thumb|The [[calming the storm|calming of the storm is recounted in each of the three synoptic gospels, but not in John.]]
The gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke are referred to as the synoptic Gospels because they include many of the same stories, often in a similar sequence and in similar or sometimes identical wording. They stand in contrast to John, whose content is largely distinct. The term synoptic (; ) comes via Latin from the Greek , synopsis, i.e. "(a) seeing all together, synopsis".