Walking With Jesus - Volume 01 - Lesson 003

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LOC – 003 – Introduction to the Four Gospels - From the Writers

Lesson Objectives

We want to understand the author’s purpose for writing their Gospel.

We want to see how the Gospels introduce their stories about Jesus.

Understanding the background will help us to better apply what we learn about Jesus.

Lesson Commentary

Read Mark 1:1; Luke 1:1-4; John 1:1-18; Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38

In the first lesson, we looked very briefly at the period between the Old and New Testaments. We also got some background information (the who, what, how, when, where and why) on Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. We learned that each writer was addressing a different audience. Matthew was an Apostle, a Jew and wrote to a Jewish audience. Mark was writing to the Romans under the instruction of the Apostle Peter. Luke wrote to all Gentiles under the direction of the Apostle Paul. John wrote to any that were unbelievers in order that they might believe. From time to time, you will want to refer back to Lesson 001 and the outlines and summaries of each of the Gospels until you can remember their contents. 

Today we will look at the introductory comments made by each of the four Gospels to introduce their works to their readers. Keep in mind that each writer came from a different background and wrote to a different audience. This will influence how they introduce their Gospel stories.

Mark’s Title:

Mk. 1:1 – Everything has a beginning on this earth. In Mark’s Gospel, the beginning is not only of Jesus life on earth, but of the narrative of that Gospel about Jesus. Even though He was with the Father in the act of creation, His life and ministry on earth had a beginning. 

The Greek word for Gospel is “Euanggellion.” It literally means “Good News.” Jesus is the Good News of God coming and living among man, to redeem us from our sins, and to set us a godly example. The Gospel is Christ and the Gospel is about Christ. Mark is the only writer to use the word “Gospel” in the title of his book.

Jesus is the Greek word for the Hebrew word “Joshua.” It means “Yahweh,” or “God, is salvation.” Christ is the Greek word for “Anointed One.” The Hebrew word is “Messiah.”

Mark wrote to Romans. They sought POWER! They wanted to know about this God who became a Man. They understood gods as beings of power. Jesus is the Son of the only GOD! (“Son of God” is not found in some of the older manuscripts). Romans were interested in stories about His power, so Mark only gave one verse of introduction and then went right into the history and action of Jesus' life. The title “Son of God” points to Jesus’ unique relationship to God. He was a Man (Jesus), and God’s “Special Agent” (Messiah), but He is also fully divine. As the Son, He depends on and obeys God the Father.

Luke’s Preface:

Luke’s preface employs the style of contemporary historical and technical writers. It contains sources, research, method, purpose, and addressee. He used this style of introduction in Luke 3:1-2 and in Acts 1:1-2. None of the other writers of the Bible used this approach to their writings. John’s Gospel contains a prologue, but it is more a theological statement than a mere introduction. 

Lk. 1:1 – “Others have written” could easily mean that Luke’s audience already had knowledge of Matthew, Mark, and others who had written about Jesus. Luke seeks to give a chronologically accurate historical account. Where Mark uses the theological term “Gospel”, Luke uses an historical term “account”.

Lk. 1:2 – Luke consulted with others who had seen Jesus, for accuracy of his details. He tells the gentiles who this MAN called Jesus really is.  Jesus is the Savior. Luke recognized that there were several other stories being passed around about Jesus. Some of these stories had become distorted, so he set out to find out the truth and convey it to his audience.

Lk. 1:3 – Luke’s message is primarily to those who are Greeks and gentiles. Since “everyone” spoke Greek, all gentiles were included in this definition. 

Theophilus means Lover of God. “Theos” means God. "Philus" is one of the Greek words for Love, brotherly love, friendship. It is unclear whether Theophilus is referring to a particular person or to anyone who loves God.  By using the term, “most excellent”, Luke is recognizing Theophilus as a person of honor. This could possibly be a Roman leader who is open to the Gospel and will facilitate its spread. We should consider Theophilus as a title describing our attitude towards God. Are you one who loves God?

