Parallel Passages

Compare the Same Events Across Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

58
Total Passages
14
In All 4 Gospels
16
In 3 Gospels
22
In 2 Gospels

Birth and Infancy

The Genealogy of Jesus 2 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 1:1-17
Abraham to Jesus through David and Solomon (42 generations)
Mark
Not in Mark
Luke
Luke 3:23-38
Jesus to Adam through David and Nathan (77 generations)
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Matthew traces royal lineage; Luke traces biological lineage through Mary
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The Annunciation to Mary 1 Gospel
Matthew
Not in Matthew
Mark
Not in Mark
Luke
Luke 1:26-38
Angel Gabriel announces Jesus' birth to Mary
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Only Luke records this; Mary's perspective
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The Birth of Jesus 2 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 1:18-25
Joseph's perspective, angel in dream
Mark
Not in Mark
Luke
Luke 2:1-7
Census, no room in inn, manger, shepherds
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Matthew emphasizes Joseph; Luke emphasizes Mary and humble circumstances
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Visit of the Magi 1 Gospel
Matthew
Matthew 2:1-12
Wise men from East, star, gold/frankincense/myrrh
Mark
Not in Mark
Luke
Not in Luke
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Only in Matthew; likely 1-2 years after birth
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Flight to Egypt 1 Gospel
Matthew
Matthew 2:13-15
Joseph warned in dream, flee to Egypt
Mark
Not in Mark
Luke
Not in Luke
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Only in Matthew; fulfills Hosea 11:1
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Boy Jesus in the Temple 1 Gospel
Matthew
Not in Matthew
Mark
Not in Mark
Luke
Luke 2:41-52
12-year-old Jesus discusses with teachers
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Only account of Jesus' childhood; 'about my Father's business'
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Baptism and Temptation

John the Baptist's Ministry 4 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 3:1-12
Repent, kingdom at hand, baptism of repentance
Mark
Mark 1:1-8
Voice crying in wilderness, baptism
Luke
Luke 3:1-18
Detailed historical setting, ethical teaching
John
John 1:19-28
I am not the Christ, voice crying
Study Notes: All four Gospels; Luke most detailed on ethics
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Baptism of Jesus 4 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 3:13-17
Jesus insists John baptize Him; heaven opens
Mark
Mark 1:9-11
Spirit descends like dove, voice from heaven
Luke
Luke 3:21-22
Praying when heaven opens
John
John 1:29-34
Lamb of God, Spirit remaining on Him
Study Notes: All four; John emphasizes John the Baptist's testimony
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The Temptation of Jesus 3 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 4:1-11
40 days, 3 temptations in detail, angels minister
Mark
Mark 1:12-13
Brief mention, with wild beasts
Luke
Luke 4:1-13
Same 3 temptations, different order
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Matthew/Luke detailed; Mark brief; temptation order differs
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Sermon on the Mount / Plain

The Beatitudes 2 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 5:3-12
9 beatitudes, 'poor in spirit', spiritual blessings
Mark
Not in Mark
Luke
Luke 6:20-26
4 beatitudes + 4 woes, 'poor', physical focus
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Matthew on mountain, Luke on plain; Matthew spiritual, Luke material
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Salt and Light 3 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 5:13-16
Salt of earth, light of world, city on hill
Mark
Mark 9:50
Brief salt reference
Luke
Luke 14:34-35
Salt that loses saltiness
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Matthew full teaching; Mark/Luke brief mentions elsewhere
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The Lord's Prayer 2 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 6:9-13
Our Father in heaven, full version with doxology
Mark
Not in Mark
Luke
Luke 11:2-4
Shorter version, different setting
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Matthew in Sermon; Luke in response to disciples' request
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Do Not Worry 2 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 6:25-34
Birds, lilies, seek first the kingdom
Mark
Not in Mark
Luke
Luke 12:22-34
Same teaching, different context
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Nearly identical teaching in different settings
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Judge Not 2 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 7:1-5
Speck and plank, measure you use
Mark
Not in Mark
Luke
Luke 6:37-42
Same teaching, includes blind leading blind
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Core teaching on judgment
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Ask, Seek, Knock 2 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 7:7-11
Father gives good gifts
Mark
Not in Mark
Luke
Luke 11:9-13
Father gives Holy Spirit
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Matthew: good gifts; Luke: Holy Spirit
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The Golden Rule 2 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 7:12
Do to others as you would have them do
Mark
Not in Mark
Luke
Luke 6:31
Same principle
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Positive formulation of the ethic of reciprocity
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Wise and Foolish Builders 2 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 7:24-27
Rock vs sand, house that stands/falls
Mark
Not in Mark
Luke
Luke 6:47-49
Deep foundation vs no foundation
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Conclusion of sermon in both Gospels
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Miracles of Healing

