“Inasmuch as many have undertaken to compile a narrative of the things that have been accomplished among us,just as those who from the beginning were eyewitnesses and ministers of the word have delivered them to us,it seemed good to me also, having followed all things closely for some time past, to write an orderly account for you, most excellent Theophilus,that you may have certainty concerning the things you have been taught.” – Luke 1:1-4

Introduction:

Imagine holding a diamond in your hand, its facets sparkling as you turn it in the light. Each side reflects something unique, yet together they reveal the full brilliance of the gem. The Gospels are much like that diamond. Each one gives us a distinct view of Jesus Christ, capturing a different aspect of His glory, but all pointing to the same Savior. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John invite us to see Jesus from their unique perspectives, helping us understand Him more fully. Individually, they are treasures; together, they present a complete picture of who Jesus is.

Today, we are setting out on an incredible journey through the life of Jesus Christ. To the best of our ability, we’ll follow the events of His life as they likely unfolded, step by step. Along the way, we’ll see how each moment builds on the next, revealing the heart of God and His perfect plan to save the world. My prayer is that as we follow Jesus’ life chronologically, we will gain a greater understanding of His mission and see how each event fits into God’s redemptive plan.

Before we begin walking through His life, we’ll start by looking at the four Gospels themselves. Today, we’ll explore why each was written, what each author chose to emphasize, and why all four are essential for understanding the fullness of who Jesus is.

The Four-Sided Diamond:

The Gospels can be seen as four sides of a diamond, each reflecting a different facet of Jesus’ identity and mission:

1. Matthew shows us Jesus as the King and Messiah. He fulfills Old Testament prophecies, teaches about the Kingdom of Heaven, confronts religious hypocrisy, and commissions His followers. Matthew reminds us that Jesus is the rightful King who calls us to follow Him and live as citizens of His Kingdom.

2. Mark reveals Jesus as the Suffering Servant of God. Mark’s fast-paced narrative shows Jesus tirelessly working, serving, and sacrificing for others. He came not to be served but to serve, and His mission culminates at the cross, where His true identity is fully revealed. Mark challenges us to follow Jesus’ example of selfless service and to trust in the salvation He has won for us.

3. Luke presents Jesus as the Savior for all people. From the rich to the poor, from outsiders to sinners, Luke shows us a Jesus whose compassion and grace reach across every barrier. He reminds us that no one is beyond the love of Christ, and His salvation is available to all.

4. John exalts Jesus as the eternal Son of God. Through signs, miracles, and profound teachings, John reveals the divinity of Jesus and His great love for the world. He calls us to believe in Jesus, promising eternal life to all who trust in Him.

Each Gospel offers a unique perspective, but together they give us the full picture of our Savior. As we dive into this study, may we marvel at the beauty and glory of Jesus Christ, whose life is the centerpiece of history and the source of our hope.

Matthew: Jesus is the King and Messiah

Who Is Matthew?

Matthew, also known as Levi, was a tax collector before Jesus called him to be one of His twelve disciples (Matthew 9:9). As the author of the Gospel that bears his name, Matthew wrote with a Jewish audience in mind, aiming to demonstrate that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies. Likely written in the late 50s or early 60s A.D., Matthew’s Gospel serves as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments, showing how Jesus fulfills God’s covenant promises. Through detailed genealogies, references to Scripture, and an emphasis on Jesus’ teachings and authority, Matthew presents Jesus as both the King of Israel and the Savior of the world.

Jesus Fulfilled Old Testament Prophecy

Matthew begins his Gospel by connecting Jesus directly to Israel’s history, writing, “The book of the genealogy of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham” (Matthew 1:1, ESV). This opening links Jesus to Abraham, the father of God’s chosen people, and David, the king to whom God promised an eternal throne. It establishes Jesus’ royal lineage and identity as the Messiah.

