Introduction to the Gospels Part 1 – The Early Years of the Messiah

Introduction

The lesson quarterlies covering the section of the Scriptures known as the Gospels will be presented in a “harmony of the gospels” format. While every verse in all four gospels will be covered, the material will be presented as a coordinated view of the events, teachings, and ministry of the Lord Jesus Christ. When the same event or teaching is covered in more than one gospel, there will be multiple gospel readings for that particular day for study and meditation to accurately “harmonize” the entire gospel presentation. This is a deviation from the book by book, verse by verse study that was presented in the lessons covering the Old Testament, but makes good sense for the value of comparing like texts to each other, and for more efficiently presenting the entire body of material. We will attempt to present the material as chronologically accurate, from before Jesus’ birth, through His developing stages of ministry, to His crucifixion and resurrection. One might consider this study a “walk through the life of Jesus Christ.” It is hoped that this format will enrich your studies.

We also hope that each teacher will utilize the materials in the manner which seems most appropriate for their group’s needs. Some may wish to abbreviate the readings to cover the essential material, and not openly read every listed passage in class. Others may wish not only to read all the passages, but include other scripture references in their presentation. How the material is used depends largely on personal style, time constraints, and group objectives. It is highly recommended that the lessons be used on a daily basis for reading and meditation, culminating in group discussion and analysis. However, if this doesn’t fit the situation, then feel free to tailor the material to your needs.

The gospels make up nearly half of the New Testament. In arrangement, they were placed at the beginning of the Testament not because they were the first written, but because they are the foundation upon which the Acts and the epistles are written. These four books provide the historical and theological basis for the rest of the New Testament, and clearly demonstrate the perfect fulfillment of so much of the Old Testament.

There is value in understanding what each gospel author had in mind when penning their accounts. Matthew, for instance, is the only gospel written by a Jew to Jews about a Jew. His desire was to present Jesus as the eternal King of the Jews, their long-awaited Messiah. He uses a carefully selected series of Old Testament quotations to document Jesus’ claims as the Messiah. Christ’s genealogy, baptism, messages, and miracles all point to Christ as King. Even in His death, what seems like defeat is proclaimed as triumphant victory by the Resurrection.

Mark wrote primarily to show the depth of Christ’s service and sacrifice. He shows Jesus as a true servant: preaching, teaching, and healing. Mark’s gospel is not written as a biography, but as a topical narrative. Jesus’ miracles are predominant in his writings, and are used to show both the power and compassion of Christ. This gospel is written to a gentile audience, showing them how Jesus was rejected by the Jews. The text doesn’t include the Old Testament theology teachings that Matthew does, and the presentation would have suited a primarily Gentile evangelistic effort.

Luke, a Gentile physician, writes his gospel narrative around a historical presentation of Jesus’ life. He presents the Son of God as the Perfect Man who came to seek and save. Luke emphasizes Jesus’ ancestry, birth, and early life before writing carefully and chronologically about the Lord’s earthly ministry. Luke’s effort created an accurate, chronological, and comprehensive account of the life of Jesus Christ to strengthen the faith of Gentile believers, while planting new faith in the hearts of unbelievers.

John’s gospel is in many ways the most unique: he draws upon events and teachings not found in the other gospels to prove to readers that Jesus was the perfect combination of the Divine and human flesh. John shows the Lord as “the eternal Word come to earth,” the one born to die as God’s sacrifice for the sins of humanity. John’s gospel is topical rather than chronological, revolving around seven miracles and seven “I am” statements of Christ. This beloved apostle desired to create intellectual and spiritual conviction about the Son of God (John 20:31). John’s dominating theme is the dual response of faith and unbelief in the person of Jesus Christ: those who put their faith in Him have eternal life, but those who reject Him are under God’s condemnation. John’s gospel also works to build believers in their faith and understanding of spiritual truth. Because the book of John is the most unusual and unique of the four, with its distinct content and style, it serves well as a supplement to Matthew, Mark, and Luke. It is both the simplest and the most profound, and is often the first that new believers are encouraged to read.

Click here to order a printed copy from our Study Store.
Click here for a free downloadable PDF of this study.

Click on the lessons below: