The Gospel Analysis: Explain How and Why Luke May Have Edited Mark’s Gospel.
A comparison and analysis of interrelationships between Luke and Mark relates to the study of Synoptic Gospels, which is a complex and challenging task. Therefore, it should be approached from historical, cultural, and verbal points of view as well, as a way to analyze both differences and similarities between the passages. There are various reasons that lead one to believe that Mark is one of the first of four Gospels that were written, which makes it possible to make an assumption that Luke has used Mark as a source (Brown, S. Kent, 12). As one notices the differences between certain parts of the Gospel, it leads to questioning of the reasons and motivations of Luke's changing or editing of Mark's text. In order to make the analysis clearer, Mark 14:3-9 will be contrasted with Luke 7:36-50. Even though the texts are not fully identical, there are strong similarities to be found in terms of content, narration, and use of language, which allows suggesting that Luke may have used a written copy of Mark's gospel as a primary source. The main concern here is evident omission, which can be seen in Mark 14:3-9, and in a way how Mark 3:31-35 contrasts with Luke 8:19-21.
It is cannot be determined definitely why Luke may have edited Mark, but one can outline several possible reasons. Firstly, Luke's narration and intentions differed from Mark, as Luke made it his task to explain what it means to be a disciple of Jesus, focusing on salvation and forgiveness instead of talking solely of discipleship. In a certain way, Luke sees discipleship in a different way, focusing on consecration instead of a learning curve, mistakes and the weaknesses of a person. An example here is an attitude and complaining for the waste of ointment. Mark does not clearly identify who "some" are in Mark 14:4 part of the Gospel, but it is possible to conclude that the talk goes of the disciples. The reason for editing may have been that Luke understood that the disciples objected to the anointing, so this part did not cohere with a message that he wanted to share. In other words, Mark's part of the Gospel shows a teaching, more human, cultural, and historical-related moment instead of an opportunity and example for consecration. Therefore it does not meet Luke's focus. It shows that Luke sees being a disciple differently from Mark who focuses on other narrative aspects.
Another factor that should be considered is Luke's attitude to the roles of women, paying special attention to wording and emotional structure of the sentences, which also contributes to the cultural context of the narration. An example can be seen in Luke 7:44, where a featured woman's acts of serving are redefined not as a task of demeaning nature, but as a key Christian act and faith, an essence of Christian devotion and leadership. Through the parable and comparison, …
