Synoptic Gospels Matthew, Mark, Luke

Introduction The new Testament Christianity based on historical facts Good News – witness of others Gospel is news – derived from witness of others. Puts a different face upon life It’s the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ The new Testament Is a historical book of the Good News of the Living God at work in history, Not just in the past but in the living present and the future in light of the promises of God.

The Synoptic Gospels Common in the first three gospels Synoptic because they ”see together” Same point of view regard the life of Christ, agreeing in Subject matter & Order Common in the first three gospels Announcement of the Messiah by John the Baptist Baptism of Jesus Temptation of Jesus Teaching & miracles of Jesus Transfiguration of Jesus Trial, death & burial of Jesus Resurrection of Jesus

Purpose & Distinct Focus of the Gospels Matthew 16:13–16 (NIV84) 13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

The Gospels answer the questions posed by the Lord to his disciples. The Gospel writers under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit set out to reveal the Son of God His Person His work The Gospels answer the questions posed by the Lord to his disciples. They declare exactly who Jesus is: Messiah of the Old Testament Servant of the Lord Son of Man Son of God Saviour of the World

Jesus revealed in Ezek 1:10 – Parallel revelation in the Gospels Matthew – Messiah-King (Lion) Mark – Lord’s Servant (Ox) Luke – Son of Man (Man) John – Son of God (Eagle)

Summary Matthew To the Jews Jesus of Nazareth is their Messiah, the King of the Jews Genealogy of Jesus 10 fulfilment quotations, Jesus the long awaited Messiah Mat 1:23, 2:15,18,23, 4:15, 8:15, 12:18-21, 13:35, 21:5, 27:9-10 The King who left an empty tomb

Summary Mark Addressed to the Romans Jesus as the Servant of the Lord – gave his life as a ransom for many Shortest gospel, yet 37% devoted to the last & most important week of the Lord life.

Summary Luke The doctor historian Jesus as the perfect Son of Man He came to seek and save the lost Luke 19:10 Stressed the true humanity of our Lord Christ yet declared His Deity Luke’s appeal was to the Gentiles – Greeks with a keen interest in human philosophy

Summary John Presenting Jesus as the Eternal Son of God He gives eternal and abundant life to all who would receive Him by believing in Him - Jn 1:12, 3:16-18, 36, 10:10 Written especially to the Church – called out ones Five chapters on the Lords farewell discourses to His disciples to comfort them Demonstrates Jesus is the Saviour through 7 miraculous signs Encourage people in Him that they may have Life -Jn 20:30-31

Matthew Author & Title Date Theme & Purpose Key Words or Concept Matthew an apostle Formerly Levi – tax collector Date AD 50’s or 60’s Theme & Purpose Jesus is the long awaited Messiah Key Words or Concept Jesus the Messiah King of the Jews Key Verses 1:20-23, 16:15-19, 28:18-20 Key Chapters Chapter 1 & 12 Christ as seen in Matthew Jesus is the Messiah Son of Abraham & David King of Heaven Outline

Mark Author & Title Date Theme & Purpose Key Words Key Verses Mark an associate of Peter the apostle Date AD 50’s or 60’s Theme & Purpose Christ the Servant Key Words Servant, Servant of the Lord Key Verses 8:34-37, 10:43-45 Key Chapters Chapter 8 Christ as seen in Mark Saviour as a Sacrificing Servant who gives his life obediently for the ransom for many Outline

Luke Author & Title Date Theme & Purpose Key Words or Concept Physician, Evangelist, Gentile, not an eye witness of the life of Jesus Christ. Date AD 60 Theme & Purpose Initial Greek readership Perfect human nature as the Son of Man Jesus is perfect manhood – physically, mentally and spiritually Key Words or Concept Jesus, the Son of Man Key Verses 1:1-4, 19:10 Key Chapters Chapter 15 Three parables – lost sheep, lost coin, lost son Christ as seen in Luke The humanity and compassion of Jesus are repeatedly stressed in Luke's Gospel Most complete account of Christs ancestry, birth, development Back to Adam, Son of God Carried our sorrows & offer priceless gift of salvation Jesus fulfils the Greek ideal of human perfection Outline