Throughout his Gospel, Matthew emphasizes that Jesus fulfills God’s promises. For example, the virgin birth fulfills Isaiah’s prophecy: “Behold, the virgin shall conceive and bear a son, and they shall call his name Immanuel” (Matthew 1:23, quoting Isaiah 7:14, ESV). From His birth to His resurrection, Matthew highlights how Jesus is the culmination of God’s redemptive plan, showing Him as the King and Savior foretold in Scripture.

The Kingdom of Heaven

A central theme of Matthew’s Gospel is the Kingdom of Heaven, a phrase that appears more than 30 times. Jesus begins His ministry with the proclamation, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand” (Matthew 4:17, ESV). This kingdom is not like earthly kingdoms; it reflects God’s rule over the hearts and lives of His people.

In the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5–7), Jesus describes what life in His kingdom looks like: a life marked by humility, mercy, and a hunger for righteousness (Matthew 5:3–12). Through parables such as the Mustard Seed and the Treasure Hidden in a Field (Matthew 13), Jesus reveals the kingdom’s growth and value. His teachings remind us that the Kingdom of Heaven is both a present reality and a future hope, calling us to live under God’s reign now as we await its ultimate fulfillment.

Jesus is the True Teacher and True King

Matthew presents Jesus as both a masterful teacher and the rightful King. Through major discourses, Jesus reveals the principles of His kingdom. The Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7) outlines the kingdom’s ethics, while the Olivet Discourse (Matthew 24–25) prepares His followers for His return and the establishment of His eternal reign. These teachings call us to live as faithful citizens of His kingdom, embodying righteousness, mercy, and justice.

As King, Jesus confronts false authority, especially among the religious leaders of His time. In Matthew 23, He delivers a series of rebukes against the scribes and Pharisees, exposing their hypocrisy and misplaced priorities. He declares, “Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you shut the kingdom of heaven in people’s faces” (Matthew 23:13, ESV). Their obsession with outward appearances blinded them to the true King standing before them, ultimately leading them to reject and crucify Him.

King Jesus’ Reign Is Universal

Matthew concludes his Gospel with a climactic moment: the Great Commission. After His resurrection, Jesus declares, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me” (Matthew 28:18, ESV). With this authority, Jesus commissions His disciples to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19–20, ESV).

This final charge reminds us that Jesus’ kingship extends beyond Israel to all nations. As His followers, we are called to participate in spreading His kingdom by making disciples. Jesus’ parting promise, “And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age” (Matthew 28:20, ESV), assures us of His presence and power as we carry out His mission.

Through Matthew’s Gospel, we see Jesus as the promised Messiah, the Great Teacher, and the King of kings who reigns over all. It challenges us to follow Him faithfully and to share His message of hope and salvation with the world.

Mark: Jesus is the Son of Man and Suffering Servant

Who Is Mark?

The Gospel of Mark does not explicitly name its author, but early Christians attributes it to John Mark, a close companion of the apostle Peter. It is widely believed that Peter’s eyewitness accounts significantly shaped this Gospel. Written in the 50s or 60s A.D., likely from Rome, Mark’s Gospel was crafted for a Roman audience living in a time of persecution and uncertainty. Against this backdrop, Mark emphasizes action and discipleship, portraying Jesus as the humble and suffering Servant of God who fulfilled God’s redemptive plan. Mark’s purpose is to encourage believers to stay faithful, showing that following Jesus often involves hardship but leads to ultimate victory in Him.

A Gospel of Action

Mark’s Gospel stands out for its fast-paced, dynamic narrative, focusing on what Jesus does rather than just what He teaches. The frequent use of the word “immediately” creates a sense of urgency, emphasizing the importance of Jesus’ mission. For example, after His baptism, “immediately He saw the heavens being torn open and the Spirit descending on Him like a dove” (Mark 1:10, ESV). Similarly, Jesus is “immediately” sent into the wilderness (Mark 1:12, ESV), and His first disciples respond “immediately” to His call (Mark 1:18, ESV).

