The Four Gospels © John Stevenson, 2011

The Gospel of the King

The Gospel According to Matthew The Author: Matthew / Levi Writes to the Jews –A Jewish Genealogy through David to Abraham –A focus on the Kingdom of Heaven –Describes the bribery of the guards Mention is made of a number of Gentiles –Women in the Genealogy –Herod the Great & the Magi –Canaanite woman (15:22-28). –Two Centurions (8:5-10 & 27:54).

Jesus as the King The Genealogy of the King Contrast with Herod the Great Forerunner of the King Power of the King –Over the natural world –Over the supernatural world The Identity of the King The Triumphal Entry of the King

Matthew 1:1 - 4:11Matthew 4: :46Matthew Introductory Narratives Five narratives & Five Sermons Death & Resurrection Narratives

Matthew 1:1 - 4:11Matthew 4: :46Matthew Introductory Narratives Five Narratives & Five Sermons Death & Resurrection Narratives Genealogy Birth Narrative Assassination Attempt by false king Forerunner & Baptism of the King Temptation Call of Disciples / Sermon on the Mount Miracles / Demands of Discipleship Unpardonable Sin / Parables of the Kingdom Great Confession & Transfiguration / Forgiveness Road to Jerusalem / Olivet Discourse Last Supper, Gethsemane, & Arrest of Jesus Trials & Crucifixion of Jesus Resurrection of Jesus & the Great Commission Note the Corollaries Between the Beginning and Ending of the book

Key Words & Phrases Kingdom of Heaven Parables of the Kingdom (chapter 13). Keys to the Kingdom (16:19). See the Son of man coming in His kingdom (16:28). Authority Teaches as one having authority (7:29). Centurion: “I am also a man under authority” (8:9). Chief Priests: “Who gave you this authority?” (21:23). All authority given to Jesus (28:18).

Key Words & Phrases Fruit John the Baptist: Trees that do not produce fruit will be cut down (3:10). Jesus: Good trees produce good fruit; bad trees produce bad fruit (7:17-19). A tree is known by its fruit (12:33). The fig tree is cursed because of a lack of fruit (21:19). The Kingdom to be given to a nation producing the fruit of it (21:43).

The Son who Came to Serve

The Gospel According to Mark The Author: John Mark Writes to the Gentiles –No Genealogy –Only a single quote from the Old Testament Shortest of the four Gospels. Short, vivid details. –Jesus loved the rich, young ruler –At the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus had the people sit in groups of 100’s and 50’s. –Unnamed man clothed in linen. –Names the sons of Simon of Cyrene.

Matthew Mark An eye witness of the life and ministry of JesusAn eye witness of the life and ministry of Jesus Associated with the apostles Peter and PaulAssociated with the apostles Peter and Paul Writes to JewsWrites to Jews Writes to GentilesWrites to Gentiles Jesus presented as a KingJesus presented as a King Jesus presented as a ServantJesus presented as a Servant Focus on the sermons of JesusFocus on the sermons of Jesus Focus on the miracles of JesusFocus on the miracles of Jesus

Jesus as the Servant A Servant needs no Genealogy or Birth NarrativeA Servant needs no Genealogy or Birth Narrative Narrative begins with the ministry of JesusNarrative begins with the ministry of Jesus Only two sermons of Jesus are givenOnly two sermons of Jesus are given –Parables of the Kingdom (Chapter 4) –Olivet Discourse (Chapter 13)

1:11:147:248:278:3111:114:1 ProloguePublic Ministry“Who do men say that I am?” Private Ministry Public Ministry Death & Resurrection Baptism & Temptation GalileeGentile Regions Road to Jerusalem Jerusalem Service of the ServantSuffering of the Servant Outline of Mark Rising Action Who is Jesus? Falling Action What did He come to Accomplish?

Key Words & Phrases Immediately And… A regular use of the Historic Present

Feeding of the 5,000Feeding of the 4,000 Mark 6:34-44Mark 8:1-9 Took place after the multitude had been with Jesus for one day. Took place after the multitude had been with Jesus for three days. The multitude was mostly Jewish.The multitude would have been mostly Gentile. Took place near Bethsaida Julias on the northeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Took place in the Decapolis on the southeastern shore of the Sea of Galilee. Jesus used 5 loaves and 2 fish.Jesus used 7 loaves and a few small fish. There were 12 small baskets of leftovers. There were 7 large baskets of leftovers.

Mark 10: And calling them to Himself, Jesus said to them, “You know that those who are recognized as rulers of the Gentiles lord it over them; and their great men exercise authority over them. 43 “But it is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; 44 and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave of all. 45 “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.”