Lk. 1:4 – Luke wants to assure his readers of the TRUTH about what they have heard regarding Jesus. They want to know about the Man. Luke tells them about His life on this earth.

John’s Prologue: The Deity of Jesus

John's prologue falls into three parts that are divided by the statements about John, the Baptist, in John 1:6-8 and 15. The first part (John 1:1-5) deals with the cosmic, creative work of the “Word” and the relationship of the “Word” to God and creation. The second part (John 1:9-14) narrates the advent (coming or arrival) of the Word and the response evoked by it. John 1:14 summarizes this advent and begins to set forth the incarnate “Word’s” nature. For the first time the author speaks, as if he’s making a confession, in the first-person plural. In the third and final part (John 1:15-18) the community of disciples confesses briefly and succinctly who the “Word” is and what his advent means.

Jn. 1:1 – In the beginning, before time existed, Jesus is. Word, in the Greek is “Logos.” It is not a unit composed with letters, but a concept, an account. Jesus was WITH God, WAS God, three distinct Persons, yet One and the Same.

Jn. 1:2 – Jesus was present before the Creation. He is not a created being. He always was, always is and always will be!

Jn. 1:3 – Jesus is the cause, not an effect. He was an active part in the creation of the earth. In Genesis, you will notice the words, “Let us...” Read Jesus’ words in John 5:21-26.

Jn. 1:4 – Jesus is the SON of God. He is also our SON (sun) God. The Light shines in the dark, and it cannot overcome the light. Jesus is present tense, not past tense. He gave initial life, physical, human life. He also gives eternal life, spiritual life.

Jn. 1:5 – Just as a light is able to shine in the dark, so Jesus “shines” in the darkness of the sin in this world. And the dark cannot keep the Light of the World from shining brightly! Is Jesus' light shining out in your life?

Jn. 1:6 – John the Baptist, not the Apostle, came to prepare people for Jesus’ coming. The Old Testament had been foretelling the coming of Christ for about four thousand years of earth's history (actually, the Old Testament is less than 1,500 years old by Jesus' day). The Jews in John's day were in a mind set, albeit, some were wrong in their interpretation, that the Messiah would be coming soon. The Apostle John is writing to tell them that Jesus had already come.

Jn. 1:7 – John the Baptist will be the first witness for Jesus, an immediate forerunner, like one running ahead of the King’s caravan to announce His coming. People would make ready to receive Him, and show Him respect.

Jn. 1:8 – We will see later, that John the Baptist knew that he was not the Messiah, but was one who ran ahead to prepare others for the long awaited Messiah.

Jn. 1:9 – Being under the Light of Jesus, changes men’s lives. We want to learn more about Jesus so we can become more like Him. That is the reason for “Walking With Jesus.”

Jn. 1:10 – This verse is very similar to John 1:5 about the fact that the world is too busy looking the other way to realize that they have missed the living presence of God.

Jn. 1:11 – Jesus came to His own countrymen first, and as we will see as we continue “Walking With Jesus,” He reached out to them and they rejected Him. How many times have you seen testimony about Jesus before you accepted Him?

Jn. 1:12 – Jesus gives the “right,” the POWER, to become sons of God to those who will accept Him. Come to Jesus! History shows that the oppression of the Church has failed. No power on earth can conquer the Church, which is the Kingdom of God on earth!

Jn. 1:13 – Being born again into God’s Kingdom is a different process than physical birth. It is something that only God can do to us for us. It is something that gives eternal life and something that you have a choice in whether you want to do it or not. Are you “born again?”

Jn. 1:14 – The “Word” is a continuation of the comments in verses 1-3. Compare what Paul will later write in Philippians 2:6-8. Jesus is the essence of Grace and of Truth.

Jn. 1:15 – John (the Baptist) realized who Jesus, his cousin, really was and told others so they could follow Jesus. Jesus is so great, compared to John, because Jesus existed before John.  

Jn. 1:16 – John (the Baptist) reminds his followers that we have all already been the recipients of God’s grace!

Jn. 1:17 – The Mosaical Law can only condemn. There is no provision for the forgiveness of sin in the Old Testament, only a rolling back of the penalty until Jesus could come and pay the price. Only Jesus saves! Aren't you glad that you have accepted Him and are saved from the penalty for your sins?

Jn. 1:18 – No one can prove that God exists, but Jesus’ life and teachings are evidence to who God is, what He has done, and how he wants us to live.

Matthew’s Genealogy (Compared with Luke’s)

Here are the legal descendants. Tracing the family tree is important to prove one’s heritage or right. Jesus being of the lineage of David is important to qualify Him as the King according to prophecy. These genealogies are more for theological purposes than for biological.

Matthew follows Joseph’s line. The legal lineage of Jesus is important to the Jews. This will show the Jews that Jesus is a qualified descendant of David. Matthew does mention Tamar, Rahab, Ruth, and Bathsheba. Tamar and Rahab were prostitutes and foreigners. Ruth was also a foreigner. Bathsheba was the woman with whom David had an adulterous affair. God can work His divine will even out of man’s fallen state. God works on us through His grace, not our perfect actions.

Matthew shows three sets of fourteen generations. There is no known reason for this. It might be because David is fourteen in Hebrew numerology. There is strong evidence that some of the ancestors are deliberately omitted from the list. Their dubious past excluded them. Included in the omissions were Ahaziah, Joash, and Amazaiah.

In those ancestries where the ancestor had brethren, he usually descended from a younger brother such as Abraham, Jacob, Judah, or David. You will notice that Ishmael and Esau are excluded while all of the sons of Jacob are included. Though not the fathers of Christ, they are patriarchs of the Church. They may be mentioned to give hope to the twelve tribes that were scattered abroad.

Luke followed Mary’s line. It is the physical lineage of Jesus. This was easier for Gentiles to relate. He traced it from Mary to Adam to God. In that way, we may all trace our lineage back to Jesus. God became flesh and dwelt among men! “Son” means “of the lineage of; a direct descendent: in-law, grand, great-grand...” Matthew goes from Abraham to Joseph.

Luke has eleven series of seven names each for a total of seventy-seven names. He traced from Jesus to Adam whereas Matthew traced from Abraham to Jesus. Luke followed David’s line through Nathan whereas Matthew followed the line through Solomon.

Many events preceding the coming of Christ have brought the Jews to a point where they are looking for the prophesied Messiah. Others have come and claimed to be the Messiah, but have been rejected for one reason or another. Jesus has to establish Himself as the true Messiah. His lineage is one step in that process.

Next week, we will look at the annunciation of John the Baptist, and his birth to Zechariah and Elizabeth. We are going to begin our journey from annunciation to ascension. There will be times of excitement and times of information. It will be a time to see how you can become more like Jesus so He can change your life. We are going to enter into a more intimate relationship with God through His SON!

Read Luke 1:5-25.

“Walking With Jesus”

Lesson Commentary

LOC – 003 Introducing the Bible Text –
Being God’s Man – Know Your Style

Have you ever told a story that you had to introduce before you could actually tell it?Did you need to set the stage?Good News always brings excitement.What is the most recent good news that you have heard?What is the best news that you have ever heard?

If you were to write a title for your life, what would you like for it to be?How would you like to be remembered after you are gone?Have you studied your family tree to learn about where your ancestors came from?

In this lesson, we are going to observe how each writer begins his Gospel.Each has his own style of writing and unique audience.Knowing your style will be helpful to you as you seek to tell others about Jesus.

