Four Gospels, One Jesus

       As we continue reading the Gospels perhaps you are asking, "Why did God give us four parallel, complementary accounts of Jesus' life, ministry, and teachings, and not a single, more comprehensive volume presenting his complete biography?" We need to remember that these too are occasional documents, written to specific audiences with definite pastoral concerns and theological interests. We have talked a little about the importance of context in interpretation, and the Gospels are an excellent example of this principle. We need to look at the historical situation of Jesus, and appreciate what his actions and teachings revealed to his disciples, to the Jewish leaders, and to the multitudes. We also need to think about the historical context of the gospel writers, years after the cross and resurrection. The writers used selectivity in bringing together and arranging their accounts of the teachings and works of Jesus in order to teach and minister to the needs of their audiences. The Gospels are reliable accounts of what Jesus did and said, but they are not exhaustive biographies. They have a message. They teach theology. We need to read each of the four as complete narratives, and study them carefully to understand what the writer was teaching his original readers. Having done that, we can ask how the principles taught relate to us in our 21st century context. As we continue our survey of the gospels over the next couple of weeks pay attention to the unique perspective, emphases, and message of each one. Each contributes to our understanding of who Jesus is and what he has done. Each one also challenges us to live as his disciples. 

Keep reading, and don't forget to record your reactions to the biblical text. Feel free to post questions in the comments section below, if you are wondering about something it may be a question that someone else is thinking about as well!