Walking With Jesus
LOC - 002 - The Authors of the Four Gospels

Matthew

Written to: The Jews
Theme: Jesus is the Messiah: The King of the Jews.
Key Phrase: “Kingdom of Heaven,” the Kingdom God had promised.
The key verse is stated at the very beginning. Matthew 1:20-23 (v.22) “...Now all this took place that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled...”

Key Word: “Fulfilled”: Jesus has fulfilled all of the prophecies of the Old Testament.
Focus: What Jesus said.
Date: The Gospel according to Matthew was written around 60-70 A.D.
Author: Matthew is credited as being the author, although nothing is said about it in the Gospel.

Matthew - A Topical Outline

Birth and Infancy of the Messiah 1:1—2:23
Genealogy 1:1-17
Birth Narratives 1:18-2:18
Removal to Nazareth 2:19-23
Prelude to the Messianic Ministry 3:1—4:25
Preparation Ministry of John the Baptist 3:1-12
Baptism of Jesus 3:13-17
Temptation of Jesus 4:1-11
Summary of Galilean Ministry 4:12-25
Discourse 1: Righteousness of the Kingdom 5:1—7:29
The Beatitudes 5:1-16
The Character of Kingdom Righteousness 5:17-48
The Practice of Kingdom Righteousness 6:1—7:12
The Choice of the Kingdom 7:13-27
The Manner of Jesus’ Teaching 7:28-29
Narrative 1: Mighty Deeds of the Kingdom 8:1—9:38
A Series of Miracles 8:1—9:8
The Kingdom and the Old Order 9:9-17
More Miracles 9:18-83
Discourse 2: Proclamation of the Kingdom 10:1-42
The Preachers and Their Mission 10:1-15
The Response To Be Expected 10:16-42
Narrative 2: The Presence of the Kingdom 11:1—12:50
The Kingdom and John the Baptist 11:1-15
The Challenge to the Present Generation 11:16-30
Opposition to the Kingdom 12:1-45
Fellowship in the Kingdom 12:46-50
Discourse 3: Mystery of the Kingdom 13:1-58
The Parable of the Sower 13:1-9
Parabolic Method Explained 13:10-23
Other Parables 13:24-52
The Response to Jesus’ Parables 13:53-58
Narrative 3: Crisis of the Kingdom 14:1—17:27
Crisis of Opposition 14:1—15:20
Withdrawal to the North 15:21-39
Further Conflict 16:1-12
Crisis of Faith 16:13-20
Preparation of Jesus’ Disciples for His Death 16:21—17:27
Discourse 4: Fellowship of the Kingdom 18:1-35
Humility 18:1-20
Forgiveness 18:21-35
Narrative 4: Conflict Caused by the Kingdom 19:1—23:39
Teachings on the Way to Jerusalem 19:1—20:28
Healing at Jericho 20:29-34
Events in Jerusalem 21:1-22
Controversies with the Jews 21:23—22:46
Denunciations of the Scribes and Pharisees 23:1-39
Discourse 5: Future of the Kingdom 24:1—25:46
Prophecy of the Coming of the Kingdom 24:1-36
Warnings to Readiness 24:37—25:30
The Judgment of Nations 25:31-46
Passion of the King 26:1—27:66
The Plot to Betray Jesus 26:1-16
The Last Supper 26:17-30
Events in Gethsemane 26:31-56
The Trials 26:57—27:26
The Crucifixion 27:27-56
Burial 27:57-66
The Resurrection 28:1-20
The Women and the Angel 28:1-10
False Witness of the Guards 28:11-15
The Ascension 28:16-20

The Prophecies of the Messiah Realized
The Advent 1:1—4:11
Preaching of John the Baptist 3:1-12
The Principles of the Messiah Announced
The Inaugural Address (Sermon on the Mount) 4:12—7:29
Challenge to Enter 7:13-14
The Power of the Messiah Revealed
The Miracles 8:1—11:1
Challenge to Follow 10:34-39
The Commission 10:1-42
The Program of the Messiah Explained
The Parables 11:2—13:53
Challenge to Acceptance 11:28
Challenge to Understanding 13:51
The Parables 13:1-52
The Purpose of the Messiah Declared
The Crisis of the Cross 13:54—19:2
Challenge to Testify 16:13-15
The Meaning of Forgiveness 18:1-35
The Problems of the Messiah Presented
Conflict with Opponents 19:3—26:2
Challenge to Repentance 23:37-39
Denunciation and Prediction 23:1—25:46
The Passion of the Messiah Accomplished
The Death and Resurrection 26:3—28:10
Epilogue
Rumor and Reality 28:11-15
Challenge to Action 28:16-17
The Great Commission 28:18-20

