Religious studies New Testament: compare four understandings of Jesus’ teaching by early Christian believers (the authors of the gospels of Mark, Matthew, Luke and Thomas). 

Students will prepare a written exercise, approximately five pages in length, on Mark 4:30-32 and parallels (the “mustard seed” parable). The exercise will allow students to compare four understandings of Jesus’ teaching by early Christian believers (the authors of the gospels of Mark, Matthew, Luke and Thomas).

Instruction:

1. Make a detailed, synoptic comparison of Mark 4:30-32 with Matthew 13:31-32, noting similarities and differences.

2. Make a detailed, synoptic comparison of Mark 4:30-32 with Luke 13:18-19, noting similarities and differences.

3. Make a detailed, synoptic comparison of Matthew 13:31-32 with Luke 13:18-19, noting similarities and differences.

4. Make a detailed, synoptic comparison of Gospel of Thomas 20:1-2 with Mark 4:30-32, Matthew 13:31-32, Luke 13:18-19, noting similarities and differences.

5. Seek to discern the relationships between the four versions of the parable. Is Matthew 13:31-32 dependent upon Mark 4:30-32? Is there evidence that Matthew and Luke shared a second, common source (Q) for this parable?

6. State the meaning of the parable in each version. What does the parable mean in Matthew’s gospel? in Mark’s gospel? In Luke’s gospel? In Thomas? Pay special attention to the context of the parable in each gospel.