Healing Peter's Mother-in-Law 3 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 8:14-15
Touched her hand, fever left
Mark
Mark 1:29-31
Immediately after synagogue, took her hand
Luke
Luke 4:38-39
Rebuked the fever
John
Not in John
Study Notes: All three Synoptics; shows Jesus' personal ministry
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Cleansing the Leper 3 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 8:1-4
After Sermon on Mount
Mark
Mark 1:40-45
Jesus moved with compassion
Luke
Luke 5:12-16
Full of leprosy
John
Not in John
Study Notes: All Synoptics; Jesus touches the untouchable
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Healing the Paralytic 3 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 9:1-8
Forgives sins, then heals
Mark
Mark 2:1-12
Through the roof, crowd amazed
Luke
Luke 5:17-26
Pharisees watching
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Authority to forgive sins demonstrated by healing
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Healing Jairus' Daughter 3 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 9:18-26
Ruler's daughter
Mark
Mark 5:21-43
Most detailed, Talitha koum
Luke
Luke 8:40-56
Only child, about 12 years old
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Intertwined with woman with hemorrhage
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Woman with Hemorrhage 3 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 9:20-22
Touched hem of garment
Mark
Mark 5:25-34
12 years suffering, whole story
Luke
Luke 8:43-48
Spent all on physicians
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Faith healing; Jesus felt power go out
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Healing Two Blind Men 1 Gospel
Matthew
Matthew 9:27-31
According to your faith
Mark
Not in Mark
Luke
Not in Luke
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Only in Matthew; cf. Bartimaeus later
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Healing Blind Bartimaeus 3 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 20:29-34
Two blind men near Jericho
Mark
Mark 10:46-52
Bartimaeus by name, threw off cloak
Luke
Luke 18:35-43
Approaching Jericho
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Matthew has two; Mark names Bartimaeus; Luke different location
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Healing the Centurion's Servant 2 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 8:5-13
Centurion comes to Jesus
Mark
Not in Mark
Luke
Luke 7:1-10
Elders sent as intermediaries
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Great faith praised; Luke adds detail of Jewish elders
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Healing Man with Withered Hand 3 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 12:9-14
Sabbath controversy
Mark
Mark 3:1-6
Jesus angry at hardness of heart
Luke
Luke 6:6-11
Right hand
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Sabbath healing leads to plot against Jesus
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Nature Miracles

Calming the Storm 3 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 8:23-27
Why are you afraid, O you of little faith
Mark
Mark 4:35-41
Asleep on cushion, rebukes wind/sea
Luke
Luke 8:22-25
Where is your faith
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Power over nature; disciples' fear
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Feeding the 5000 4 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 14:13-21
5 loaves, 2 fish, 12 baskets left
Mark
Mark 6:30-44
Green grass, groups of 50/100
Luke
Luke 9:10-17
Near Bethsaida
John
John 6:1-14
Boy's lunch, Passover near
Study Notes: Only miracle in all four Gospels (besides resurrection)
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Walking on Water 3 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 14:22-33
Peter walks on water too, sinks
Mark
Mark 6:45-52
Meant to pass them by, hearts hardened
Luke
Not in Luke
John
John 6:16-21
Immediately at shore
Study Notes: Matthew includes Peter's attempt; Mark notes disciples didn't understand
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Feeding the 4000 2 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 15:32-39
7 loaves, few fish, 7 baskets
Mark
Mark 8:1-10
3 days with Him, Dalmanutha
Luke
Not in Luke
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Second feeding miracle; 7 baskets (Gentile number?)
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The Fig Tree Cursed 2 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 21:18-22
Withered at once
Mark
Mark 11:12-14, 20-25
Not season for figs, next day withered
Luke
Not in Luke
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Symbol of Israel's fruitlessness; Mark splits over two days
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Exorcisms

