What's the difference?
April 2, 2020 – What do you do with the “different” accounts of Jesus in the four gospels? So many of the same stories appear in more than one of the writings, but the details can vary quite a bit. Why?
They were written at different times and all, long after the actual events took place. Jesus’ disciples didn’t keep a daily journal as they walked with him every day. They were simply enjoying every moment for what it was. Only after the resurrection, when believers were scattered by persecution and the gospel story began to be told far and wide, did they then think of writing down what they remembered. I have no doubt that if we were to all write an account of a favorite family vacation from a few years ago, we, too, would each tell the story and remember details a little differently. This wouldn’t mean that the trip never happened, but that our perspectives and personalities are part of the lens through which we experience life. These “differences” in the gospel accounts actually give more credence to the authenticity of the story of Jesus. Had this been a hoax, careful attention to detail would have been given by all involved, there would most likely have been only one account, and the individual stories told would never have painted the writers or any of the characters in a negative light. It would all be more polished. So, what do you do with the “different” accounts of Jesus in the four gospels? Praise God for them!
They were written at different times and all, long after the actual events took place. Jesus’ disciples didn’t keep a daily journal as they walked with him every day. They were simply enjoying every moment for what it was. Only after the resurrection, when believers were scattered by persecution and the gospel story began to be told far and wide, did they then think of writing down what they remembered. I have no doubt that if we were to all write an account of a favorite family vacation from a few years ago, we, too, would each tell the story and remember details a little differently. This wouldn’t mean that the trip never happened, but that our perspectives and personalities are part of the lens through which we experience life. These “differences” in the gospel accounts actually give more credence to the authenticity of the story of Jesus. Had this been a hoax, careful attention to detail would have been given by all involved, there would most likely have been only one account, and the individual stories told would never have painted the writers or any of the characters in a negative light. It would all be more polished. So, what do you do with the “different” accounts of Jesus in the four gospels? Praise God for them!
_____________________________
And why do you think I keep risking my neck in this dangerous work? I look death in the face practically every day I live. Do you think I’d do this if I wasn’t convinced of your resurrection and mine as guaranteed by the resurrected Messiah Jesus?
-1 Corinthians 15:30-31 (MSG)
-1 Corinthians 15:30-31 (MSG)
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