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THE SYNOPTIC PROBLEM OF THE GOSPELS

      The special emphasis of Luke is the humanity of Jesus. Like the other gospel writers he represents Jesus as the son of God, but rather features Jesus sympathy for the weak, the suffering and the outcast.      It is commonly thought that, while each of the gospels was intended ultimately for all mankind, Matthew had in immediate view the Jews mark the Romans, and Luke the Greeks.      Jewish civilization had been built around their scriptures. Therefore Matthew appeals to their scriptures.     Roman civilization gloried in the idea of government, power. Therefore Mark calls particular attention to the miracles of Jesus as exhibiting his superhuman power.     Greek civilization represented culture, philosophy, wisdom, reason, beauty, education. Therefore, to appeal to the thoughtful, cultured, philosophic Greek mind, Luke, in a complete, orderly and classical story, which has been called “the most beautiful book ever written”, depicts the glorious beauty and perfect

THE REAL PURPOSE OF JESUS MIRACLES

           They were usually wrought by the act of Jesus’ will, or by his word; sometimes by his touch, or the laying on of his hands. Occasionally he used saliva.            Jesus’ miracles imply an exercise of creative power. They accord with his miraculous origin, sinless nature, and moral perfection. They were a part of God’s way of authenticating Jesus’ mission. Jesus said that if he had not done works that no other ever did, they would not have had sin, thus indicating that he regarded his miracles as proofs that he was from God. Then, too, his miracles were the natural expression of his sympathy for suffering humanity.            Aside from supernatural manifestations, such as the angelic announcements , the virgin birth, the star that guided the wise-men, Jesus passing through hostile mobs, cleansing the temple, his transfiguration, the soldiers falling, the darkness at the crucifixion, the veil rent, the tombs opened, the earthquake, Jesus’ resurrection, angel appe

THE GERASENE DEMONIAC

             Matthew says Gadarenes. Mark and Luke say Gergesa is identified with the ruins now called Kerza [Kersa, Gergesa], Gadara is thought to have been further south, near the southeast corner of the sea, a large city that give its name to the surrounding country. Gerasa was the particular village near which the incident happened. It is about five miles from the Jordan entrance. Just south of it is the only place where the steep hills come close to the water.          Matthew says there are two demoniacs. Luke and Mark mention only one, probably because he was the more notable, and more violent, of the two, and spokesman. A dangerous, wild lunatic, of immense muscular strength, dwelling naked among the tombs and in the desert, mutilating himself, and screaming in pain.          There were many demons, legion, in the two, probably most of them in the more violent man. There were 2,000 swine, probably at least that many demons.         They recognized the authority of