The Synoptic Gospels do not teach that Jesus existed before his birth; they portray him as a mere mortal before his baptism.

The Synoptic Gospels, particularly Mark and Luke, provide evidence that Jesus is recognized as the Son of God and holds a divine status from the beginning of his ministry. Mark's Gospel begins by identifying Jesus as the Son of God, and the baptism narrative emphasizes the divine approval of Jesus as God's beloved Son. Similarly, Luke's Gospel aligns with this by quoting the prophetic texts that prepare the way for the Lord, indicating that Jesus is the fulfillment of these prophecies. Furthermore, the consistent theme across the Gospels is that Jesus is not merely a mortal but is endowed with a divine mission and identity. This understanding is crucial in recognizing that the Synoptic Gospels do not contradict the concept of Jesus' preexistence, but rather affirm it in their unique ways. Thus, the claim that the Synoptics do not teach Jesus' eternal preexistence is unfounded and overlooks the theological implications of their texts.