Why is John's Gospel set apart from the Synoptic Gospels?
John's Gospel is set apart because the three Synoptic Gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—predominantly emphasize Christ's humanity, depicting Him as King, Servant, and Son of Man. John, however, deals with Christ as God, and even shows Him speaking to the Father rather than praying, since as God He did not need to pray.
Les explains that John is the fourth Gospel, even in chronological order of their writing. Matthew was written first, depicting Christ as King; Mark depicts Him as Servant; Luke as Son of Man. Those three are called the Synoptic Gospels, and although they present the Messiah, the Son of God, it is predominantly His humanity that is in force. John is set apart from the three because now we are dealing with Christ as God. Les gives a tidbit: in the Synoptic Gospels, the language is correct—He prays to the Father. But in John's Gospel, even contrary to the King James, translators used 'He prayed' to the Father, and that's not the Greek. As God, He didn't have to pray to God; He simply spoke to Him and said.