A study of The Life of our Lord Jesus Christ A Harmony of the Gospels

Why study? That We Might Know Jesus … Jeremiah 9:23-24 (“understand and know Me”) Philippians 3:8 (“surpassing value of knowing Christ”) 1 John 2:3-5 (“whoever says ‘I know Him’”)

Why study? That We Might Preach Jesus … His origin and nature His fulfillment of all prophecy His mission and purpose His teaching (methods and substance) His example

Why study? That We Might Preach Jesus … His kingdom/church and His rule His preparation of His chosen apostles His prayers and His submission to His Father

Why study? That We Might Preach Jesus … His death, burial and resurrection His gospel and means of salvation His judgment

Why study? That We Might Follow Jesus … To be His disciples His followers. “Follow Me!” Matthew 8:18-22; 10:38-39; 16:24-26; 19:21 His students/pupils. Of what He said/taught. Of what He did. Stringent requirements. Luke 14:26ff.

Why study? That We Might grow our faith in Jesus … John 20:30-31, “… so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ …” As my King As Son of Man tempted in all things as I am As my Lord As my Savior

Why study? That We Might become like Jesus… Christ “formed in you” – Galatians 4:19 Christ “living in me” – Galatians 2:20 Christ our “measure” – Ephesians 4:11-13 Christ our “Teacher” and “Master” who we’re to “become as”… Matthew 10:25

Why study? That We Might become accountable to Jesus … The new covenant. Hebrews 9:15-18; 8:13; 7:22; Matthew 28:18-20 Our “sound words”; 1 Timothy 6:3-5 His words will judge us. John 12:48

Why study? That We Might become accountable to Jesus … That accountability includes what His chosen apostles revealed to us. We need to understand His special relationship to His apostles. Matthew 10:40; John 13:20; 14:25-26; 15:26; 16:13

“WWJD” vs. “WDJD” & WDJT” Why study? “WWJD” vs. “WDJD” & WDJT” Invites the answer to begin with, “I think” Speculative 2 Timothy 2:23; Deuteronomy 29:29 Must know what Jesus actually said (taught) and did Factual Luke 1:4

Setting our heart to study Christ – Ezra 7:10 Ezra set his heart to: Study the law – KNOW (Example – Matthew 1:1-17; Luke 3:23-38) Practice it – DO (Example – John 13:5-17) Teach it – TEACH (Doctrinal Matters; Example – Matthew 19:1-9) WE NEED TO STUDY THE LIFE OF CHRIST WITH OUR HEART SET TO KNOW HIS WILL, BE DOERS OF IT, AND KNOW HOW TO TEACH THE DOCTRINE OF CHRIST.

Why Four Accounts? Same story, different vantage points Deuteronomy 29:29 – we have revealed to us what we need to know.