The Gospel According to The Master Teacher

The Gospel According to Luke The Author: LukeThe Author: Luke Writes to Theophilus (Greek)Writes to Theophilus (Greek) –Genealogy goes back to Adam –Birth and Childhood narratives Longest and most personal Parables.Longest and most personal Parables. –Good Samaritan –Rich man & Lazarus –Prodigal Son –Unjust Steward

Outline of Luke Luke 1 – 3Luke 4 – 9Luke 10 – 18Luke 19 – 24 Birth & Baptism of Jesus The Identity of Jesus Jesus… set His face to go to Jerusalem (9:51) The Parables & Teachings of Jesus Death, Burial & Resurrectio n of Jesus Judea & Jordan Galilee On the Road to Jerusalem At Jerusalem PreparationMiraclesParablesSacrifice 30 Years2½ Years6 Months1 Week Begins In the Temple Concludes In the Temple

Observations from Luke Luke is a Historian –His historical notations include mention of the various Caesars and the local governors –He seeks to relate an “accurate account” The Temple is a Geographical Focus –Infant and child narratives take place in the temple –Jesus sets his face to go to Jerusalem –Resurrection appearances are all in or around Jerusalem

Observations from Luke Tabletalks of JesusTabletalks of Jesus –Nineteen meals are mentioned in Luke –Thirteen of these are unique to Luke’s Gospel Emphasis on the Poor & the OppressedEmphasis on the Poor & the Oppressed –Mary sings of how God has filled the hungry and sent away the rich empty-handed (1:53) –Jesus came to set free the downtrodden (4:18- 21) –Woe to the rich (6:24) –Parable of the Rich Fool (12:16-21) –Parable of the Rich Man & Lazarus (16:19-31)

Luke & the Samaritans Disciples and the Samaritans (9:51- 56)Disciples and the Samaritans (9:51- 56) Parable of the Good Samaritan (10:29-37)Parable of the Good Samaritan (10:29-37) Healing of the ten lepers (17:11-19)Healing of the ten lepers (17:11-19) Samaria Judea Galilee

Luke & Women Luke views the birth of Jesus from Mary’s perspective Luke describes the raising of the widow’s son (7:11-17) Jesus anointed by a sinful woman (7:36-50) Luke mentions that the ministry of Jesus was supported by women (8:1-3) Mary & Martha (10:38-42) Jesus speaks to “daughters of Jerusalem” (23:27-29) Women at the empty tomb (24:1-10)

Outline of Luke Luke 1 – 3Luke 4 – 9Luke 10 – 18Luke 19 – 24 Birth & Baptism of Jesus The Identity of Jesus Jesus… set His face to go to Jerusalem (9:51) The Parables & Teachings of Jesus Death, Burial & Resurrectio n of Jesus Judea & Jordan Galilee On the Road to Jerusalem At Jerusalem PreparationMiraclesParablesSacrifice 30 Years2½ Years6 Months1 Week Preparation & Birth Death & Preparation

Mark An eye witness of the life and ministry of Jesus Associated with the apostles Peter and Paul Writes to Jews Writes to Gentiles Jesus presented as a King Jesus presented as a Servant Focus on the sermons of Jesus Focus on the miracles of Jesus Matthew Jesus presented as a Teacher Focus on the teachings & parables of Jesus Luke

The Gospel According to The Son of God

The Gospel According to John The Author: JohnThe Author: John –He does not mention himself by name. –Instead, he refers to himself as “the disciple whom Jesus loved.” Begins with a reference to the Word ─ the eternal LogosBegins with a reference to the Word ─ the eternal Logos –He was –He was with God –He was God –The Word became flesh –John gives no Birth or Childhood narratives

Synoptic GospelsJohn’s Gospel Emphasize the kingdom inheritance Emphasizes eternal life inheritance Descriptive of historical events Reflective of the significance of various events Relates many of the short sayings of Jesus Gives more of the long discourses of Jesus Emphasis upon the Kingdom of Heaven / Kingdom of God Emphasis upon eternal life Emphasis on future prophecyVery little about future prophecy

MatthewMarkLukeJohn Portrait of JesusKingServantTeacherSon of God Original readersJewsRomans?GreeksChurch Key phraseKingdom of heaven ImmediatelySon of manBelieve Prominent sectionsSermonsMiraclesParablesTeachings GenealogyTraced back to Abraham NoneTraced to Adam None Geographic Emphasis Emphasis on the ministry of Jesus in GalileeMinistry in Judea Time SequenceOnly one Passover mentioned during the ministry of Jesus 3 Passovers plus an unnamed feast in John 6

2:1-11 Water to wine 4:46-545:1-186:1-146:16-219:1-4111:1-44 Son healed Lame man at Pool Feeds 5,000 Walks on Water Blind man sees Lazarus raised We are meant to see these signs through the eyes of the disciples. They are said to be growing in their belief as they see the signs and we are meant to grow with them.

