Archive for the ‘Portraits of Christ in the Gospels’ Category

Looking at the three synoptic Gospel accounts of the crucifixion, Luke is the only account that records Jesus asking His Father to forgive those who were crucifying Him, he also notes in detail the concern that Jesus shows for the thieves that were on either side of Him (absent from the other accounts)…telling one of them that he would soon be with Him in paradise. Luke ends his narrative by relating the centurion’s personal observation of Jesus being a righteous man.

This is one of the many occurrences in Luke that show a compassionate side of Jesus that goes unnoticed in the other Gospel accounts. Luke resides on Spoke 20 of the Bible Wheel and his Gospel focuses on the tender mercies of Jesus’ forgiveness.

Matt.27:43-51 He trusted in God; let him deliver him now, if he will have him: for he said, I am the Son of God. The thieves also, which were crucified with him, cast the same in his teeth. Now from the sixth hour there was darkness over all the land unto the ninth hour. And about the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani? that is to say, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? Some of them that stood there, when they heard that, said, This man calleth for Elias. And straightway one of them ran, and took a spunge, and filled it with vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink. The rest said, Let be, let us see whether Elias will come to save him. Jesus, when he had cried again with a loud voice, yielded up the ghost. And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;

Mark 15:25-38  And it was the third hour, and they crucified him. And the superscription of his accusation was written over, THE KING OF THE JEWS. And with him they crucify two thieves; the one on his right hand, and the other on his left. And the scripture was fulfilled, which saith, And he was numbered with the transgressors. And they that passed by railed on him, wagging their heads, and saying, Ah, thou that destroyest the temple, and buildest it in three days, Save thyself, and come down from the cross. Likewise also the chief priests mocking said among themselves with the scribes, He saved others; himself he cannot save. Let Christ the King of Israel descend now from the cross, that we may see and believe. And they that were crucified with him reviled him. And when the sixth hour was come, there was darkness over the whole land until the ninth hour. And at the ninth hour Jesus cried with a loud voice, saying, Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani? which is, being interpreted, My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? And some of them that stood by, when they heard it, said, Behold, he calleth Elias. And one ran and filled a spunge full of vinegar, and put it on a reed, and gave him to drink, saying, Let alone; let us see whether Elias will come to take him down. And Jesus cried with a loud voice, and gave up the ghost. And the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom.

Luke 23:33-34 And when they were come to the place, which is called Calvary, there they crucified him, and the malefactors, one on the right hand, and the other on the left. Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots…..39-47) And one of the malefactors which were hanged railed on him, saying, If thou be Christ, save thyself and us. But the other answering rebuked him, saying, Dost not thou fear God, seeing thou art in the same condemnation? And we indeed justly; for we receive the due reward of our deeds: but this man hath done nothing amiss. And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, To day shalt thou be with me in paradise. And it was about the sixth hour, and there was a darkness over all the earth until the ninth hour. And the sun was darkened, and the veil of the temple was rent in the midst. And when Jesus had cried with a loud voice, he said, Father, into thy hands I commend my spirit: and having said thus, he gave up the ghost. Now when the centurion saw what was done, he glorified God, saying, Certainly this was a righteous man.

Here is another occurrence of a healing in which Luke reflects a picture portraying a unique side of Jesus only present in his Gospel. Luke is the only one that mentions the fact that there were Doctors of the Law sitting by, and the Lord was there to heal their illnesses, in this account of the healing of the man that was sick of the Palsy.

What a wonderful complement that focuses on the concern of Luke the physician for the health and wellbeing of those around him.

Matt.8:5-10 And when Jesus was entered into Capernaum, there came unto him a centurion, beseeching him,  And saying, Lord, my servant lieth at home sick of the palsy, grievously tormented. And Jesus saith unto him, I will come and heal him. The centurion answered and said, Lord, I am not worthy that thou shouldest come under my roof: but speak the word only, and my servant shall be healed. For I am a man under authority, having soldiers under me: and I say to this man, Go, and he goeth; and to another, Come, and he cometh; and to my servant, Do this, and he doeth it. When Jesus heard it, he marvelled, and said to them that followed, Verily I say unto you, I have not found so great faith, no, not in Israel.