Mark

Written to: The Romans
Theme: Jesus is the Son of God
Key Verse: 10:45 “...For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many.”
Key Word: “Immediately”: Jesus was always “doing” something. The action in this Gospel moves rapidly from one event to another.
Focus: The Super-Human Power of Jesus: What He did as opposed to what He said.
Key Phrase: “Jesus as a Servant” (10:45)
Date: 60-70 A.D.
Author: John Mark, under the instruction of Peter.

Mark – A Detailed Outline

The Period of Preparation 1:1-13
Ministry of John 1:1-8
Baptism of Jesus 1:9-11
The Temptation of Jesus 1:12-13
The Galilean Ministry 1:14—9:50
First Period (Popularity) 1:14—3:12
The First Four Disciples 1:14-20
A Busy Day at Capernaum 1:21-45
Healing the Paralytic 2:1-12
The Call of Levi (Matthew) 2:13-22
Sabbath Controversy 2:23-22
Second Period (Specialized) 3:13—7:23
Friends and Foes 3:13-35
Teachings in Parables 4:1-34
First Withdrawal: Gerasene Demoniac 4:35—5:20
Raising Jarius’ Daughter 5:21-43
Rejection at Nazareth 6:1-6
Mission of the Twelve 6:7-13
Death of John the Baptist 6:14-29
Second Withdrawal: Feeding of the Five Thousand 6:30-56
Controversy over Cleansing 7:1-23
Third Period (Concluding) 7:24—9:50
Third Withdrawal: Tyre & Sidon 7:24-30
Healing the Deaf Mute 7:31-37
Fourth Withdrawal: Feeding the Four Thousand 8:1-10
Teaching and Healing 8:11-26
Fifth Withdrawal: Caesarea Philippi 8:27—9:1
The Transfiguration 9:2-29
Teaching on Humility 9:30-50
Perean Ministry 10:1-52
Teaching on Divorce 10:1-16
Riches and Ambition 10:17-45
Blind Bartimaeus 10:46-52
Passion Week 11:1—15:47
SONday: The Triumphal Entry 11:1-11
Monday: Cursing the Fig Tree 11:12-14
Cleansing the Temple 11:15-19
Tuesday: Faith and Fear 11:20-33
Parable and Controversy 12:1-44
The Olivet Discourse 13:1-37
The Anointing at Bethany 14:1-11
Thursday: The Last Supper 14:12-25
Friday: Jesus in Gethsemane 14:26-52
The Jewish Trials 14:53-72
The Roman Trial 15:1-20
The Crucifixion and Burial 15:21-47
The Resurrection 16:1-20

Luke

Written to: The Gentiles: Greeks, non-Jews.
Theme: A chronological account of the Life of Jesus.
Key Verse: 1:3 “...it seemed fitting for me as well, having investigated everything carefully from the beginning, to write it out for you in consecutive order...” Another Key Verse is 19:10: “The Son of man is come to seek and to save that which was lost.”
Key Word: Savior
Focus: Jesus the Man, the Divine Human Savior. Luke looks at Jesus’ life and His miracles.
Date: 64-70 A.D.
Author: Luke, the physician