This relentless pace conveys Jesus’ active ministry as a servant fulfilling God’s mission of redemption. Mark’s portrayal of Jesus highlights His tireless work to bring healing, hope, and restoration to a broken world.

Jesus as the Suffering Servant

At the heart of Mark’s Gospel is Jesus’ identity as the Suffering Servant, as foretold in Isaiah 53. Jesus summarizes His mission with these words: “For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45, ESV).

Mark emphasizes Jesus’ humility and sacrifice. Throughout the Gospel, Jesus serves others by healing the sick, casting out demons, and ministering to the marginalized. His ultimate act of servanthood is seen in His suffering and death on the cross, where He lays down His life to redeem humanity.

Jesus the Misunderstood Messiah

Mark also shows that, despite His authority, Jesus was often misunderstood. His miracles demonstrated divine power, yet people struggled to grasp His true identity. When Jesus calms the storm, His disciples ask in awe, “Who then is this, that even the wind and the sea obey Him?” (Mark 4:41, ESV). Jesus also forgives sins, declaring to a paralytic, “Son, your sins are forgiven” (Mark 2:5, ESV), and proves His authority by healing him (Mark 2:11).

However, even His disciples, who witnessed these miraculous acts, often failed to understand who He truly was. For instance, after the feeding of the 5,000, their hearts were hardened, and they didn’t fully grasp what Jesus had done (Mark 6:52, ESV). When Peter confessed Jesus as the Christ, he rebuked Jesus for predicting His suffering, prompting the sharp response: “Get behind me, Satan! For you are not setting your mind on the things of God, but on the things of man” (Mark 8:33, ESV).

This misunderstanding wasn’t limited to the disciples. The religious leaders and crowds focused on Jesus’ miracles without recognizing His deeper purpose as the Suffering Servant. Mark’s Gospel challenges readers to look beyond their expectations and recognize Jesus’ true identity and mission.

The Truth of Jesus’ Identity Revealed

The Gospel of Mark reaches its climactic moment at the cross, where Jesus’ true identity is fully revealed. As Jesus breathes His last, a Roman centurion (a Gentile) declares, “Truly this man was the Son of God!” (Mark 15:39, ESV). This confession is significant, coming from an unlikely source: a soldier who witnessed Jesus’ suffering.

This declaration affirms that Jesus’ servanthood, suffering, and sacrifice were not in vain. Through His humility and obedience, Jesus accomplished His mission, revealing Himself as both the Servant of God and the divine Son of God.

Mark’s Gospel invites us to see Jesus clearly: as the Suffering Servant who willingly gave His life for us and as the Son of God who reigns with authority. In following Him, we are called to a life of faithful discipleship, even in the face of hardship, as we hold fast to the hope of His ultimate victory.

Luke: Jesus is the Compassionate Savior of All

Who Is Luke?

Luke, a physician and close companion of the apostle Paul (Colossians 4:14), is the author of the Gospel that bears his name. Unlike the other Gospel writers, Luke was a Gentile writing primarily to a Gentile audience. His Gospel is addressed to a man named Theophilus, likely a Gentile believer of high social standing, to provide “an orderly account” of Jesus’ life and ministry, ensuring confidence in the truth of the Christian message (Luke 1:1–4, ESV). Written in the early 60s A.D., Luke carefully investigated eyewitness accounts to present a detailed and compassionate portrayal of Jesus’ mission to bring salvation to all people, with a special focus on the poor, the marginalized, and the outcast.

Jesus Came for Both Jew and Gentile

From the outset, Luke’s Gospel emphasizes the universal scope of Jesus’ mission. As a Gentile himself, Luke writes with a Gentile audience in mind, highlighting the inclusivity of Jesus’ message. While Matthew traces Jesus’ lineage back to Abraham to emphasize His Jewish heritage, Luke traces it all the way to Adam: “the son of Seth, the son of Adam, the son of God” (Luke 3:38, ESV). This connection underscores that Jesus is not just the Savior of Israel but of all humanity, the new Adam who redeems the fallen human race.