Mark 2:1-12 And again he entered into Capernaum after some days; and it was noised that he was in the house. And straightway many were gathered together, insomuch that there was no room to receive them, no, not so much as about the door: and he preached the word unto them. And they come unto him, bringing one sick of the palsy, which was borne of four. And when they could not come nigh unto him for the press, they uncovered the roof where he was: and when they had broken it up, they let down the bed wherein the sick of the palsy lay. When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee. 6)But there were certain of the scribes sitting there, and reasoning in their hearts, Why doth this man thus speak blasphemies? who can forgive sins but God only? And immediately when Jesus perceived in his spirit that they so reasoned within themselves, he said unto them, Why reason ye these things in your hearts? Whether is it easier to say to the sick of the palsy, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Arise, and take up thy bed, and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power on earth to forgive sins, (he saith to the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy bed, and go thy way into thine house. And immediately he arose, took up the bed, and went forth before them all; insomuch that they were all amazed, and glorified God, saying, We never saw it on this fashion.

Luke 5: 16-25 And he withdrew himself into the wilderness, and prayed. And it came to pass on a certain day, as he was teaching, that there were Pharisees and doctors of the law sitting by, which were come out of every town of Galilee, and Judaea, and Jerusalem: and the power of the Lord was present to heal them. And, behold, men brought in a bed a man which was taken with a palsy: and they sought means to bring him in, and to lay him before him. And when they could not find by what way they might bring him in because of the multitude, they went upon the housetop, and let him down through the tiling with his couch into the midst before Jesus. And when he saw their faith, he said unto him, Man, thy sins are forgiven thee. 21) And the scribes and the Pharisees began to reason, saying, Who is this which speaketh blasphemies? Who can forgive sins, but God alone? But when Jesus perceived their thoughts, he answering said unto them, What reason ye in your hearts? Whether is easier, to say, Thy sins be forgiven thee; or to say, Rise up and walk? But that ye may know that the Son of man hath power upon earth to forgive sins, (he said unto the sick of the palsy,) I say unto thee, Arise, and take up thy couch, and go into thine house. And immediately he rose up before them, and took up that whereon he lay, and departed to his own house, glorifying God.

It has long been noted the unique qualities expressed by each of the synoptic Gospels; individually reflecting an image of Jesus not present in their fellow Gospels. This article seeks to explore the depths of those reflections resulting in a fuller understanding of Jesus as the Son of God.

The verses below list three accounts in the synoptic Gospels of the healing of the leper by Jesus, each one has its own unique variation and reflection in telling the story. Mark is well known as being the Gospel of action which moves very quickly. This aspect of action shines forth distinctly in Mark from that of the other two accounts of the healing of the leaper. After the leaper is healed, Jesus tells him not to tell anyone of his healing. Luke tells us that soon the word was spread of his healing….whereas Mark tells us that the healed leaper himself goes forth and proclaims the word to many of his healing, spreading it widely abroad, amplifying the sense of “shouting it from the housetops to the world”, which is in perfect keeping with Mark’s Gospel of swift moving action.

In Mark the word he uses for beseeching is parakaleo, it is a emotionally charged word that carries the idea of imploring, or entreating, fitting well with Marks flavor of action and urgency. This is quite different from the word deomai that Luke uses, which carries more of a sense of making a request known, of a desire, or prayerful supplications. Then in Matthew an altogether different implication is drawn from the word he uses proskuneo, meaning to kneel in reverence before someone, reflecting Matthew’s theme of righteousness on Spoke 18 of the Bible Wheel, governed by the letter tzaddi.

Lastly, Luke the physician is the only one of the 3 Gospels to mentions the fact that multitudes came to hear the words of Jesus and be healed of their illnesses.

Matt. 8:1- 4 When he was come down from the mountain, great multitudes followed him. And, behold, there came a leper and worshipped (proskuneo) him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will; be thou clean. And immediately his leprosy was cleansed. And Jesus saith unto him, See thou tell no man; but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer the gift that Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them.

Mark 1:40-45 And there came a leper to him, imploring (parakaleo) him, and kneeling down to him, and saying unto him, If thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And Jesus, moved with compassion, put forth his hand, and touched him, and saith unto him, I will; be thou clean. And as soon as he had spoken, immediately the leprosy departed from him, and he was cleansed. And he straitly charged him, and forthwith sent him away; And saith unto him, See thou say nothing to any man: but go thy way, shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing those things which Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. But he went out, and began to proclaim (kerusso) it much , and to blaze abroad (diaphemizo) the matter (logos) insomuch that Jesus could no more openly enter into the city, but was without in desert places: and they came to him from every quarter.

