Jesus and the Gospels (Week 1)

Those who were closest and knew best named the apostle Matthew as the author. There is no compelling reason that their testimony should be rejected.[60]

Authorship (cont.)

There was some discussion by these early writers about the precise nature of what Matthew wrote and which language he used (Aramaic, Hebrew, or Greek), but they never disputed that Matthew was the author."

Key Issues

• Proving Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah.

• Addressing conflicts with Jewish leaders and traditions.

• Showing how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecy.

Themes

• Fulfillment – “This was to fulfill…” appears repeatedly

• Kingdom of Heaven – central theme, emphasizing God’s reign.

• Discipleship – Sermon on the Mount, teachings on righteousness, prayer, and forgiveness.

(Jesus as the new Moses, fulfillment of the Law and Prophets).

Historical Perspective

• Written likely for a Jewish-Christian audience (c. 70–90 AD).

• Strong use of OT references shows concern for continuity with Israel’s Scriptures.

• Addresses Jewish/Gentile tensions in the early church.

Matthew is a Jewish Gospel (50 A.D.)

Person of Christ:

Messiahship & Kingship

Portrays Jesus as Son of David, heir to the throne, King of the Jews

Matthew 1:1 NKJV

1 The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the Son of David, the Son of Abraham:

Matthew 2:2 NKJV

2 saying, “Where is He who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the East and have come to worship Him.”

Matthew 21:5 NKJV

5 “Tell the daughter of Zion, ‘Behold, your King is coming to you, Lowly, and sitting on a donkey, A colt, the foal of a donkey.’ ”

Emmanuel (God with Us)

Explicitly links Christ’s identity with God’s presence among His people.

Matthew 1:23 NKJV

23 “Behold, the virgin shall be with child, and bear a Son, and they shall call His name Immanuel,” which is translated, “God with us.”

Matthew 28:20 NKJV

20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

New Moses / Teacher of the Law:

(Matt. 5–7).

Christ doesn’t abolish the Law but fulfills it

Matthew 5:18–20 NKJV

18 For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled. 19 Whoever therefore breaks one of the least of these commandments, and teaches men so, shall be called least in the kingdom of heaven; but whoever does and teaches them, he shall be called great in the kingdom of heaven. 20 For I say to you, that unless your righteousness exceeds the righteousness of the scribes and Pharisees, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.

Jesus is the authoritative interpreter of the Law

Matthew 5:21–22 NKJV

21 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder, and whoever murders will be in danger of the judgment.’ 22 But I say to you that whoever is angry with his brother without a cause shall be in danger of the judgment. And whoever says to his brother, ‘Raca!’ shall be in danger of the council. But whoever says, ‘You fool!’ shall be in danger of hell fire.

Matthew 5:27–28 NKJV

27 “You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’ 28 But I say to you that whoever looks at a woman to lust for her has already committed adultery with her in his heart.

Shaping Christian ethics.

Universal Mission

Matthew 28:18–20 NKJV

18 And Jesus came and spoke to them, saying, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen.

Though Jewish-focused, it ends with the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18–20). Nuance: Christ as King is for all nations.

Life of Christ

Structured around His teachings (esp. five discourses). He demonstrates authority in word and deed. His life fulfills Scripture and establishes the kingdom of heaven.

Unique Characteristics

• Genealogy traces Him to Abraham and David.

• Frequent “fulfillment” statements link Him to OT prophecy.

• Sermon on the Mount portrays Him as authoritative interpreter of God’s Law.

Has more Old Testament references than any other NT book.

40 reference to Messianic prophecies

Emphasis that Jesus is the son of David

Gospel according to Mark

Authorship

Mark’s Gospel holds a very prominent place in modern biblical scholar, primarily because it is considered the first of the four gospels.

That Mark authored this gospel is generally accepted.

He probably wrote it around 60-65 A.D., shortly after Peter’s death, because Justin Martyr refers to this gospel as the “memoirs” of Peter.

This was not always so. A. T. Robertson says that “Victor of Antioch (fifth or sixth century A.D.), the earliest known commentator on Mark, complained that, while St. Matthew and St. John had received the attention of a number of expositors and St. Luke also had attracted a few, his utmost efforts had failed to detect a single commentary upon St. Mark.

In fact, the Greek manuscripts, catalogues, and the Church Fathers place Mark in the 2nd, 3rd, or 4th places (see also Thiessen, Introduction to the New Testament).

The almost unanimous opinion says that Mark was directed to the Roman mind, for Mark seemed to have the habit of explaining Jewish terms and customs. Mark presents Jesus as the Powerful Son of God. Other characteristics include few parables, and no concern with the human birth or childhood of Jesus.

Key Issues

• Presenting Jesus as the suffering Messiah, not just a political deliverer.