Luke - A Detailed Outline

The Gospel’s Preface 1:1-4
Preparation for the Savior’s Mission 1:5-80
Birth of the Savior’s Forerunner 1:5-80
Birth and Childhood of the Savior of the World 2:1-52
The Savior’s Way Prepared by the Forerunner 3:1-20
Baptism, Genealogy, and Temptation of the Savior 3:21—4:13
Galilean Ministry of Jesus 4:14—9:50
Jesus’ Declaration that He is the Savior Sent by God 4:14-32
Revelation of His Divine Authority 4:33—5:26
Jesus’ Role as Savior of Sinners 5:27-32
Inauguration of a New Order by the Savior 5:33—6:49
Revelation of His Unlimited Power 7:1—8:56
Continued Revelation of His Divine Authority 9:1-27
The Savior’s Divine Glory Revealed 9:28-50
Journey from Galilee to Jerusalem 9:51—19:44
The Savior’s Mission of Redemption 9:51—10:37
The Savior’s Special Instructions on Service and Prayer 10:38—11:13
Christ’s Warnings to Both Enemies and Followers 11:14—14:35
The Savior of the Lost 15:1-32
The Savior’s Commands to His Followers 16:1—17:10
Ingratitude of Nine Lepers Healed by the Savior 17:11-19
Suddenness of His Return Predicted 17:20—18:14
The Savior, Little Children and the Rich Young Man 18:15-30
Toward the End of the Journey 18:31—19:44
The Last Days of the Savior, His Crucifixion & Burial 19:45—23:56
Second Cleansing of the Temple: Silencing His Enemies 19:45—21:4
Coming Destruction of Jerusalem Announced 21:5-24
His Return to be in Glory and Majesty 21:25-36
Judas’ Arrangement to Betray Jesus 21:37—22:6
Institution of the Holy Communion 22:7-38
The Savior’s Atonement for the Sin of the World 22:39—23:56
Resurrection, Appearances, & Ascension of the Risen Lord 24:1-53
The Savior’s Triumph over Death 24:1-35
Doubts of His Followers Dispelled 24:36-49
The Savior’s Return in Triumph to the Father 24:50-53

John

Written to: Unbelievers
Theme: “...that you might believe...” John is a spiritual Gospel. It is a revelation of Who Jesus is.
Key Verse: 20:30-31 “...these things are written that you might believe...”
Focus: Who Jesus IS! The King, not the Kingdom. Jesus is the King. Jesus is portrayed as deity, the mystery of the person of Jesus. He was like a man, yet unlike man. John focuses on Jesus the Man, Who He was, and what He did.
Date: 90 A.D.
Author: John, the Apostle

The Revelation of the Word in Eternity 1:1-2
The Revelation of the Word in Creation 1:3-4, 9
The Revelation of the Word in Redemption 1:5—21:25
The Sweeping Witness of the Prologue 1:9-14, 16-18
The Crowning Witness of the Old Dispensation 1:5-8, 15, 19-28
The Opening Witness of the New Dispensation 1:29-51
The Great Signs and Public Discourses 2:1—12:11
The First Sign: Water and Wine 2:1-12
The Second Sign: Cleansing the Temple 2:13-22
Feast: Messiah in the Temple: Passover 2:23-25
Discourse (Nicodemus): Christ the Source of New Life 3:1-21
Dispute over John the Baptist and Jesus 3:22—4:3
Discourse (Samaritan Woman): Christ the Water of Life 4:4-42
The Third Sign: Healing at a Distance 4:43-54
Feast: Messiah in the Temple: Passover 5:1
The Fourth Sign: Healing the Impotent Man on the Sabbath 5:2-16
Discourse (Scribes & Pharisees): Christ the Divine Son 5:17-47
The Fifth Sign: Feeding the Five Thousand 6:1-15
The Sixth Sign: Walking on Water 6:16-21
Discourse (Multitudes): Christ the Bread of Life 6:22-59
Discourse (Disciples): Christ the Life-giving Spirit 6:60-71
Feast: Messiah in the Temple: (Dedication) 7:1-52
The Woman Taken in Adultery 7:53—8:11
Discourse (Pharisees): Christ the Light of the World 8:12-30
Discourse (Professed Followers): Christ the Fount of Freedom 8:31-59
The Seventh Sign: Healing the Man Born Blind 9:1-41
Discourse (Pharisees): Christ the Good Shepherd 10:1-21
Feast: Messiah in the Temple: Dedication 10:22-42
The Eighth Sign: Raising Lazarus 11:1-44
Withdrawal to Ephraim as Jews Lie in Wait 11:45-54
Jesus Anointed by Mary in Bethany 11:55—12:11
The Climatic Passion Week 12:12—19:42
The Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (SONday) 12:12-19
The Gentiles Seek for Jesus (Tuesday) 12:20-36
The Jews Reject Jesus 12:37-50
Feast: Messiah in the Temple: Passover and Lord’s Supper (Thursday)
Jesus Instructs by Example 13:1-38
Discourses in Parting (Disciples): Christ’s Legacy to His Followers
Discourse on Comfort 14:1-31
Discourse on Admonition 15:1-27
Discourse on Prediction 16:1-33
Prayer for Intercession 17:1-26
Betrayal and Arrest in Gethsemane (Friday) 18:1-12
Trial of Jesus 18:13—19:16
Crucifixion and Burial 19:16-42
The Risen Lord and His Redeemed Family 20:1—21:25
The Empty Tomb 20:1-18
Other Resurrection Appearances 20:19—21:2
Instructions to His Disciples 21:3-23
Devotional Postscript 21:24-25

