1. Fullness of God’s Revelation
Jesus fulfills the Old Testament Promises

2. The Gospels
Spreading the “Good News”

3. Center of Scripture Record Jesus’ life, teachings, and redeeming work.
4 accounts that proclaim the “Good news”
Have no error in their truth and are harmonious, but are not identical
They invite us to accept Jesus in faith and apply his teachings to our lives
They are NOT historical biographies, although they contain historical events

4. Three Stages in Gospel Formation
Life and teaching of Jesus, Himself
Oral tradition, eyewitnesses to the Christ event
Written gospels, early texts

5. Life & Teaching
Oral Tradition
Written Gospels

6. Why 4 Gospels?
Each community had different and diverse experiences, concerns and challenges.
Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
Guided by the Holy Spirit, each focuses on a different aspect of Jesus’ life and teachings
Matthew, Mark and Luke are “synoptic”
Similar in style and content
Present different images of Jesus, meaningful to the audience

7. This is why they have a “similar view”
Synoptic Gospels Q
Mark l m
Luke
Matthew
Both Matthew and Luke used Mark’s Gospel as a guide. They also used a source named “Q”.
This is why they have a “similar view”

8. Four Images of Jesus Matthew Mark Luke John Teacher and prophet
Suffering servant of God
Luke
Compassionate Healer
John
Incarnate Word of God

9. Gospel of Matthew Written by “Matthew”, a Jewish Christian
Written about AD
Written for Jewish Christians & Gentiles probably residing in Palestine.
His theme is that Jesus is the Promised Messiah
Jesus is the fulfillment of the Old Testament promises

10. Jesus as the New Moses
Matthew presents Jesus as the New Moses
His sermons reveal Jesus as a great Teacher
Matthew strives to show that Jesus Christ fulfills all of God’s promises to the Chosen People and through them to all people. He connects the Old Testament with the New.

11. Gospel of Mark Written by John Mark, a friend of Peter
Written about AD
Written for gentile Christians probably residing in Rome, during the persecution of Nero.
His image of Jesus is the Suffering Messiah
The theme of this gospel is “Salvation comes through the cross”
Messianic secret or mystery
“Do not tell”

12. Titles for Jesus in Mark’s Gospel
Christ—Messiah “anointed one”
Son of Man (Ezekiel)
Suffering Servant (Isaiah)
Jesus was reluctant to reveal his identity because his concept of the “anointed one” was radically different from that of his people and disciples.
Even suffering Christians can celebrate the Good News because Jesus brings eternal life.

13. God Became Man
“The beginning of the gospel of Jesus Christ (the Son of God)” (Mk 1:1) Mark stresses Jesus’ humanity throughout his Gospel. Mark teaches that Jesus is the Son of God who assumed human nature.

14. Gospel of Luke Written by Luke, a Greek convert, friend of Paul
Written about 70-85AD
Admits to using “other writings”
Written for Greek Christians, probably in Greece
His image of Jesus is the Compassionate Savior
Believing in Jesus goes beyond all barriers
Inclusion of the “outcasts”
Poor, women, sinners, sick, etc.

15. Jesus Offers a Message of Joy
Jesus’ Message in Luke
Jesus Offers a Message of Joy
Jesus Is for Everyone
Heart of Luke includes parables that highlight God’s forgiveness
“I tell you, there will be rejoicing among the angels of God over one sinner who repents”
Jesus’ compassion is a divine sign of healing love
Jesus sought out people who were considered “outcasts”
Jesus is everyone’s compassionate Savior
We should allow Jesus to live in us so we can love everyone in imitation of our Lord

16. Infancy Narratives Annunciation: Jesus’ coming is announced
Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit, Mary is a Virgin
Joseph agrees to take care of Mary and Jesus
Incarnation: God becomes flesh
Jesus is born in Bethlehem
Jesus is acknowledged by visitors
Jesus lives in Nazareth

17. Passion Narratives Last Supper Passion and death Resurrection
Institution of the Eucharist
Passion and death
Sacrifice for our sin, Redemption
Resurrection
Victory over death
Ascension
Kingdom of God is present

18. Parables
Short stories, about everyday life that communicate a mystery about the
Kingdom of God ( Kingdom of Heaven)
God’s justice and His forgiveness and mercy
Comes from a Greek word meaning “comparison”
Compares two different things to illustrate a point
Characteristics
Teach spiritual and ethical truths
Based on everyday life
Usually a response to a question
Faith plays a part in being able to understand the message
Filled with surprises
Offer a challenge

19. Miracles
Marvelous and unexpected events that manifest the presence and power of God
Provide credibility to Jesus’ words & teachings by showing His power over sin & evil
Reveal the Kingdom of God as a place where ALL are welcome

20. Miracles Healing: Physical healings Exorcisms: Casting out demons
Jesus cures a leper
Jesus heals a paralytic
Exorcisms: Casting out demons
Jesus heals a boy with a demon
Jesus heals a possessed man
Nature: Control over the powers of nature
Jesus calms the storm
Jesus walks on water
Changes water to wine**
Restoration of life: Raising the dead
Jesus raises the daughter of Jairus
Jesus raises the widow’s son

21. John’s Gospel Written by the John Written about 90-100 AD)
Written for all Christians, was written in Ephesus
The image of Jesus is God Incarnate, the Life Giving Savior
Strengthens the faith of the followers

22. Content Prologue: Jesus is the Word Book of Signs Book of Glory
Dialogues and personal testimony of Jesus are “mystical” (shows Jesus contact with God the Father)- Kingdom is present in Jesus
7 miracles/ signs that show Jesus’ divinity
“Bread of Life” discourse
“I am” statements
Book of Glory
Washing of the Feet
Last Supper discourse
Passion narrative

23. No Matthew Mark Luke John Infancy Narratives Passion narratives
Baptism of Jesus
Temptation of Jesus
Feeding the crowd
Beatitudes/ Sermon
Parables
Miracles/ signs
Transfiguration