• Explaining why the Messiah had to suffer and die.

• Encouraging believers under persecution.

Themes

• Action and urgency – frequent use of “immediately.”

• Messianic secret – Jesus often commands silence about His identity until the right time.

• Discipleship through suffering – following Jesus means taking up the cross.

Messianic Secret: Jesus’ identity is veiled until the cross.

Nuance: Christ’s person cannot be understood apart from His suffering and death.

Historical Perspective

• Likely the earliest Gospel (c. 60–70 AD).

• Possibly written to Roman Christians under Nero’s persecution.

• Shortest Gospel, emphasizing deeds more than words.

• Shows raw, sometimes unflattering depictions of disciples (fear, misunderstanding).

Person of Christ

Son of God in Power through Weakness

Mark 1:1 NKJV

1 The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ, the Son of God.

Mark 15:39 NKJV

39 So when the centurion, who stood opposite Him, saw that He cried out like this and breathed His last, he said, “Truly this Man was the Son of God!”

Opening confession (Mark 1:1) and climax at the cross (Mark 15:39).

Nuance: true Sonship is revealed in suffering and obedience.

Humanity of Christ

Strong depictions of emotions like anger, compassion, and sorrow.

Nuance: full humanity is central to understanding the incarnation.

Servant Messiah

Mark 10:45 NKJV

45 For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

The Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).

Nuance: Christ’s mission is defined by sacrificial service.

Jesus is the Son of God revealed in weakness, misunderstood by disciples, opposed by enemies, yet fully authoritative over nature, demons, and death.

Life of Christ

A fast-paced narrative emphasizing deeds more than words. His suffering and death are central, showing the paradox of Messiahship.

Unique Characteristics:

• Focus on Jesus’ humanity (emotions, compassion, even anger).

• Passion narrative (last week of His life) dominates the Gospel, highlighting the cross as His mission.

Gospel according to Luke

Authorship

Luke’s authorship of this Gospel is pretty well accepted today.

Luke was probably a Gentile by birth and a close companion of the Apostle Paul.

F. F. Bruce maintains that Luke and Acts were written before Paul’s death, and Luke must be before Acts, so the date would be about 68 A.D. but before 70 A.D. since there is no mention of the destruction of Jerusalem.

Luke admits that he wrote after some others and implies that he was not an eyewitness (1:1-4). This admission would make him a second-generation Christian, though certainly in a position to investigate the traditions about Jesus.

Key Issues

• Demonstrating Jesus as Savior for all people.

• Defending the credibility of the Christian message to Gentiles.

• Highlighting the role of the Holy Spirit.

Themes

• Universal salvation – emphasis on Gentiles, women, poor, outcasts.

• Prayer and the Spirit – repeated focus on Jesus and the disciples praying, Spirit-empowered mission.

• Joy and praise – songs, celebrations of God’s work.

• Compassion and mercy – Good Samaritan, Prodigal Son.

Historical Perspective

• Written by Luke, a Gentile physician, for a broader Gentile audience (c. 70–90 AD).

• Acts as a two-volume work with Acts.

• Addresses the spread of the Gospel beyond Judaism into the Roman world.

• Strong concern for orderly history and eyewitness accounts (Luke 1:1–4).

Luke 1:1–4 NKJV

1 Inasmuch as many have taken in hand to set in order a narrative of those things which have been fulfilled among us, 2 just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word delivered them to us, 3 it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus, 4 that you may know the certainty of those things in which you were instructed.

Person of Christ

Jesus is the Savior of all humanity—Jews, Gentiles, rich, poor, men, women, outsiders. He is also portrayed as Spirit-filled, prayerful, and merciful.

Savior of All

Luke 2:10–11 NKJV

10 Then the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid, for behold, I bring you good tidings of great joy which will be to all people. 11 For there is born to you this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.

Angels proclaim, “A Savior…for all people”. Nuance: Christ’s work transcends ethnic, social, and gender boundaries.

Spirit-Anointed Lord

Luke 4:18–19 NKJV

18 “The Spirit of the Lord is upon Me, Because He has anointed Me To preach the gospel to the poor; He has sent Me to heal the brokenhearted, To proclaim liberty to the captives And recovery of sight to the blind, To set at liberty those who are oppressed; 19 To proclaim the acceptable year of the Lord.”

Jesus begins ministry with Isaiah 61 (“The Spirit of the Lord is upon me,” Luke 4:18–19). Nuance: Christ’s mission is Spirit-empowered, linking His humanity with dependence on the Spirit.

Life of Christ

His ministry highlights compassion, forgiveness, and concern for the marginalized. His journey to Jerusalem (and cross) is intentional and Spirit-guided.

Unique Characteristics:

• Birth narratives emphasize His humble beginnings and God’s favor.

• Parables of mercy (Good Samaritan, Prodigal Son, Rich Man & Lazarus).

• Emphasis on prayer, joy, and the work of the Holy Spirit.

• Traces genealogy back to Adam, showing universality.

Gospel according to John

Authorship

The Gospel is anonymous but hints at John’s authorship

1. An eye witness author (cf. 19:35)

2. The phrase “the beloved disciple” (both Polycrates and Irenaeus identify him as John the Apostle)

3. John, son of Zebedee, never mentioned by name

John 19:35 NKJV

35 And he who has seen has testified, and his testimony is true; and he knows that he is telling the truth, so that you may believe.

Key Issues

• Presenting Jesus as the eternal Word of God made flesh.

• Combatting early false teachings (proto-Gnosticism, denial of Christ’s divinity or humanity).

• Deepening faith in Jesus as the Christ.

John 20:30–31 NKJV

30 And truly Jesus did many other signs in the presence of His disciples, which are not written in this book; 31 but these are written that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that believing you may have life in His name.

Themes

• Christology – Jesus as the eternal Son, divine Logos, “I AM.”

• Signs and belief – seven signs/miracles reveal His glory so people may believe.

• Eternal life – quality and depth of life in relationship with God.

• Light vs. darkness – symbolic contrasts.

Historical Perspective

• Written later (c. 90–100 AD).

• Audience likely mixed (Jewish and Gentile), with mature theological reflection.

• Distinct style—less parable, more discourse and symbolism.

• Written to strengthen believers and call to faith.

Person of Christ

Preexistent Word

John 1:1–2 NKJV

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God.

“In the beginning was the Word” (John 1:1). Nuance: Christ is eternal, coequal with God, and the agent of creation.

Full Divinity & Humanity

John 1:14 NKJV

14 And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we beheld His glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father, full of grace and truth.

“The Word became flesh” (John 1:14). Nuance: Incarnation is central—true divinity and full humanity united.

Revealer of the Father

John 14:9 NKJV

9 Jesus said to him, “Have I been with you so long, and yet you have not known Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; so how can you say, ‘Show us the Father’?

John 5:19 NKJV

19 Then Jesus answered and said to them, “Most assuredly, I say to you, the Son can do nothing of Himself, but what He sees the Father do; for whatever He does, the Son also does in like manner.

John 5:30 NKJV

30 I can of Myself do nothing. As I hear, I judge; and My judgment is righteous, because I do not seek My own will but the will of the Father who sent Me.

“Whoever has seen me has seen the Father” (John 14:9). Nuance: Christ is the definitive self-revelation of God.

Glorification in the Cross

John 12:23 NKJV

23 But Jesus answered them, saying, “The hour has come that the Son of Man should be glorified.

John 19:30 NKJV

30 So when Jesus had received the sour wine, He said, “It is finished!” And bowing His head, He gave up His spirit.

Unlike Synoptics’ focus on shame, John presents the cross as exaltation ). Nuance: Christ’s death is His enthronement.

Life of Christ

His signs and “I AM” sayings reveal His glory and identity. His mission culminates in His death as the Lamb of God and His resurrection as Lord of life.

I am the Messiah (John 4:26)

I am the bread of life" (John 6:35),

I am the light of the world (John 8:12)

I am from above (John 8:23)

I am the eternal one (John 8:58)

I am the door (John 10:7, 9),

I am the good shepherd (John 10:11, 14),

I am the Son of God (John 10:36)

I am the resurrection and the life (John 11:25),

I am the way and the truth and the life (John 14:6)

I am the true vine (John 15:1, 5)

Signs & “I AM” Sayings: Reveal Christ as bread, light, shepherd, vine, resurrection, way, truth, life. Nuance: Christ’s identity is inexhaustibly rich, centered in His divine self-revelation.

Unique Characteristics:

• Extended discourses (e.g., Bread of Life, Good Shepherd, Vine).

• Emphasis on belief leading to eternal life.

• Portrays the cross as glorification, not defeat.

The Gospels as a Whole

Together, the four Gospels present a composite portrait of Jesus that is both unified and diverse.

• Unified Witness – All four affirm Jesus as the Messiah, Son of God, Savior, crucified and risen Lord.

• Incarnation & Humanity – They show Jesus’ full humanity (birth, growth, suffering, death).

• Divinity & Authority – They affirm His divine identity (Son of God, Lord, preexistent Word).

• Mission & Kingdom – They depict Him as the inaugurator of God’s kingdom through teaching, miracles, compassion, death, and resurrection.

• Salvation – Each Gospel highlights how Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection bring salvation, but emphasizes different aspects of that salvation.

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