The angelic announcement at Jesus’ birth captures this universal message: “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10, ESV). Luke continually shows that Jesus’ mission transcends cultural, ethnic, and national boundaries, offering salvation to anyone who believes. By emphasizing this inclusivity, Luke reflects God’s promise to bless all nations through the Messiah, inviting everyone to share in the hope and joy of salvation.

Jesus Came for the Lost

Luke’s Gospel beautifully portrays Jesus as the Savior who seeks and restores the lost. From the beginning, Luke emphasizes Jesus’ love for those often overlooked or excluded by society. This theme is captured in Jesus’ own words: “For the Son of Man came to seek and to save the lost” (Luke 19:10, ESV).

Throughout the Gospel, Jesus’ ministry is filled with encounters that demonstrate His inclusive love. He reaches out to Zacchaeus, a despised tax collector, leading to Zacchaeus’ repentance and restoration. Jesus heals lepers, forgives sinners, and welcomes the marginalized, showing that His kingdom is open to all, regardless of their past.

Luke uniquely includes parables that emphasize God’s heart for the lost. The parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11–32) is a powerful picture of God’s extravagant mercy, welcoming repentant sinners with open arms. Similarly, the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25–37) challenges cultural barriers, extending love and compassion to all, even perceived enemies. These stories highlight that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace.

Jesus Relied on the Holy Spirit

Luke’s Gospel emphasizes the central role of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ life and ministry. From the very beginning, the Spirit is at work, filling John the Baptist’s parents and guiding Simeon to recognize the Messiah (Luke 1:41, 67; 2:25–27).

As Jesus begins His ministry, He is described as “full of the Holy Spirit” and “led by the Spirit” (Luke 4:1, ESV). He declares in the synagogue, “The Spirit of the Lord is upon me, because He has anointed me to proclaim good news to the poor” (Luke 4:18, ESV). Every aspect of Jesus’ ministry; His teachings, miracles, and acts of compassion, is accomplished through the Spirit’s power.

This theme continues in Luke’s second volume, the Book of Acts, where the same Spirit that empowered Jesus fills His followers to carry on His mission. Luke connects the life of Jesus to the early church, showing that the Spirit remains active in God’s redemptive plan.

Jesus’ Gospel Brings Joy

A defining theme of Luke’s Gospel is joy, a response to the good news of salvation. This joy is evident from the start. When Mary visits Elizabeth, John the Baptist leaps in Elizabeth’s womb, and Mary’s song of praise overflows with joy (Luke 1:41–44, 46–55). At Jesus’ birth, the angel declares, “I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people” (Luke 2:10, ESV).

Throughout Jesus’ ministry, joy continues to follow His work. His disciples rejoice after their first mission, and Jesus Himself rejoices in the Spirit, praising the Father for revealing His truth (Luke 10:17, 21).

Luke’s parables also highlight the joy of salvation. In the parable of the Lost Sheep and the Lost Coin, there is “joy in heaven” over every sinner who repents (Luke 15:7, 10, ESV). The father in the parable of the Prodigal Son celebrates with a feast, reflecting the joy of God’s forgiveness and restoration.

This theme of joy reaches its pinnacle in the resurrection. The disciples’ sorrow turns to joy as they realize Jesus has conquered death: “They worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy” (Luke 24:52, ESV). Luke’s Gospel reminds us that the message of Jesus is truly “good news” that brings lasting joy to all who receive it.

Through his detailed and compassionate account, Luke invites us to see Jesus as the Savior of all people, the seeker of the lost, and the bringer of joy. His Gospel calls us to embrace the inclusivity, hope, and transformative power of the message of Christ.

John: Jesus as the Eternal Son of God

Who is John?

