Chapter 5

Do you watch the news? Jesus brings us the “good news” = Gospels

Who is Jesus? God’s son Second Person of the Blessed Trinity Through Jesus we meet God “in the flesh” = incarnation “True God and True Man”

What Did Jesus Do? Proclaimed the “Good News” Showed us how to live the way God wants us to Offers forgiveness and salvation Cared for the sick, poor, and those who were treated unfairly

What are the Gospels? “Gospel” literally means “Good News” Written accounts of Jesus’ life and his teachings Read Page 55

How would you introduce a good friend of yours to someone? Would you do the same thing if you were introducing someone to Jesus for the first time?

Synoptic Gospels Gospels of Mark, Matthew, and Luke Present Jesus’ story in a similar way Emphasize Jesus’s divinity but also focus on his human nature Include Jesus’ parables = short story with a message

Gospel of Mark Wrote his Gospel about 30 years after Jesus’ Death and Resurrection First Gospel to be written Shortest Gospel Wrote to Gentiles (non-Jewish Christians who were persecuted for their faith), especially Romans

Gospel of Mark (cont.) Symbol is a Winged Lion Symbolizes courage, and royalty Christians should be courageous in living there faith

Gospel of Matthew Wrote to the Jews Emphasized Jesus’ humanity by included a very long and descriptive account of his genealogy, birth, and life. Jesus is like the “New Moses” Emphasizes how Jesus fulfilled God’s promises made in the Old Testament

Gospel of Matthew (cont.) Symbol is a Winged Man / Angel Symbolizes Jesus’ humanity

Gospel of Luke Wrote to Greek Gentiles Most detail on Jesus’ birth and early life Emphasizes Jesus’ concern for all human beings Only Gospel that has Jesus’ parable about the lost sheep, lost coin, and lost son

Gospel of Luke (cont.) Symbol is a Winged Ox Symbolizes sacrifice, service, and strength

Gospel of John Last Gospel to be written His audience is anyone who would read his Gospel Emphasized that Jesus is the Word of God Jesus is the Word of God who is, and has always been, with God, and who is God Also emphasizes Jesus’ teachings about love

Gospel of John (cont.) Symbol is Eagle He went a step higher and included a lot of imagery and poetic language Also represents Jesus’ divine nature

Questions?

Homework Chapter 5 assessment on page 59 I challenge you to spread the “Good News” to others