Exploring the the Gospels and Their Impact on Faith

When I began my journey in Christ, my knowledge of the Bible was limited to the primary stories and characters such as Moses, Noah, Jonah, David, and naturally, Jesus. I didn't fully understand the Gospels or know much about the authors. After spending the past three years studying the Bible, I now better understand why there are so many misinterpretations and why numerous people are led astray by false teachings. The Bible is meant for everyone to study, not just a select group. The ideal starting point is to study the Gospels. Understanding the nature of the Gospels, their authorship, and their significance is crucial for Christians. They form the foundation of the Christian faith.

The Gospels, meaning Good News, are four books in the Bible.—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—that narrate Jesus' life, teachings, and love for humanity. These books are a biography of Jesus, detailing His birth, acts of kindness, miracles, parables (stories that help us understand the truths about God and how to live) , death for our sins, and resurrection. Reading the Gospels is like listening to friends who knew Jesus, helping us understand who He is and how to follow Him.

Who exactly are these "friends," and why was it crucial for them to share their stories? What were their objectives, and who were they speaking to? There are so many questions! Let's get started.

• Book of Matthew

  • Matthew, a Jewish man, was formerly a despised tax collector and one of the 12 disciples. His Gospel was written approximately between AD 60 - AD 65

  • The purpose of his Gospel was to prove to his own people (the Jewish People), the ones that just crucified Jesus, that He is the Messiah that the Old Testament promised.

  • Matthew referenced the Old Testament more frequently than any other Gospel because his audience was familiar with it and held it in high regard.

  • The Jews needed to know what Jesus believed and taught before they could believe in Him.

  • Matthew was like a lawyer whose job was to prove that Jesus was the Messiah. The Gospel of Matthew contains at least 12 instances where the phrase (or a close variation of it) is used to show that an event happened to fulfill what was spoken by the prophets or by the Lord through the prophets.

• Book of Mark

  • Mark, though not one of the 12 apostles, was closely connected to the apostle Peter and likely served as his scribe or interpreter. Early church tradition suggests that Mark recorded Peter's teachings and memories.

  • Mark's audience was the Christians in Rome and it was written between AD 55 and AD 65

  • His Purpose was to convince the Romans that Jesus was the Savior of the world.

  • He omitted the genealogy from his Gospel because the extensive list of names held no significance for the Romans, who neither cared about nor recognized them.

  • Mark omitted the parables because the Romans were not interested in stories. They were more focused on Jesus' actions rather than his teachings. Consequently, Mark excluded the Old Testament and included more accounts of miracles and healings.

• Book of Luke

  • Luke was a doctor, a Greek and a Gentile Christian. He is the only know Gentile author of any of the books in the New Testament. Luke was a close friend and companion of Paul.

  • His Gospel was written in AD 60. Luke also wrote Acts, which was the sequel to his Gospel.

  • Luke's audience was the Theophilus Gentiles. The name Theophilus translates to "one who loves God." Understanding the feelings of exclusion and rejection experienced by Gentiles, he conveyed that Jesus came for everyone, including sinners and those marginalized by society.

  • Luke is the most detailed of the Gospels. The vocabulary and language used indicate that the author was well-educated. Frequent references to illnesses and diagnoses were made, due to he was a physician.

  • The features of Luke's Gospel are stories and parables highlighting Jesus' ministries to outcasts, sinners, the hated Samaritans, lepers, prostitutes, tax collectors and Jesus' relationships with people.

  • He highlighted the importance of prayer, miracles, and angels, documented inspired hymns and praise, and gave significant recognition to women.

  • The majority of 9:51-18:35 is unique to this Gospel and not found in any other.

• Book of John

  • John was one of Jesus' closest disciples along with Peter and James.

  • John's intended audience was "All People." His purpose was to definitively demonstrate that Jesus is the Son of God and that everyone who believes in Him will gain eternal life.

  • The Gospel was written approximately between AD 85 and 90, targeting new Christians and non-Christians who were seeking.

  • The special features were centered on 8 signs and miracles that only God can perform. Therefore, if Jesus could accomplish what only God can, it implies that He must be God. Additionally, it includes 7 "I Am" statements made by Jesus, where He asserted His equality with God.

  • The Gospel of John stands apart from the other Gospels. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are referred to as the Synoptic Gospels because they share a similar perspective or structure. In contrast, John concentrates on the divine nature of Jesus, referring to Him as the Word (Logos), Son of God, Light, Life, and more. John highlights who Jesus' was rather than what Jesus did.

  • John is the author of Revelations.

I hope this provides a solid foundation for your study of the Gospels. The Gospels reveal who Jesus is: the Son of God, the Messiah, and the Savior of the world. They display His character, compassion, power, and divine authority. They guide us on how to live. Jesus teaches us what it means to follow God, to love others, forgive, serve, be humble, and live by faith. His words and actions serve as our perfect example. The Gospels illustrate the depth of God's love for us is so profound that He sent His Son to die for our sins and rise again. This is the essence of the Gospel message. It is the Good News!

Prayer: Lord Jesus, Open our hearts and minds as we study Your life in the Gospels. Help us to see who You are, understand Your love, and follow Your ways each day. Let Your Word change us and draw us closer to You. Amen.