(Masada was built between 22 and 10 BC as a fortress for Herod. Jesus never visited there, but it factors strongly in Jewish history in AD 70 when over 1,000 Jews killed their families and each other until the last man who committed suicide rather than fall into the hands of the Romans where were ready to storm the walls and capture them.) Photograph courtesy of Glen & Sylvia Copple

LOC – 002 – The Authors of the Four Gospels

Lesson Objectives

God prepared and guided four men to write the Gospels.
Each writer targets a specific audience and purpose.
Four different writers tell their perspectives of Jesus’ life and teachings.
Jesus is both God and man (deity and human.)

Lesson Commentary

Welcome to “Walking With Jesus,” the life and teachings of Jesus Christ Bible study series. Many people since the days of Christ have desired to know Jesus just like the Greeks who were in Jerusalem around the time of His Crucifixion (John 12:21.) Even more people claim to believe in Him, but how many really know anything about Him, His life and teachings? In this lesson, we are going to look at the four writers and their audiences, backgrounds and style. This way, we will be better able to understand why they tell the story about Jesus the way that they do.

Matthew

Author: None of the four Gospels identify their authors. The names of the writers were added later and represent the thinking of the early Church.

Matthew doesn’t identify himself as the author, but he is given such credit from the earliest of scholars to today. Matthew, also known as Levi, was a Jew who was a tax collector for the Roman government in the city of Capernaum. This made him despised among his brethren. He was considered a traitor. Why would Jesus want to have anything to do with such a man?

He gave up his past to become a disciple of Christ. Later, Jesus chose him to be one of the Apostles.

Matthew’s arrangement of the events of Jesus is both biographical and topical. Rather than just follow a specific order of events, he also dealt with particular topics. The biographical part is in two sections. The first section begins in 4:17; the second begins in 16:21.

Mark

Author: John Mark, under the instruction of Peter

John Mark is credited with being the author. His mother’s name was Mary. He was a cousin of Barnabas. He started with Paul on his first missionary journey, but turned back. Later he was found with Paul in Rome; however, tradition suggests that he was more closely connected to Peter. His Gospel strongly reflects Peter’s character. The personality of Peter is reflected in almost every page. Mark’s Gospel has movement, quick, and impulsive. Rapidity of action is a main characteristic. Mark has been called a moving picture of the ministry of Jesus.

Overview: The Gospel of Mark seems directed mainly at Rome and was possibly written there. It is also an active Gospel. Either Mark had a personality much like Peter’s or Peter had a strong influence in writing this Gospel. Many scholars consider the latter to be a strong possibility. Mark isn’t concerned with chronological order. Roman civilization gloried in government and power. Therefore, Mark concentrates more on what Jesus did.

Mark uses ten Latin words not found elsewhere in the New Testament. He also explains customs because he is writing to Gentiles. Mark shows the active side of Jesus. He records fewer words of Jesus than any other Gospel. Chapter Four with four parables and Chapter Thirteen, a discourse on the Apocalypse, comprise the major portion of Jesus teachings as recorded by Mark. This Gospel contains a vivid, vigorous, straightforward account of the public ministry of Jesus. The Romans were power seekers, and Mark portrayed Jesus in His power and glory. The Last Week, Death, and Resurrection comprise one-third of the book.

