Bible Verse
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God. All things came into being through him, and without him not one thing came into being.
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
John 1:1-5, 10-12A, 14
And the Word became flesh and lived among us, and we have seen his glory, the glory as of a father’s only son, full of grace and truth.
John 1:1-5, 10-12A, 14
Lesson Theme
The Gospels are not simply biographies of Jesus, but testimonies by four different people sharing real-life experiences and perspectives with the Savior of the world.
Key point to remember
The word “Gospel” comes from the Old English “god” (meaning good) + “spel” (meaning news).
It refers to a special good word from God that sets the world free. It is not a magic “spell” or magic word, but the Word does hold power.
And that Word is? Jesus.
It refers to a special good word from God that sets the world free. It is not a magic “spell” or magic word, but the Word does hold power.
And that Word is? Jesus.
Bible Time
Read and highlight John 1:1-5, 10-12, 14 Write “the Word” in the margin
Read and highlight Jeremiah 31:31-34 Write "New Covenant" in the margin. How will God make this new covenant?
Read and highlight Isaiah 53:4-7 Write "Lamb of God" in the margin. Who is this Lamb?
Read and highlight Jeremiah 31:31-34 Write "New Covenant" in the margin. How will God make this new covenant?
Read and highlight Isaiah 53:4-7 Write "Lamb of God" in the margin. Who is this Lamb?
Introduction to the Gospels
Matthew
Mark
Luke
John
- One of the 12 Apostles who wrote mainly to Jews emphasizing Jesus fulfills the Old Testament
- Traditionally the accepted author of the first Gospel
- A publican or tax collector
- Matt is a short form of this name
- Concerned with Jesus’ Jewish roots, stresses the genealogy, tells about wise men, organizes his writings around five blocks of Jesus’ teachings.
Mark
- The youngest Gospel writer who wrote mainly to emphasize the "Good News" Jesus brings
- Assumed author of the second Gospel
- A co-worker and friend of Peter (may have even written what Peter preached!
- Wrote the shortest book and the first full account,
- Concentrated on the actions of Jesus - his travels and miracles
Luke
- Was a medical doctor living in present day Turkey who wrote mainly to show Jesus came also for Gentiles
- Assumed to be the author of the third Gospel
- Sifted through a lot of evidence before writing his Gospel
- Was concerned with accuracy of the evidence
- Wrote to someone named Theophilus
- Traveled with Paul
- Also wrote a second book about the early church and especially the travels of Paul
John
- One of the 12 Apostles who wrote mainly to re-establish that it is all about Jesus
- Wrote with a deep and reflective style
- Traditionally considered the author of the fourth Gospel, three epistles, and the Book of Revelation
- Wrote later than the others, talks about Jesus as “the Word,” included events not recorded by others, has a deeper, more reflective understanding of Christ’s mission