The Four Gospels

The first four books of the New Testament - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, collectively known as the Gospels, offer an account of Jesus Christ’s earthly ministry and teachings, particularly in the last three years he was on earth. While all four Gospels are united in their central focus on Jesus, each Gospel offers a unique perspective and emphasis.

The Gospel of Matthew

Matthew is generally thought to be written for a primarily Jewish audience. It emphasizes Jesus as the Messiah, the “Son of David,” promised in Old Testament prophecies. Jesus is presented as a new Moses, who provides a fulfilled understanding of the Law. Notably, Matthew contains the Sermon on the Mount, one of Jesus’ most extensive discourses.

The Gospel of Mark

Mark, the shortest of the four Gospels, is likely the earliest. It gives us a powerful sense of Jesus’ miracle-working power as well as his power over demons. It also shows him as the “suffering servant,” the ransom to free us from our bondage. Mark’s Gospel is action-packed, often using the word “immediately” to present a fast-paced account of Jesus’ ministry.

The Gospel of Luke

Luke presents Jesus as a compassionate savior. It emphasizes his mission to the “lost sheep” of Israel, emphasizing his interactions with sinners, outcasts, the poor, and women. It also emphasizes the importance of prayer and the fundamental role of the Holy Spirit. This Gospel uniquely contains the parables of the Good Samaritan and the Prodigal Son.

The Gospel of John

John’s Gospel stands distinct from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke). It presents Jesus as the divine Word or Logos, who existed with God from the beginning. John’s Gospel contains extended philosophical and theological reflections on Jesus' nature and mission, and includes distinct events like Jesus' encounter with Nicodemus and the raising of Lazarus.