Mark’s Title – name given to a literary work. – Mark 1:1

It is the title to the story about the life and teachings of Jesus Christ!Mark’s Gospel is addressed TO THE ROMANS!Even though Jesus was with God the Father in the act of creation, His life on this earth has a beginning.Gospel comes from the Greek word, “Euanggellion.”It means “Good News”.Jesus is the good news about God reaching down to establish an eternal relationship with man!Is there any greater news than being set free from our sins?Mark is the only writer to use the word “Gospel” in his book.

“Jesus” is Greek for “Joshua” which means, “God is salvation.”Christ is Greek for “anointed one” (the Hebrew word is Messiah)!Romans understand “gods” as beings of power so Mark focuses on the power of Jesus as God the man.JESUS IS THE POWER!Mark takes the Roman’s quest for power and presents Jesus as the ultimate solution.We can likewise take the power of the Gospel to change the lives of others so they can find that power in their lives as well.

We can use Mark’s style to reach those around us who are seeking real power in their life.You can also develop that power in your life as you go through “Walking With Jesus.” You will become better equipped to handle the trials and challenges that we all face and you exercise the strength God has given you to deal with those situations.

Luke’s Preface – An introductory statement to start the story. – Luke 1:1-4

Luke employs the style of contemporary historical and technical writers.Luke acknowledges that he is not the first or only person to write about Jesus.He simply sets out to tell the accurate and true story.Luke seeks to inform THE GENTILES!Luke writes to “most excellent Theophilus” which means, “God lover.”This could be a person or anyone who loves God!“Most excellent” recognizes the person as one worthy of honor! Are you a “Theophilus?”

Luke seeks to give his readers a researched and thorough accounting of what Jesus did and taught.By “Walking With Jesus” you are developing an accurate understanding of the life and teachings of Jesus so that you can tell others.Those who love god will love Jesus and are honored!

John’s Prologue – preliminary action foreshadowing a greater event.The Prologue sets the stage so that he can tell you the real story! – John 1:1-18

John’s prologue is more of a theological statement than an introduction.A prologue is an introduction foreshadowing a greater event! John’s Prologue is comprised of three parts which are divided by statements about John the Baptist.John seeks to reach THE LOST!Before time existed, Jesus is!He is the Logos means WORD of God.JESUS IS THE WORD OF GOD!He is present before creation.He is cause, not effect.Jesus is the SON means He is the light who has come to change men’s lives!He changes men’s lives for the better!

John the Baptist is mentioned as an immediate forerunner to proclaim the coming of the Messiah!Jesus gives us the REAL POWER to become sons of God!

The oppression of the church will fail, but Christ’s Church shall prevail!We are born as children of God when we accept Jesus as God’s Son and our Lord and Savior!God, God’s WORD – Jesus has come and lived among us!We are recipients of God’s grace, first by Moses, but far more so by the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ!

Matthew’s Genealogy – chart or recorded history of descendents. – Matthew 1:1-17

Jesus has a very important genealogy!Matthew writes to prove Jesus as Messiah TO THE JEWS!Matthew and Luke give the genealogy of Jesus.Matthew follows the legal lineage via Joseph.This will show that Jesus is a true descendant from David.Luke follows the physical lineage of Jesus through Mary.He traces it all the way back to Abraham and Adam.(We are all connected to Jesus.)Matthew mentions Tamar (who prostituted herself with her father-in-law), Rahab (a prostitute and foreigner), Ruth (a foreigner) and Bathsheba (with whom David had an adulterous affair).God can accomplish His divine will even out of man’s fallen state!Matthew shows 3 sets of 14 generations.Jesus’ lineage is an important step in proving that He is the Messiah!It proves He is a descendant of David and Abraham as prophesied.

CONCLUSION – photo of Mt. Tabor – hills of Galilee

In similar manner, your genealogy is an important part of your identity.The most important part of your genealogy is whether or not you are a part of the family of God.“Walking With Jesus” will help you grow as a member of God’s family.

Next Week

We are going to see Zechariah get the surprise of his life.And he won’t be able to talk about it!Meanwhile, God Bless and have a great week.

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