
| 163 | Passover & Lord’s Supper | Matt 26:17-29 | Mk 14:12-25 | Lk 22:7-23 | Jn 13:18-30 |
| 164 | Dispute About Greatness | Lk 22:24-30 | |||
| 165 | Peter’s Denial Foretold | Matt 26:30-35 | Mk 14:26-31 | Lk 22:31-38 | Jn 13:31-38 |
| 166 | Jesus Tells of His Departure | Jn 14:1–16:33 | |||
| 167 | Jesus’ Prayer for His Followers | Jn 17:1-26 |
Jesus’ Arrest, Trial, Death, Burial
| # | Event | Matthew | Mark | Luke | John |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 168 | Gethsemane | Matt 26:36-46 | Mk 14:32-42 | Lk 22:39-46 | |
| 169 | Betrayal & Arrest | Matt 26:47-56 | Mk 14:43-52 | Lk 22:47-53 | Jn 18:1-11 |
| 170 | Jesus Before High Priest | Matt 26:57-68 | Mk 14:53-65 | Lk 22:63-71 | Jn 18:12-14,19-24 |
| 171 | Peter Denies Jesus | Matt 26:69-75 | Mk 14:66-72 | Lk 22:54-62 | Jn 18:15-18,25-27 |
| 172 | Jesus Before Pilate (1st Time) | Matt 27:1-2,11-14 | Mk 15:1-5 | Lk 23:1-6 | Jn 18:28-38 |
| 173 | Jesus Before Herod | Lk 23:7-12 | |||
| 174 | Jesus Sentenced | Matt 27:15-31 | Mk 15:6-20 | Lk 23:13-25 | Jn 18:39–19:16 |
| 175 | Suicide of Judas | Matt 27:3-10 | |||
| 176 | Crucifixion & Death | Matt 27:32-56 | Mk 15:21-41 | Lk 23:26-49 | Jn 19:17-37 |
| 177 | Burial of Christ | Matt 27:57-66 | Mk 15:42-47 | Lk 23:50-56 | Jn 19:38-42 |
Jesus’ Resurrection, Appearances, Ascension
| # | Event | Matthew | Mark | Luke | John |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 178 | Resurrection | Matt 28:1-10 | Mk 16:1-11 | Lk 24:1-12 | Jn 20:1-18 |
| 179 | Guards Report Missing Body | Matt 28:11-15 | |||
| 180 | Walk to Emmaus | Mk 16:12-13 | Lk 24:13-35 | ||
| 181 | Jesus Appears to Disciples | Lk 24:36-43 | Jn 20:19-23 | ||
| 182 | Unbelief of Thomas | Jn 20:24-31 | |||
| 183 | Jesus Appears to Seven | Jn 21:1-25 | |||
| 184 | Jesus Appears to the Eleven | Matt 28:16-17 | |||
| 185 | The Great Commission | Matt 28:18-20 | Mk 16:14-18 | Lk 24:44-49 | |
| 186 | Christ’s Ascension | Mk 16:19-20 | Lk 24:50-53 | (Acts 1:1-12) |