GETTING THE MOST OUT OF THE GOSPELS

Background

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John give us the same gospel account, but from four unique perspectives. Though they are distinct perspectives, they are in perfect harmony with no contradictions.

Matthew was written by Matthew (Levi), a former tax collector and disciple of Jesus. It presents Jesus as the sovereign King. Mark was written by John Mark, who journeyed with Paul and Peter. It presents Jesus as a servant come to save. Luke was written by Luke the physician and companion of of Paul. It presents Christ as the Son of Man. John was written by John the disciple of Jesus. It presents Jesus as the Son of God.

The Big Idea

The Gospels chronicle the long awaited Messiah, the Savior of the World.

Galatians 4:4–5 “But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.”

Mark 1:14–15 “Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.””

They were written that we might know the truth, believe, be saved, and grow in the faith.

John 20:30–31 “Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of the disciples, which are not written in this book; but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in his name.”

Tips For Reading

Don’t forget to pray for the Lord’s help and to ask good questions as you read.

Read the Gospels in light of the Old Testament.

John 5:39 “You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me,” (see Hebrews 10:1, Colossians 2:16-17)

Luke 24:44 “Then he said to them, “These are my words that I spoke to you while I was still with you, that everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms must be fulfilled.””

See and Savor Christ

See Colossians 1:16-18...

Be reminded of the depth of your sin and your need of the Savior.

Romans 7:24–25 “Wretched man that I am! Who will deliver me from this body of death? Thanks be to God through Jesus Christ our Lord! So then, I myself serve the law of God with my mind, but with my flesh I serve the law of sin.”

Read and apply vertically and horizontally.

Matthew 22:36-40...

Don’t just be a reader, but be a doer of the Word.

James 1:22 “But be doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving yourselves.”

Luke 6:46 ““Why do you call me ‘Lord, Lord,’ and not do what I tell you?”

Be on guard against hypocrisy.

Mark 7:6 “And he said to them, “Well did Isaiah prophesy of you hypocrites, as it is written, “ ‘This people honors me with their lips, but their heart is far from me;”

2 Corinthians 13:5 “Examine yourselves, to see whether you are in the faith. Test yourselves. Or do you not realize this about yourselves, that Jesus Christ is in you?—unless indeed you fail to meet the test!”