Luke 5:12-15 And it came to pass, when he was in a certain city, behold a man full of leprosy: who seeing Jesus fell on his face, and desired (deomai) of him, saying, Lord, if thou wilt, thou canst make me clean. And he put forth his hand, and touched him, saying, I will: be thou clean. And immediately the leprosy departed from him. And he charged him to tell no man: but go, and shew thyself to the priest, and offer for thy cleansing, according as Moses commanded, for a testimony unto them. But soon there went there a fame abroad (logos dierchomai) of him: and great multitudes came together to hear, and to be healed by him of their infirmities.

Once again the Bible Wheel displays a magnificent synoptic connection portraying the elegance in which each Gospel uniquely reflects our Lord Jesus Christ. This link highlights the word friend which is a hallmark of Luke’s Gospel. Resh is the Hebrew letter that heads Spoke 20 on which the book of Luke resides. The Resh KeyWord Reyah meaning friend is the equivalent of the Greek word for friend philos, which is prominent in Luke’s Gospel. Below is a shinning example of Luke including the account of a friendship that was made between enemies….this fact was excluded from the other Gospel accounts of the same event.

In Luke’s account of Jesus being led before Pilate, he is the only Gospel that includes the event of Pilate sending Jesus to King Herod because Jesus was a Galilaean and that was in King Herod jurisdiction. Herod is exceedingly glad to see Jesus, hoping to see a miracle performed by him. Jesus stood before Herod, but said nothing…so Herod arrayed Jesus in a gorgeous robe and sent Him back to Pilate. What is so striking about this story is that Pilate and Herod who were enemies of one another were reconciled and became friends on that day, and the Gospel of Luke is the only Gospel that records that event.

Luke 23:1-18 And the whole multitude of them arose, and led him unto Pilate. And they began to accuse him, saying, We found this fellow perverting the nation, and forbidding to give tribute to Caesar, saying that he himself is Christ a King. And Pilate asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answered him and said, Thou sayest it. Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man. And they were the more fierce, saying, He stirreth up the people, teaching throughout all Jewry, beginning from Galilee to this place. When Pilate heard of Galilee, he asked whether the man were a Galilaean. And as soon as he knew that he belonged unto Herod’s jurisdiction, he sent him to Herod, who himself also was at Jerusalem at that time. And when Herod saw Jesus, he was exceeding glad: for he was desirous to see him of a long season, because he had heard many things of him; and he hoped to have seen some miracle done by him. Then he questioned with him in many words; but he answered him nothing. And the chief priests and scribes stood and vehemently accused him. And Herod with his men of war set him at nought, and mocked him, and arrayed him in a gorgeous robe, and sent him again to Pilate. And the same day Pilate and Herod were made friends together: for before they were at enmity between themselves. And Pilate, when he had called together the chief priests and the rulers and the people, Said unto them, Ye have brought this man unto me, as one that perverteth the people: and, behold, I, having examined him before you, have found no fault in this man touching those things whereof ye accuse him: No, nor yet Herod: for I sent you to him; and, lo, nothing worthy of death is done unto him. I will therefore chastise him, and release him. (For of necessity he must release one unto them at the feast.) And they cried out all at once, saying, Away with this man, and release unto us Barabbas:

Matt.27:2 And when they had bound him, they led him away, and delivered him to Pontius Pilate the governor…..11-16 And Jesus stood before the governor: and the governor asked him, saying, Art thou the King of the Jews? And Jesus said unto him, Thou sayest. And when he was accused of the chief priests and elders, he answered nothing. Then said Pilate unto him, Hearest thou not how many things they witness against thee? And he answered him to never a word; insomuch that the governor marvelled greatly. Now at that feast the governor was wont to release unto the people a prisoner, whom they would. And they had then a notable prisoner, called Barabbas.

Mark 15:1-7 And straightway in the morning the chief priests held a consultation with the elders and scribes and the whole council, and bound Jesus, and carried him away, and delivered him to Pilate. And Pilate asked him, Art thou the King of the Jews? And he answering said unto him, Thou sayest it. And the chief priests accused him of many things: but he answered nothing. And Pilate asked him again, saying, Answerest thou nothing? behold how many things they witness against thee. But Jesus yet answered nothing; so that Pilate marvelled. Now at that feast he released unto them one prisoner, whomsoever they desired. And there was one named Barabbas, which lay bound with them that had made insurrection with him, who had committed murder in the insurrection.

