Session 3 - Overview of 4 Gospels

Dealing  With Discrepancies In The 4 Gospel Accounts, and Emphases  of Each Gospel Account

Key Points:

• We would EXPECT discrepancies from 4 separate accounts of a person’s life.  Yet the accounts, combined, paint an honest picture of the life and divinity of Christ.
• Matthew-written to a JEWISH (Jewish convert) audience, to show that Jesus is the promised Jewish messiah.
• Mark-written to Christians in Rome. “Peter’s Gospel.”  Emphasises Jesus’ ACTIONS and his HUMANITY.  “Suffering Servant.” Source document for Matthew and Luke.
• Luke-written for GENTILES.  Emphasises:Kingdom is for ALL.  Women in high esteem.  Treatment of poor.  Holy Spirit presence. Jesus’ prayer life.
• Matthew, Mark, Luke-“Synoptic.”
• John- Emphasises: Jesus’ DIVINITY.
  (NOT “Suffering Servant”, He’s always in control.)  Most symbolism, double meanings, numerology.