Outline of John 1:11:1912:121:1 Written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God......and that believing you may have life in His name Prologue Period of 3 yearsPassion Week Epilogue Focus upon the ministry and miracles of Jesus Focus upon Jesus teaching his disciples and the events of the death, burial & resurrection Public MinistryPrivate Ministry Throughout PalestineJerusalemGalilee

The Calendar of Dionysius Pope John I: 525 A.D.Pope John I: 525 A.D. Means that were already in useMeans that were already in use – Founding of the city of Rome –Reign of Diocletian

The Death of Herod Josephus mentions lunar eclipse prior to Herod’s death 40 B.C.- King of the Jews by Rome 37 B.C.- Regains Palestine 4 B.C.- Death 4 B.C.- Death

Lunar Eclipses

Luke 2:1-2 Now in those days a decree went out from Caesar Augustus, that a census be taken of all the inhabited earth. 2 This was the first census taken while Quirinius was governor of Syria.

The Census of Augustus Gaius Octavius Augustus “I found Rome brick and left her marble” Pax Romana

Problems with the Census Quirinius was governor of Syria in 6-7 A.D. No earlier recorded census No known census while Quirinius was governor

Proposed Solutions It has been suggested that the passage can be translated to read: This census was taken before Quirinius was governor of Syria. Another proposed translation reads: This census was before that while Quirinius was governor of Syria. The term that Luke uses is a general one. He says that this was the first census taken while Quirinius was GOVERNING Syria

Lapis Tiburtinus TombstoneTombstone Records achievements of an unknown governorRecords achievements of an unknown governor Served as pro praetor of Syria twiceServed as pro praetor of Syria twice No record of any governor of Syria having served twiceNo record of any governor of Syria having served twice Quirinius commanded legions in Syria after 12 B.C.Quirinius commanded legions in Syria after 12 B.C.

Luke 2:4-5 Joseph also went up from Galilee, from the city of Nazareth, to Judea, to the city of David which is called Bethlehem, because he was of the house and family of David, 5 in order to register along with Mary, who was engaged to him, and was with child.

Luke 2:6-7 While they were there, the days were completed for her to give birth. 7 And she gave birth to her firstborn son; and she wrapped Him in cloths, and laid Him in a manger, because there was no room for them in the inn.

In the same region there were some shepherds staying out in the fields and keeping watch over their flock by night. (Luke 2:8)

Luke 2:9 And an angel of the Lord suddenly stood before them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them; and they were terribly frightened.

Luke 2:10-11 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid; for behold, I bring you good news of great joy which will be for all the people; 11 for today in the city of David there has been born for you a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”

Luke 2:12 “This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.”

“This will be a sign for you: you will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” (Luke 2:12)

Matthew’s Account Announcement to Joseph Luke’s Account Announcement to Mary Brief mention of birth in Bethlehem Birth in Bethlehem & announcement to shepherds Visit of the magi from the east Dedication in the temple

Birth of Christ

…magi from the east arrived in Jerusalem (Matthew 2:1).

Magi Ancient order of priests from ParthiaAncient order of priests from Parthia MonotheistsMonotheists Appointed kings over ParthiaAppointed kings over Parthia Parthians fought Herod in 40 B.C.Parthians fought Herod in 40 B.C.

And when Herod the king heard it, he was troubled, and all Jerusalem with him. (Matthew 2:3)

And gathering together all the chief priests and scribes of the people, he began to inquire of them where the Christ was to be born. 5 And they said to him, “In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it has been written by the prophet, 6 ‘And you, Bethlehem, land of Judah, Are by no means least among the leaders of Judah; For out of you shall come forth a Ruler, Who will shepherd My people Israel.’” (Matthew 2:4-6 )

Then Herod secretly called the magi, and ascertained from them the time the star appeared. (Matthew 2:7).

And he sent them to Bethlehem, and said, “Go and make careful search for the Child; and when you have found Him, report to me, that I too may come and worship Him.” (Matthew 2:8). Jerusalem ●  Bethlehem

And having heard the king, they went their way; and lo, the star, which they had seen in the east, went on before them, until it came and stood over where the Child was. 10 And when they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy (Matthew 2:9-10).

And they came into the house and saw the Child with Mary His mother; and they fell down and worshiped Him; and opening their treasures they presented to Him gifts of gold and frankincense and myrrh. (Matthew 2:11)

And having been warned by God in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed for their own country by another way. (Matthew 2:12)

Now when they had departed, behold, an angel of the Lord appeared to Joseph in a dream, saying, “Arise and take the Child and His mother, and flee to Egypt, and remain there until I tell you; for Herod is going to search for the Child to destroy Him.” (Matthew 2:13)

And he arose and took the Child and His mother by night, and departed for Egypt; 15 and was there until the death of Herod, that what was spoken by the Lord through the prophet might be fulfilled, saying, “Out of Egypt did I call My Son.” (Matthew 2:14-15)

When they had performed everything according to the Law of the Lord, they returned to Galilee, to their own city of Nazareth (Luke 2:39) NazarethVillage.com