John and the Synoptics: A Case Study of Gospel Parallels in John 12 & 13 (original) (raw)

This study will take as a working assumption that John knew at least part of the synoptic tradition, if not all of it, but intentionally chose to make a change. If that is the case, for what purpose did John offer an alternative to the synoptic story? What significance do John's changes have? Chapters 12 and 13 of John offer an opportunity for us to explore this question in miniature. This section contains several passages that parallel Matthew, Luke, and especially Mark, while at the same time having a plentitude of uniquely Johannine material. We will use it as a case study.