Gadarene/Gerasene Demoniac 3 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 8:28-34
Two demoniacs, swine into sea
Mark
Mark 5:1-20
Legion, most detailed account
Luke
Luke 8:26-39
Man goes home to tell what Jesus did
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Matthew has two; Mark/Luke have one; location varies
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Mute Demoniac 2 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 9:32-34
Mute man speaks, Pharisees accuse
Mark
Not in Mark
Luke
Luke 11:14
Brief mention
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Leads to Beelzebul controversy
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Syrophoenician Woman's Daughter 2 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 15:21-28
Canaanite woman, crumbs from table
Mark
Mark 7:24-30
Greek, Syrophoenician by birth
Luke
Not in Luke
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Great faith of a Gentile woman
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Boy with Evil Spirit 3 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 17:14-21
Epileptic boy, disciples couldn't heal
Mark
Mark 9:14-29
Most detailed, I believe help my unbelief
Luke
Luke 9:37-43
Only son
John
Not in John
Study Notes: After Transfiguration; requires prayer (and fasting)
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Parables

Parable of the Sower 3 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 13:1-23
Seed, soil types, explanation given
Mark
Mark 4:1-20
Secret of kingdom, lamp under basket
Luke
Luke 8:4-15
Similar account
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Teaching on how people receive God's word
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Parable of the Mustard Seed 3 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 13:31-32
Smallest seed, greatest of herbs
Mark
Mark 4:30-32
Birds nest in branches
Luke
Luke 13:18-19
Man planted in garden
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Kingdom starts small, grows large
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Parable of the Leaven 2 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 13:33
Woman hid in three measures
Mark
Not in Mark
Luke
Luke 13:20-21
Same teaching
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Hidden transformative power of the kingdom
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Parable of the Wicked Tenants 3 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 21:33-46
Owner sends servants, then son
Mark
Mark 12:1-12
Beloved son killed, stone rejected
Luke
Luke 20:9-19
Long time away
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Judgment on Israel's leaders
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Parable of the Wedding Feast/Banquet 2 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 22:1-14
King's son, wedding garment
Mark
Not in Mark
Luke
Luke 14:15-24
Great banquet, excuses made
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Invitation to the kingdom rejected
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Parable of the Talents/Minas 2 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 25:14-30
5, 2, 1 talents
Mark
Not in Mark
Luke
Luke 19:11-27
10 minas to 10 servants
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Use gifts faithfully; judgment for unfaithfulness
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Parable of the Lost Sheep 2 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 18:12-14
99 on hills, seeks 1
Mark
Not in Mark
Luke
Luke 15:3-7
Joy in heaven over 1 sinner
John
Not in John
Study Notes: God's seeking love for the lost
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Passion Week