In re-reading the story of Lazarus and the rich man found only in the Gospel of Luke, some new insights became apparent that I had never noticed before. Viewing Lazarus as symbolic type of Christ, many strong similarities come to light painting a picture of our Lord often overlooked. First there is the comparison between the poor beggar Lazarus and the rich man (probably a religious leader) who is described as being clothed in purple and linen (priestly garments). Jesus lived in this world as a poor man with no place to lay his head, teaching His Disciples that it would be far easier for a camel to pass through “the eye of a needle” than for a rich man to enter heaven, because where ones treasures lie, there will be his heart also. Jesus knew that because of the religious leader’s position and wealth they thought they had a more righteous standing with God then did the poor, consequently their wealth and power blocked their entrance into heaven.

Luke 16:19-21 There was a certain rich man, which was clothed in purple and fine linen, and fared sumptuously every day: And there was a certain beggar (poor man, ptochos) named Lazarus, which was laid at his gate, full of sores, And desiring to be fed with the crumbs which fell from the rich man’s table: moreover the dogs came and licked his sores.

Matt.8:20 And Jesus saith unto him, The foxes have holes, and the birds of the air have nests; but the Son of man hath not where to lay his head.

Matt.19:23-24 Then said Jesus unto his disciples, Verily I say unto you, That a rich man shall hardly enter into the kingdom of heaven. And again I say unto you, It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle, than for a rich man to enter into the kingdom of God.

Luke 12:33-34 Sell that ye have, and give alms; provide yourselves bags which wax not old, a treasure in the heavens that faileth not, where no thief approacheth, neither moth corrupteth. For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also.

When Lazarus dies he is carried by the angles to Father Abrahams bosom, this is the exact language that Jesus uses when he speaks of Himself being in the bosom of the Father. The rich man also dies and goes to Hades and from the grave he cries to father Abraham asking for mercy that he might send Lazarus to him and he may dip his finger in water, for he is tormented in the flame. This gives a perfect portrayal of the saving water given by Christ (who was sent from God) that allows us to stand before our God who is a consuming fire.

Luke 16:22-24 And it came to pass, that the beggar died, and was carried by the angels into Abraham’s bosom: the rich man also died, and was buried; And in hell he lift up his eyes, being in torments, and seeth Abraham afar off, and Lazarus in his bosom. And he cried and said, Father Abraham, have mercy on me, and send Lazarus, that he may dip the tip of his finger in water, and cool my tongue; for I am tormented in this flame.

John 1:18 No man hath seen God at any time; the only begotten Son, which is in the bosom of the Father, he hath declared him

John 4:14 But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life.

Heb.12:29 For our God is a consuming fire.

The narrative continues with father Abraham conversing with the rich man who is pleading with him to send Lazarus (who is now comforted) to his five brethren, for if his five brethren could see one who has risen from the dead they would repent. As we know when Jesus raised Martha’s brother Lazarus from the dead the religious leaders took counsel to have Jesus put to death.  And as the rich man asked: God did send His only begotten Son into the world; He was crucified and rose from the dead (as requested by the rich man), and there are many who still do not believe even though one rose from the dead!

Luke 16: 25-31 But Abraham said, Son, remember that thou in thy lifetime receivedst thy good things, and likewise Lazarus evil things: but now he is comforted, and thou art tormented. And beside all this, between us and you there is a great gulf fixed: so that they which would pass from hence to you cannot; neither can they pass to us that would come from thence. Then he said, I pray thee therefore, father, that thou wouldest send him (Lazarus) to my father’s house: For I have five brethren; that he may testify unto them, lest they also come into this place of torment. Abraham saith unto him, They have Moses and the prophets; let them hear them. And he said, Nay, father Abraham: but if one went unto them from the dead, they will repent. And he said unto him, If they hear not Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded, though one rose from the dead.

John 14:16 And I will pray the Father, and he shall give you another Comforter, that he may abide with you for ever;

John 16:17 Nevertheless I tell you the truth; It is expedient for you that I go away: for if I go not away, the Comforter will not come unto you; but if I depart, I will send him unto you.

John 11:44 And he that was dead came forth, bound hand and foot with graveclothes: and his face was bound about with a napkin. Jesus saith unto them, Loose him, and let him go…..53) Then from that day forth they took counsel together for to put him to death.

Luke 23:34 Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.

Luke 24:6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

Throughout the history of the written Bible, scholars have long noted the unique qualities each of the Gospels display in their presentation of Christ. Each of the 4 Gospels presents a different aspect of our Lord, all the while giving an accurate account of His life and teaching.