The Gospel of John, written by John, the son of Zebedee, was composed to persuade people to believe in Jesus as the Christ and the Son of God, promising eternal life to those who believe (John 20:30-31). John, a Jew and one of the original twelve disciples, was part of Jesus’ inner apostolic circle and referred to as “the disciple whom Jesus loved” (John 13:23). He also authored 1–3 John and Revelation. Likely written between A.D. 70 (after the temple’s destruction) and A.D. 100 (near the end of John’s life), the Gospel was addressed to both Jews and Gentiles in the Greco-Roman world, particularly those in Ephesus and beyond.

Jesus is the Son of God

The Gospel of John begins with a powerful declaration of Jesus’ divinity: “In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” (John 1:1, ESV). This statement establishes Jesus as the eternal Word, fully divine, who became human and lived among us, full of grace and truth (John 1:14). By uniting the divine and human, Jesus accomplishes His mission to redeem the world, showing Himself as both God and man.

John’s Gospel further highlights Jesus’ divine nature through His seven “I am” statements. These declarations reveal different aspects of His character and mission, echoing God’s name given to Moses in Exodus 3:14. For example, Jesus says, “I am the bread of life” (John 6:35, ESV), pointing to Himself as the source of spiritual nourishment, and “I am the light of the world” (John 8:12, ESV), showing His power to overcome darkness and sin. These statements confirm Jesus’ divine nature while addressing human needs.

The John’s gospel also revolves around miraculous signs that demonstrate Jesus’ divine authority and purpose. These miracles not only display His power but also convey deeper spiritual truths. For example, turning water into wine at Cana reveals His glory and hints at the abundance of the new covenant (John 2:1–11). Raising Lazarus from the dead affirms Jesus as the resurrection and the life, offering eternal hope to those who believe in Him (John 11:25–44). These signs are more than acts of power; they are meant to inspire faith in Jesus as the Son of God. As John explains, “Now Jesus did many other signs…but these are written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing you may have life in His name” (John 20:30–31, ESV). This central message of John’s Gospel is to reveal Jesus as the eternal Son of God and invite readers into a life-giving faith in Him.

Jesus Came To Bring Eternal Life:

The Gospel of John presents eternal life not as a distant hope but as a present reality initiated through faith in Jesus Christ. Eternal life begins the moment one believes, rooted in a transformative relationship with God: “And this is eternal life, that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ whom you have sent” (John 17:3, ESV). It is not merely unending existence but a deep communion with God.

Eternal life flows directly from Jesus, the source of life. He declares, “I am the resurrection and the life. Whoever believes in me, though he die, yet shall he live” (John 11:25, ESV). This promise, demonstrated in the raising of Lazarus, points to its ultimate fulfillment in His own resurrection, securing eternal life for all believers.

John also portrays eternal life as satisfying the soul’s deepest longings. To the Samaritan woman, Jesus offers “living water” that becomes “a spring of water welling up to eternal life” (John 4:14, ESV), and He calls Himself “the bread of life,” promising that “whoever comes to me shall not hunger” (John 6:35, ESV). These images highlight eternal life as a quality of fulfillment sustained by Jesus’ presence and power.

Finally, eternal life is tied to Jesus’ sacrificial mission. “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep” (John 10:11, ESV). His atoning death defeats sin and guarantees abundant, eternal life for His followers. In John’s Gospel, eternal life is not just a gift offered but a reality purchased through His ultimate sacrifice.

Jesus Reveals The Love of God:

The Gospel of John presents the love of God as the defining attribute of Jesus’ mission, portraying it as deeply personal and universally transformative. Rooted in the eternal relationship between the Father and the Son, Jesus declares, “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Abide in my love” (John 15:9, ESV). By inviting His followers to dwell in this love, Jesus offers it as the foundation for their relationship with God and one another.

One of the clearest demonstrations of God’s love is Jesus’ humility and servanthood. During the Last Supper, He washes His disciples’ feet (a task reserved for servants) and tells them, “If I then, your Lord and Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet” (John 13:14, ESV). This selfless act challenges them to embody such love in their own lives.