The Triumphal Entry 4 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 21:1-11
Two animals, Hosanna, Prophet from Nazareth
Mark
Mark 11:1-11
Colt never ridden, looks around temple
Luke
Luke 19:28-44
Stones would cry out, weeps over Jerusalem
John
John 12:12-19
Palm branches, Lazarus crowd
Study Notes: All four; each Gospel has unique details
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Cleansing the Temple 4 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 21:12-17
Den of robbers, healed blind/lame
Mark
Mark 11:15-19
Next day after entry, fig tree frames it
Luke
Luke 19:45-48
Brief account
John
John 2:13-22
At beginning of ministry, 46 years
Study Notes: Synoptics at end; John at beginning (possibly two cleansings)
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The Last Supper 4 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 26:17-30
Body/blood, covenant
Mark
Mark 14:12-26
Similar to Matthew
Luke
Luke 22:7-38
New covenant, dispute about greatness
John
John 13:1-30
Foot washing, no institution words
Study Notes: John emphasizes service; Synoptics the Eucharist
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Gethsemane Prayer 4 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 26:36-46
Let this cup pass, not my will
Mark
Mark 14:32-42
Abba Father, disciples sleep 3x
Luke
Luke 22:39-46
Angel strengthens, sweat like blood
John
John 18:1
Brief, across Kidron
Study Notes: Luke has angel and bloody sweat; John brief
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The Arrest of Jesus 4 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 26:47-56
Judas' kiss, put away sword
Mark
Mark 14:43-52
Young man flees naked
Luke
Luke 22:47-53
Heals ear, hour of darkness
John
John 18:2-12
I AM, fall back, Peter named
Study Notes: Each Gospel has unique details
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Peter's Denial 4 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 26:69-75
Three denials, cock crows
Mark
Mark 14:66-72
Cock crows twice
Luke
Luke 22:54-62
Lord turned and looked at Peter
John
John 18:15-18, 25-27
Another disciple known to high priest
Study Notes: Luke has Jesus' look; Mark has two cock crows
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Trial Before Pilate 4 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 27:1-2, 11-26
Wife's dream, washes hands
Mark
Mark 15:1-15
King of Jews, Barabbas released
Luke
Luke 23:1-25
Sent to Herod, found no fault
John
John 18:28-19:16
Longest account, What is truth
Study Notes: Luke alone has Herod; Matthew has Pilate's wife
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The Crucifixion 4 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 27:32-56
Darkness, temple veil, saints rise
Mark
Mark 15:21-41
Simon of Cyrene named
Luke
Luke 23:26-49
Women weep, thief saved, Father forgive
John
John 19:17-37
Woman/beloved disciple, I thirst, It is finished
Study Notes: Each Gospel has unique sayings and details
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The Burial 4 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 27:57-66
Joseph of Arimathea, guard set
Mark
Mark 15:42-47
Women watch where laid
Luke
Luke 23:50-56
Prepared spices, rested on Sabbath
John
John 19:38-42
Nicodemus helps, 75 pounds spices
Study Notes: All four; John adds Nicodemus
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Resurrection

The Empty Tomb 4 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 28:1-10
Angel rolled stone, earthquake
Mark
Mark 16:1-8
Young man in white, afraid
Luke
Luke 24:1-12
Two men, Peter runs to tomb
John
John 20:1-10
Mary Magdalene, Peter and John race
Study Notes: All four; details vary but core is same
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Appearance to the Women 2 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 28:9-10
Jesus meets them, hold his feet
Mark
Not in Mark
Luke
Not in Luke
John
John 20:11-18
Mary Magdalene, don't cling to me
Study Notes: Matthew has group; John focuses on Mary Magdalene
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Road to Emmaus 2 Gospels
Matthew
Not in Matthew
Mark
Mark 16:12-13
Brief mention, different form
Luke
Luke 24:13-35
Full story, hearts burned, known in breaking bread
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Luke's unique detailed account
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Appearance to the Disciples 2 Gospels
Matthew
Not in Matthew
Mark
Not in Mark
Luke
Luke 24:36-49
Peace, touch me, eats fish
John
John 20:19-23
Doors locked, breathed on them, receive Spirit
Study Notes: Luke emphasizes physical reality; John adds Spirit-giving
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Thomas's Doubt and Faith 1 Gospel
Matthew
Not in Matthew
Mark
Not in Mark
Luke
Not in Luke
John
John 20:24-29
Unless I see and touch, my Lord and my God
Study Notes: Only in John; blessed who believe without seeing
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The Great Commission 4 Gospels
Matthew
Matthew 28:16-20
All authority, make disciples, baptize, I am with you
Mark
Mark 16:15-18
Go into all world, signs follow
Luke
Luke 24:44-49
Witnesses, wait for power
John
John 20:21-23
As Father sent me, I send you
Study Notes: Each Gospel has unique commissioning
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The Ascension 2 Gospels
Matthew
Not in Matthew
Mark
Mark 16:19
Taken up, sat at right hand
Luke
Luke 24:50-53
Blessed them, carried up, great joy
John
Not in John
Study Notes: Also in Acts 1:9-11 (Luke's second volume)
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