One such example is the phrase “Kingdom of Heaven”. The only place in the entire Bible that the term Kingdom of Heaven is used is in the book of Matthew, and it happens 32 times! What is the Apostle Matthew conveying to us in his usage of “Heaven”? The other Gospels, and the rest of the Bible uses the term “Kingdom of God”, even in parallel passages where the other Gospels use Kingdom of God, Matthew will use Kingdom of Heaven. One good example is in the Beatitudes….

Matt. 5:3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

Luke 6:20 And he lifted up his eyes on his disciples, and said, Blessed be yepoor: for yours is the kingdom of God.

…. and there are many more.

Another interesting reflection of Christ portrayed differently in a parallel passage of the Gospel of Matt. then it is in Luke, is where Matthew speaks of confessing Christ before “my Father which is in heaven”, whereas Luke relates the same event but uses very different wording. Luke uses the words of confessing Christ before “the angels of God” giving a different reflection on the same teaching. The color that Matthew seems to be painting is one of a very personal nature. He speaks of “my Father in heaven”, giving the teaching a very intimate touch, whereas in Luke it is comes across as more of a “reporting the facts” tone in keeping with the theme of the Gospel of man.

Luke 12:6-10 Are not five sparrows sold for two farthings, and not one of them is forgotten before God? But even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear not therefore: ye are of more value than many sparrows. Also I say unto you, Whosoever shall confess me before men, him shall the Son of man also confess before the angels of God: But he that denieth me before men shall be denied before the angels of God. And whosoever shall speak a word against the Son of man, it shall be forgiven him: but unto him that blasphemeth against the Holy Ghost it shall not be forgiven.

Matt. 10:29-33 Are not two sparrows sold for a farthing?and one of them shall not fall on the ground without your Father. But the very hairs of your head are all numbered. Fear ye not therefore, ye are of more value than many sparrows. Whosoever therefore shall confess me before men, him will I confess also before my Father which is in heaven. But whosoever shall deny me before men, him will I also deny before my Father which is in heaven.

Another wonderful example of Matthew’s personal tone is found again in parallel passages of Matthew, Mark and Luke where we see that once again Matthew refers to God as “my Father”, whereas in the other two Gospels it says Kingdom of God.

Matt.26:29 But I say unto you, I will not drink henceforth of this fruit of the vine, until that day when I drink it new with you in my Father’s kingdom.

Mark 14:25 Verily I say unto you, I will drink no more of the fruit of the vine, until that day that I drink it new in the kingdom of God.

Luke 22:18 For I say unto you, I will not drink of the fruit of the vine, until the kingdom of God shall come.

There are numerous examples such as these that the Bible Wheel greatly exemplifies, displaying the unique qualities of the Gospels by the way the books line up on the Spokes which are each governed by a specific Hebrew letter. http://www.biblewheel.com/default.asp

Another occurrence of differences in the parallel passages, that adds great depth to our understanding of Jesus through the eyes of the Gospel writers is in this account where Matthew mentions “my Father in heaven” and “kingdom of heaven” whereas the parallel passage in Mark does not. This once again displays the emphasized usage of Father, and Heaven found only in the Gospel of Matthew, giving us an intimate reflection of Christ through the eyes of Matthew.

Matt. 16:15-20 He saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Simon Peter answered and said, Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God. And Jesus answered and said unto him, Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona: for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father which is in heaven. And I say also unto thee, That thou art Peter, and upon this rock I will build my church; and the gates of hell shall not prevail against it. And I will give unto thee the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatsoever thou shalt loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. 20.) Then charged he his disciples that they should tell no man that he was Jesus the Christ.

Mark 8:29-30 And he saith unto them, But whom say ye that I am? And Peter answereth and saith unto him, Thou art the Christ. ————–> 30.) And he charged them that they should tell no man of him.

Another point to note in these two parallel passages between Matthew and Mark, is that Mark being well noted as the “Gospel that runs” continues to be true to his character displaying a very condensed version of this account of Peter’s confession of Jesus as the Christ.

Again we see a parallel passage in the Gospels in which Matthew speaks of “my Father in heaven” and the parallel passage uses another term. In this case it is Mark who uses the term “will of God” instead of Matthews “will of my Father which is in heaven”, once more showing us in subtle ways the reflection of intimate reverence that colors Matthew’s Gospel.

Matt. 12:50 For whosoever shall do the will of my Father which is in heaven, the same is my brother, and sister, and mother.

Mark 3:35 For whosoever shall do the will of God, the same is my brother, and my sister, and mother.