Jesus’ love even extends to those who betray or oppose Him. He shows compassion to Judas by offering him the dipped morsel (a gesture of friendship) just before Judas sets His betrayal into motion (John 13:26–27). This act underscores the grace and patience inherent in God’s love, even in the face of rejection.

In His High Priestly Prayer, Jesus prays for the unity of His followers, asking that they “may all be one, just as you, Father, are in me, and I in you” (John 17:21, ESV). This unity, grounded in shared love, binds believers together and serves as a witness to the world.

The ultimate revelation of God’s love is Jesus’ sacrificial death on the cross. Declaring, “It is finished” (John 19:30, ESV), He completes the work of redemption, reconciling humanity to God. His death embodies the truth of John 3:16: “For God so loved the world, that He gave His only Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have eternal life.”

Finally, John’s Gospel concludes with Jesus’ tender restoration of Peter after his denial. Asking Peter three times, “Do you love me?” (John 21:15–17, ESV), Jesus reveals that God’s love is not only sacrificial and patient but also restorative, healing brokenness and renewing purpose.

Jesus’ Mission Accomplished

The Gospel of John presents the culmination of Jesus’ mission as the ultimate revelation of God’s love and His triumph over sin and death. Jesus’ declaration, “It is finished” (John 19:30, ESV), signifies the full accomplishment of His mission to reconcile humanity to God. The Greek word “tetelestai” conveys completion and fulfillment, as if a debt has been fully paid, capturing Jesus’ role as the Lamb of God who takes away the world’s sin (John 1:29). His sacrifice satisfies justice while extending grace to all who believe.

John emphasizes that Jesus’ death was intentional and an act of love: “No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord” (John 10:18, ESV). Even in His final moments, Jesus’ care for others is evident, such as when He entrusts His mother to the beloved disciple (John 19:26, ESV), reflecting the relational nature of His mission and the heart of God’s love.

The resurrection is the ultimate proof of Jesus’ completed mission. Mary Magdalene’s encounter with the risen Lord (John 20:11–18) demonstrates the defeat of death and secures a new relationship between humanity and God: “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my God and your God” (John 20:17, ESV). Jesus’ appearance to Thomas further emphasizes the tangible reality of His victory, as Thomas responds, “My Lord and my God!” (John 20:28, ESV), a powerful confession of Jesus’ divinity.

Finally, Jesus commissions His disciples: “As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you” (John 20:21, ESV). With the giving of the Holy Spirit, His followers are entrusted with the work of reconciliation, continuing the mission grounded in His death and resurrection. Jesus’ triumph becomes the foundation for the church’s ongoing role in spreading God’s love and redemption.

The Unified Picture of Jesus Christ

Ultimately the Gospels collectively provide a harmonious and comprehensive testimony of Jesus Christ, each emphasizing a unique facet of His character and mission. Matthew presents Jesus as the promised King, fulfilling prophecy and inaugurating God’s kingdom. Mark portrays Him as the Servant of God, humbly and tirelessly working to redeem humanity. Luke reveals Jesus as the Savior of all people, emphasizing His compassion for the marginalized and His mission to seek and save the lost. Finally, John exalts Jesus as the eternal Son of God, the divine Word made flesh, who offers eternal life to all who believe.

Through His life, death, and resurrection, Jesus fulfills God’s redemptive plan. His declaration, “It is finished” (John 19:30, ESV), marks the completion of His mission to reconcile humanity to God. The resurrection secures His triumph over sin and death, offering eternal hope and new life to all who follow Him.

This unified picture of Jesus Christ invites a response from both believers and unbelievers. For those yet to believe, the Gospels present a Savior worth trusting, one who offers forgiveness, hope, and eternal life. For believers, the Gospels call us to respond by following Jesus as King, serving others as He served, extending His compassion to the lost, and worshiping Him as the eternal Son of God. Let us marvel at the multifaceted glory of Jesus Christ and commit our lives to knowing Him more deeply and making Him known.