THE FOUR GOSPELS

Matthew 1:1; Mark 1:1; Luke 1:1; John 1:1

All four Gospels present the life and teachings of Jesus. Each book, however, focuses on a unique facet of Jesus and his character. To understand more about the specific characteristics of Jesus, read any one of the four Gospels.

Jesus is . . .

Matthew: The promised King

Mark: The Servant of God

Luke: The Son of Man

John: The Son of God

The original readers were . . .

Matthew: Jews

Mark: Gentiles, Romans

Luke: Greeks

John: Christians throughout the world

Significant themes . . .

Matthew: Jesus is the Messiah because he fulfilled Old Testament prophecy

Mark: Jesus backed up his words with action

Luke: Jesus was God but also fully human

John: Belief in Jesus is required for salvation

Character of the writer . . .

Matthew: Teacher

Mark: Storyteller

Luke: Historian

John: Theologian

Greatest emphasis is on . . .

Matthew: Jesus’ sermons and words

Mark: Jesus’ miracles and actions

Luke: Jesus’ humanity

John: The principles of Jesus’ teaching