The grand finale occurs in the Garden of Gethsemane, as we have seen in other parallel verses, Matthew shows an intimate reverence when recording the Words of Christ as He speaks to His Father. In this grand finale of events, which has parallel verses in all the Gospels, once again we see Matthew’s choice of words to be in keeping with the theme of personal reverence that has been displayed in many other parallel verses throughout the Gospels.

Matt. 26:36-44 Then cometh Jesus with them unto a place called Gethsemane, and saith unto the disciples, Sit ye here, while I go and pray yonder. And he took with him Peter and the two sons of Zebedee, and began to be sorrowful and very heavy. Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death: tarry ye here, and watch with me. And he went a little further, and fell on his face, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me: nevertheless not as I will, but as thou wilt. And he cometh unto the disciples, and findeth them asleep, and saith unto Peter, What, could ye not watch with me one hour? Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh weak. He went away again the second time, and prayed, saying, O my Father, if this cup may not pass away from me, except I drink it, thy will be done. And he came and found them asleep again: for their eyes were heavy. And he left them, and went away again, and prayed the third time, saying the same words.

Mark 14:32-41 And they came to a place which was named Gethsemane: and he saith to his disciples, Sit ye here, while I shall pray. And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy; And saith unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful unto death: tarry ye here, and watch. And he went forward a little, and fell on the ground, and prayed that, if it were possible, the hour might pass from him. And he said, Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt. And he cometh, and findeth them sleeping, and saith unto Peter, Simon, sleepest thou? couldest not thou watch one hour? Watch ye and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. The spirit truly is ready, but the flesh is weak. And again he went away, and prayed, and spake the same words. And when he returned, he found them asleep again, (for their eyes were heavy,) neither wist they what to answer him. And he cometh the third time, and saith unto them, Sleep on now, and take your rest: it is enough, the hour is come; behold, the Son of man is betrayed into the hands of sinners.

Luke 22:39-46 And he came out, and went, as he was wont, to the mount of Olives; and his disciples also followed him. And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. And he was withdrawn from them about a stone’s cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation.

Reverence of the Father which the Gospel of Matthew displays by using the term “my Father” is wrapped up in the theme of “Righteousness” that is the hallmark of Matthew’s Gospel on Spoke 18, which is governed by the Hebrew letter “Tzaddi”, meaning righteousness http://www.biblewheel.com/Wheel/Spokes/Tzaddi_God.asp.

Righteousness colors the Gospel of Matthew in many ways, first being the dominant usage of the word righteousness above all the other Gospels, occurring 15 times compared to 5 times or less in the other Gospels. Then there is the inclusion of righteousness in at least 7 of the parallel passages, that is left out in the other Gospels.

Here is another passage in Matthew, colored once again by his personification of God, speaking in reverential terms by calling Him “my Father“.

Matt.24:35-36 Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels of heaven, but my (mou) Father only.

Mark 13:31 Heaven and earth shall pass away: but my words shall not pass away. But of that day and that hour knoweth no man, no, not the angels which are in heaven, neither the Son, but the Father.

In looking at the account of the betrayal of Jesus in the Synoptic Gospels, again only in Matthew is the term “my Father” used, but what really blew me away was when I noticed that in the account of the servant of the high priests whose ear was cut off, only in the Gospel of Luke (the physician) does it mention that Jesus touched his ear and “healed” it!

Matt. 26:51-56 And, behold, one of them which were with Jesus stretched out his hand, and drew his sword, and struck a servant of the high priest’s, and smote off his ear. Then said Jesus unto him, Put up again thy sword into his place: for all they that take the sword shall perish with the sword. Thinkest thou that I cannot now pray to my Father, and he shall presently give me more than twelve legions of angels? But how then shall the scriptures be fulfilled, that thus it must be? In that same hour said Jesus to the multitudes, Are ye come out as against a thief with swords and staves for to take me? I sat daily with you teaching in the temple, and ye laid no hold on me. But all this was done, that the scriptures of the prophets might be fulfilled. Then all the disciples forsook him, and fled.

Mark 14:47-50 And one of them that stood by drew a sword, and smote a servant of the high priest, and cut off his ear. And Jesus answered and said unto them, Are ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and with staves to take me? I was daily with you in the temple teaching, and ye took me not: but the scriptures must be fulfilled. And they all forsook him, and fled.

Luke 22:50 And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him. Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness.

The Gospel pallet truly paints a magnificent picture of our Lord!