An Introduction to the Gospels

For anyone who wants to join in, we are opening up a Bible discussion on “Following Jesus through the Gospels”. This is an opportunity to share what God is saying to you through the passages, and so we can mutually build one another up. There are no experts here – just sharing God’s Word.

Meet Matthew, Mark, Luke and John

The New Testament contains four ancient biographies of Jesus of Nazareth (Matthew, Mark, Luke and John), and altogether they are called “the Gospel”.

Each one tells the story as an announcement of good news that the crucified and risen Jesus is the true ruler of the nations. In this video, we explore why these accounts were written and how you can read them with greater insight.

Key Verses in the Gospels

Matthew:

From that time Jesus began to preach, saying, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matt 4:17 ESV)
“Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.” (Matt 5:17)

Mark

“For even 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 ESV)

Luke

Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us, just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us, it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus, that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught. (Luke 1:1-4 ESV)
“For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost.” (Luke 19:10 ESV)

John

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. (John 20:30-31 ESV)

Summary of Luke’s Narrative (2 Parts)

Luke’s Gospel – Part 1

Luke’s Gospel – Part 2

The Bible Project created a two-part overview video on the book of Luke, detailing its literary design and narrative flow. These videos explain how Jesus fulfills the covenant story of God and Israel and brings the good news of God’s kingdom to everyone, regardless of their social status, be they poor or rich.

The series is designed to provide clear insights into the themes and messages of Luke’s Gospel.

Key Verses:

Key verses here

Insights:

Study notes here

Summary of Mark’s Narrative

This video presented by the Bible Project offers an overview of the book of Mark, examining its literary design and flow of thought.

It highlights that Jesus, portrayed as Israel’s Messiah, initiates God’s kingdom through his suffering, death, and resurrection. The narrative underscores the significance of these elements in establishing Jesus’s role and mission.

Key Verses:

Key verses here

Insights:

Study notes here

Summary of Matthew’s Narrative (2 Parts)

Luke’s Gospel – Part 1

Matthew wrote especially to the Hebrews/Jews.
“Watch our overview video on Matthew 1-13, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. In Matthew, Jesus brings God’s heavenly kingdom to earth and invites his disciples into a new way of life through his death and resurrection.”

Luke’s Gospel – Part 2

“Watch our overview video on Matthew 14-28, which breaks down the literary design of the book and its flow of thought. In Matthew, Jesus brings God’s heavenly kingdom to earth and invites his disciples into a new way of life through his death and resurrection.”

Key Verses:

Key verses here

Insights:

Study notes here

Summary of John’s Narrative (2 Parts)

John’s Gospel – Part 1

John’s Gospel – Part 2

John’s narrative is vey different from the other three gospels. He wrote well after the other three, and he wrote mainly to the Christians and he gave supplementary stories that were not recorded by Matthew, Mark and Luke. He tells us his purpose for writing:

“Therefore Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples, which are not written in this book; 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.” (John 20:30-31)