Three Characteristics of Mark:
1. Rapidity of Action – Moving quickly from one event to another.
2. Vividness of Detail – Added detail brings the narrative to life.
3. Picturesqueness of Description – A pictorial Gospel. Each event is portrayed as a living picture.

Mark includes eighteen Miracles of Jesus (about the same as Matthew & Luke). Mark only has four parables (Matthew has eighteen, Luke has nineteen).

Mark has only thirteen verses of introduction. (Matthew has seventy-six, Luke has one hundred eighty-three). The last twelve verses of Mark 16:9-20, are not found in the oldest manuscripts.

When we read from Mark’s Gospel, we want to remember that he wrote to Roman citizens. He didn’t deal as much with what Jesus said because those words were directed at Jews and were spoken in the context of Jewish custom. Romans would appreciate and understand Jesus’ actions much easier than His words. They would appreciate the displays of power over the rhetoric. We will want to ask ourselves what would the Romans think about what Mark was telling them? We will want to see how Mark’s Gospel points us to the real source of power.

Luke

Author: Luke, the physician

Luke, an educated and skilled physician, set out to write a chronological account of the life of Jesus. The Apostle Paul probably influenced him very much. He was Paul’s personal physician, an educated and thorough, first-rate historian. The Gospel according to Luke was probably written after Matthew and Mark’s Gospels. Most scholars suggest that Luke’s Gospel was written while Paul was in prison in Caesarea, from where Luke was able to travel and talk to many witnesses first-hand. Luke stated his purpose for writing in the first four verses: “ . . .that you might know the exact truth about the things you have been taught,” Luke 1:3.

Overview: Luke’s preface is in the elaborate style of many such among historians. He uses common language with grace and vigor. Luke goes into the greatest detail on the birth of Jesus. He is the only writer to mention anything about Jesus’ youth. He gives the human genealogy of Christ traced to Adam, vs. Matthew’s legal genealogy through Mary to Abraham. Luke records several events not found in Matthew, Mark, or John. Greek civilization represented culture, philosophy, wisdom, reason, beauty and education. Luke focuses on the life and miracles of Jesus, His humanity and His power. He writes a Gospel that will appeal to the interests of the Greeks. More attention is given to the power of Jesus in doing miracles.

Much attention is given in Luke to Jesus as the Divine Savior, from Chapter One, His birth, to Chapter twenty-four, His Resurrection. As one reads through the Gospel, Jesus is revealed as the Divine Redeemer who came to save the lost. He saves us from the power of evil spirits, severe illness, leprosy, the power and consequence of sin. He also raises the dead, calms a storm, and saves the multitudes from hunger.

Jesus’ exaltation of womanhood and His attitudes toward the poor are emphasized in Luke. He plays more lightly on the faults of the Apostles to focus more strongly on Christ. Much joy is found throughout the book’s account along with considerable focus on the work of the Holy Spirit and prayer. Over half of the book deals with Jesus’ last journey to Jerusalem and the events following His Ascension. Though Jesus came to save and not to destroy, those who refuse to be saved bring terrible suffering upon themselves. Jesus is not only the Divine Savior, but also the Almighty Redeemer who is the only Son of God. Proof is given through His Resurrection: Jesus, Savior of the World, sent, approved, and equipped by God.

Luke’s Gospel is universal for people of all ages and conditions:
Jews 1:13; 2:10
Samaritans 9:51-56
Heathens 2:32; 3:6, 38
Publicans, sinners, and outcasts 7:37-50
Respectable people 7:36
The poor 1:53
The rich 19:2; 23:50
When we read from Luke, we might want to consider that he wrote to the, Gentiles. However, we will still need to interpret it in first century context, which may differ from our thinking. Luke is revealing Jesus to us as a human being that was also God. Jesus is a man who is God in a fleshly body. We don’t want to forget the qualifications and related skill of the author, a respected and educated physician. Most of our chronology of the Gospels will be taken from Luke’s account. Luke’s readers wanted to know. What are you seeking to know about Jesus?

John

Author: John, the Apostle
The Gospel is written by John the Apostle, though he never mentions himself by name. He is credited as being the one “...whom Jesus loved.” By comparing Matthew 27:56 with its parallel in Mark 15:40, we see that Salome was the mother of John. If John 19:25 is referring to the same group of women, then Salome would also be a sister to Mary. This would make John and James cousins of Jesus and of John the Baptist. This isn’t conclusive, but possible. He and his brother, James, are fishermen with their father, Zebedee. They are possibly partners of or at least are well known to Peter and Andrew. They fish the Sea of Galilee near Capernaum.

Overview: John, along with James, his brother and Peter formed an “inner circle” of the Apostles with Jesus. They were the ones with Jesus at the raising of Jarius’ daughter, at the Mount of Transfiguration, and in the Garden of Gethsemane. The Gospel of John, as well as the Letters and the book of Revelation were most likely written while he was in exile on the isle of Patmos. John was close to the same age as Jesus and lived to around 100 years old. His Gospel and letters were written after most of the other books of the New Testament.

Of the four Gospels, John’s is quite different from the other three. It is a spiritual Gospel to show Whom Jesus is. It emphasizes the King instead of the Kingdom. It records Christ’s work in Judea. It is definite in locating the time and place of related events. It abounds in non-parabolic teaching. It dwells at great length on events and discourses in less than a twenty-four hour period: Chapters Thirteen through Nineteen. It records special emphasis on the promises of the coming, and the work of the Holy Spirit. It is rhythmic in style. Truths are often stated both positively and negatively, typical of Hebrew poetry.

Keywords in John compared to the other Gospels

Matthew Mark Luke John

Love 15 8 15 43
World 11 17 11 98
Believe 18 5 10 77
Life 12 7 13 49

Jesus is portrayed as more than a man. He is “God come in the flesh.” The Hebrews wanted proof of Jesus claims. John presents ample and varied proof. The Gospel only covers twenty selected days out of Jesus’ three years of ministry, but John goes into detail on the events of each of those days. All events reveal Who Jesus is, and what He does. He is the Source of New Life – the Water of Life, and the Bread of Life. John links the entire destiny of both Jew and Gentile as part of the entire creation to the Resurrection of the Incarnate, Crucified Logos. The whole Gospel cites evidence, statements, and proofs of God’s love for man.

Man’s most important question is “Who is Jesus?” John answers:

The Word of God 1:14
The Lamb of God 1:29, 36
The Messiah 1:41
The Son of God 1:49
The King of Israel 1:49
The Savior of the World 4:42

Seven signs are recorded that reveal the person and mission of Jesus.

Turning water into wine 2:1-12
Cure of the nobleman’s son 4:46-54
Cure of the paralytic 5:1-18
Feeding of the five thousand 6:6-13
Walking on water 6:16-21
Giving sight to the blind 9:1-7
Raising of Lazarus 11:1-45
The purpose of these signs is disclosed in John 12:37-43.

John records seven great “I Am” sayings of Jesus.

The Bread of Life 6:35
Light of the World 8:12
Door of the Sheep 10:7
Good Shepherd 10:11
Resurrection and the Life 11:25
The Way, the Truth, and the Life 14:6
The True Vine 15:1

When we read from John, we are going to see the behavior, actions, and thoughts of the King, Jesus. John mentions the love of God more than any other Bible writer. We see the love of God and the love of Jesus portrayed throughout the Gospel. This with the key verses (John 20:30-31) will bring us to answer the question: “To love or not to love Jesus and the God who sent Him.” John answers the question “What is truth?”

Read Matthew 1:1-17; Mark 1:1; Luke 1:1-4; 3:23-28; John 1:1-18.

“Walking With Jesus”

Lesson Commentary

LOC – 002 Four Writers – One Story,
Being God’s Man – Finding Your Audience

Everybody has a different way of telling the same story. Because of our different personalities, we approach the same event from a different viewpoint. Police question many witnesses to try to piece together the truth from their combined stories. Likewise, God chose to have four different authors write about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. In so doing, He gave us four views who Christian leaders have considered to be authentic and reliable.(There are other writers, but their stories do not carry the divine signature. Indeed, some of them are heretics in their writings!)

