text: Dennis, Cael,
  In the context of this (nice) interchange of ideas, I might suggest one more. I think it important to understand that the world into which Jesus was born, was a transitional period for much of the "religious" world. Generally, the key transition was one from polytheism (primarily from the greco/roman systems) to monotheism. The question of the day at least around the time of Jesus, was this: if there is one God, then which one is the "only" God? There were many in the Jewish community who claimed to be prophets, and later, the "savior" or the "son of God," or even God himself.  
  
  As the "competition" heated up as to which God would end up being accepted, there was no shortage of those who claimed miracles, raisings from the dead, ascensions, supernatural healing powers, etc.  This period did not end at the death of Jesus, but continued on.  So it was against THAT backdrop that those who wrote the gospels may well be seen as "in competition..."  as they make their pitch.