Introduction
The task of this article is to clearly show from the Gospels themselves how the deity of Jesus Christ developed over time.
All Christians are in agreement that the order of the Gospels are
Mark, then Matthew, then Luke, then John.
It is very important to remember this order.
I am going to show that over time, from the earliest Gospel that is Mark, the divinity of Jesus slowly begins to develop the later the Gospels become.
The article will be divided into sections
-Verses added to show Jesus as Son of God
-The word 'Lord' being exchanged for 'Rabbi'
-The word 'Lord' being exchanged for 'Teacher'
-Shifting from Mark to Matthew we see that Matthew is putting “My Father”
-Matthew is trying to take away the emphasis that Jesus stressed there is one lord
-Matthew is trying to change the relationship between Jesus and his God
-Covering up the human limitations of Jesus
-Development in the Resurrection Accounts
Verses added to show Jesus as Son of God
Mark 1:1
The beginning of the gospel about Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
If you look at the commentary below if you use the NIV bible, it says that some manuscripts do not have the phrase Son of God. So it is possible that this has been added.
Another example is that if you read Acts chapter 8, verse 37 is taken out of the RSV and NIV bible. That verse says
Philip said, "If you believe with all your heart, you may." The eunuch answered, "I believe that Jesus Christ is the Son of God."
Also look at the development of this incident from Mark's gospel to Matthew's
Mark 8:29
But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?" Peter answered, "You are the Christ.
Matthew 16:15-16
15"But what about you?" he asked. "Who do you say I am?"
16Simon Peter answered, "You are the Christ, the Son of the living God."
The word 'Lord' being exchanged for 'Rabbi'
Mark 9:5
Peter said to Jesus, "Rabbi, it is good for us to be here. Let us put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah."
Matthew 17:4
Peter said to Jesus, "Lord, it is good for us to be here. If you wish, I will put up three shelters—one for you, one for Moses and one for Elijah."
The word 'Lord' being exchanged for 'Teacher'
Mark 4:38
Jesus was in the stern, sleeping on a cushion. The disciples woke him and said to him, "Teacher, don't you care if we drown?"
Matthew 8:25
The disciples went and woke him, saying, "Lord, save us! We're going to drown!"
Shifting from Mark to Matthew we see that Matthew is putting “My Father”
Mark 3:35
Whoever does God's will is my brother and sister and mother
Matthew 12:50
For whoever does the will of my Father in heaven is my brother and sister and mother."
Matthew is trying to take away the emphasis that Jesus stressed there is one lord
Mark 12:29
The most important one," answered Jesus, "is this: 'Hear, O Israel, the Lord our God, the Lord is one.
Matthew does not even say that verse what so ever. Read Matthew 22:34-40 and see yourself.
Matthew is trying to change the relationship between Jesus and his God
Mark 10:18
"Why do you call me good?" Jesus answered. "No one is good—except God alone.
Matthew 19:17
"Why do you ask me about what is good?" Jesus replied. "There is only One who is good. If you want to enter life, obey the commandments."
Covering up the human limitations of Jesus
If you read the story of Jesus cursing the fig tree in Mark 11:12-15 (he did curse it, confirm in verse 21), you would not find it in Matthew's gospel in chapter 21 12-17.
Development in the Resurrection Accounts
I am going to give on example
Mark 16:8
8Trembling and bewildered, the women went out and fled from the tomb. They said nothing to anyone, because they were afraid.
Matthew 28:8
8So the women hurried away from the tomb, afraid yet filled with joy, and ran to tell his disciples.
Matthew's gospel contains the 'filled with joy' part to show that they were expecting the resurrection but in Mark they were afraid maybe because they never knew about it. Also in Mark it says that they said nothing to anyone. Therefore, who are the witnesses then of the empty tomb from the women? The story must have been manufactured.
There is much more on the development of the resurrection accounts. I must highly recommend everyone to read the debate "Did Jesus Really Rise from the Dead?" at http://www.infidels.org/library/modern/dan_barker/barker_horner.html
For more on resurrection difficulties you can visit http://ffrf.org/books/lfif/?t=stone