By learning about each author and his background, we can better understand what he writes, why he writes and make better application of it to our lives. We can also understand how God can use us even though we aren’t like someone else that we look up to. So let’s look at the authors of the four Gospels and see how we can learn more about Jesus’ life from what they wrote. Why did they write the way they did?

None of the four Gospels identify their authors. John doesn’t even mention his name in his Gospel. However, tradition and history have accepted that these words were penned by the men we currently attribute them to and there is insufficient, if any, evidence to say otherwise.

Matthew reminds me that GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES!

Matthew was a tax collector prior to becoming a disciple and later being chosen by Jesus to be an Apostle. He was a Jew who wrote to persuade the Jews that Jesus is the Messiah that had been prophesied in the Old Testament. He will understand the Jewish people and how they think. He will use that knowledge to persuade them that Jesus is the promised Messiah.

Matthew’s gospel approaches the life and teachings of Jesus Christ topically, more than chronologically. It is like a topical study with seven divisions that was written to the Jews proclaiming Jesus is Messiah! He specializes in showing how Jesus fulfilled all of the Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah. Matthew likes to focus on what Jesus said and taught and is the most quoted of the writers. We find many of the parables.

Matthew is proclaiming that Jesus is the one promised by God who redeems Israel (and all mankind) from their sins! GOD KEEPS HIS PROMISES!

Mark Tells Us That JESUS IS A GOD WHO BECAME MAN!

Mark is believed to be John Mark who had accompanied Paul for a season. His gospel reflects the style and personality of Peter and most scholars believe that he got his information and inspiration from Peter.

Romans like power and Mark shows Jesus as a powerful force! Mark’s Gospel was written to the Romans and shows rapidity of action, vividness of detail and picturesque description – Action and Power! Mark’s gospel reads like an action adventure.He rapidly goes from one event to another with no transitions. Jesus is the Son of God!

Mark is less concerned with chronological order and focuses more on what Jesus did! He establishes the power of Jesus as the Son of God. A little extra attention is given to Jesus’ miracles. He also explains many of the Jewish customs that his Roman audience does not understand.

Jesus is a God who became a man! GOD HAS LIVED AMONG US!

Luke declares that JESUS IS A MAN WHO IS GOD!

Luke gives us a Biography written to the Gentiles and declaring Jesus is a man who was God! Luke is a medical doctor who was Paul’s personal physician. Although he will get much of his information from Paul, his medical background leads him to search diligently to ascertain the history of His Story!

Gentiles like knowledge and intellectualism. Luke shows them that this man, Jesus, is God who is living among us. His humanity and power will satisfy the curiosity and interests of the Greeks, who consider themselves as intellectuals. Luke gives more focus on His life and miracles. He gives more detail on birth and only account of childhood. He and Matthew give the genealogy of Jesus. Matthew goes from Abraham to Mary. Luke traces it from Joseph to Adam.

Jesus is a man who is also God! He works mighty miracles over man and nature! AS SUCH, HE HAS MODELED HOW GOD WOULD LIVE IF HE WERE A MAN (HOW WE SHOULD LIVE TO PLEASE GOD)!

John declares that JESUS IS OUR LORD AND SAVIOR!

John, along with his brother, James, were known as “Sons of Thunder. ”He was one of the youngest of the Apostles. He didn’t write his Gospel until almost 100 years after Jesus’ birth. John focuses is on who Jesus is and what He did! Mentions “love,” six “I AM’s.” John only covers three weeks of Jesus’ life, but he covers every event on each day of those weeks. He seeks to show Jesus as the only one through which we can be forgiven of our sins.

Jesus is our Lord and Savior! BELIEVE IN JESUS AS YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR!

The Gospels give us four authors, four audiences and four styles, but one story. In similar manner, God has given you your particular talents and interests and circle of influence. Your job is not to do my job or do what I do the way I do it.Your job is to use your gifts and abilities to witness to those who are in your circle of influence.

CONCLUSION: God has taken sufficient measures to give us an accurate accounting of Jesus’ life and teachings.

Next Week, We are going to observe how each writer introduces his Gospel. Throughout this life, all that matters is Jesus!