A Study of John's Gospel: Pt 1 Unique aspects of Matthew, Mark and Luke's gospels.
Greetings to all of our Readers around the world!
Our world is full of chaos, confusion and uncertainty yet we have the greatest blessing of being able to look into the scriptures given by God to us.
I would like to study through the Gospel of John with you. John's gospel is unique. He wrote toward the end of the first century after having seen the birth of the church and the martyrdom of all the other apostles. John also saw where the church was getting off track and wrote his gospel to address these concerns.
John wants us to know certain doctrinal truths that had become compromised to some degree and he reinforced them strongly in his gospel and his 3 epistles.
Let us begin this study by comparing themes in the other 3 gospels to themes in John's gospel.
Unique aspects of Matthew's Gospel.
Matthew's intent is to present Jesus Christ as Israel's King and Messiah. Thus, Matthew starts with a legal family history that connects Jesus Christ to King David and to Abraham. This provides the legal foundation for proclaiming Jesus as King and Messiah.
The Kingdom of Heaven
Matthew 5:1-3 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: 2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The gospel of Matthew uses the unique phrase "kingdom of heaven" 32 times. It would remind the people of God that Christ is going to rule on earth in fulfillment of all prophecies. It would remind them that Jehovah declared that He would come to earth and reign one day.
Prophecy Fulfilled by Christ.
Matthew 1:22-23 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Matthew also uses 130 quotations from the Old Testament to prove that Jesus is the legal King of Israel. Matthew is the only gospel that uses the phrase "which was spoken" while quoting prophecy.
Christ came to perfectly obey God's holy law.
Matthew 5:17 -18 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Matthew's gospel is the only one where Jesus declares His intention to perfectly keep and satisfy the Holy Law of God. No man has ever kept God's law but Christ came to fulfill it. This is a very important theological truth because all mankind is condemned by the law because sin dwells in us and we often violate God's holy precepts.
Unique aspects of Mark's Gospel.
Christ the Suffering Servant of Isaiah
Isaiah 53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
Mark's gospel is intent on showing Jesus Christ as the Righteous Servant of Jehovah coming to complete the redemptive work of God. There is no reference to the special birth of Christ or of the homage he received from the wise men. Isaiah 53 is the chapter telling us about Jehovah, our Suffering Servant. It shows how His sufferings are directly related to His saving work.
Mark 10:44 -45 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
A servant does not receive such honors and Mark is intent on showing us the things that Jesus did. Jesus came to serve and minister to the needs of those He came in contact with. He came to do the works of the Father and to seek and save the lost.
The Greek word "doulos" can be translated "servant" or "slave" and it carries the idea of completing a task for someone of a higher authority. This certainly describes the relationship of the Father and the Son.
Decisive actions and immediate works of Christ.
Mark 1:17-20 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. 18 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. 19 And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. 20 And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.
Mark uses a Greek word translated "straightway" or "immediately" 40 times in his gospel. The word refers to work that is done right away with no delay. It means doing a job well and with speed and this is why Mark used that specific word so many times.
Mark is the only one who tells us Jesus was a carpenter.
Mark 6:1-3 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. 2 And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
Mark's gospel is the only one that tells us that Jesus was a carpenter like His earthly father, Joseph. This key detail helps us understand what Jesus came to do and how He operated.
A carpenter fixes broken things by making necessary repairs. Consider how many times Jesus healed people, cast out demons or raised the dead. A carpenter can also build new things by using new or recycled wood. Consider how Jesus raised the dead and gave sight to the blind. A carpenter usually does work for other people. Consider how Jesus ministered to all the people who sought Him out. Thus, Jesus is presented as the Servant of Jehovah in Mark's gospel.
Unique aspects of Luke's Gospel.
Luke was a Gentile physician who wrote his gospel to other Gentiles. Luke counted himself as one of the saved or born again people of God, thus showing that Christ, the Son of Man came to save all mankind, both Jews and Gentiles.
Luke 3:38 Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.
Luke traced the family lineage of Jesus through His mother, Mary. This connects Christ with Kind David, Abraham and back to Adam who was son of man, son of God.
18 Parables only found in Luke's gospel.
Luke 15:1-7 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. 3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Jesus used this parable to illustrate His great mission to seek and save the lost. God is willing to leave the 99 sheep that are safe and accounted for in order to seek that one lost sheep. This parable shows the Father's love for all mankind, the Son's obedience in doing what it took to rescue all the sheep and the Spirit's calling at the door of our hearts to show us the way of salvation. This undertaking is a source of great joy in heaven.
Luke also tells us the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) along with the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) and the Lost Sheep noted above. Luke also includes parables about the importance of prayer (Luke 11:5-13; 18:1-18).
Christ presented as Son of Man and Savior of All.
Luke 9:21-22 And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing; 22 Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.
In the verses preceding this text Peter confesses that Jesus is Christ, the Son of God. The Lord charges His disciples not to tell this to others and then Christ foretells what will happen to Him in Jerusalem.
Daniel 7:13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
The prophet Daniel links the "Son of Man" with One who was in heaven with the Ancient of Days. This Son of Man clearly points to Jesus Christ because one day Jesus will be given an everlasting kingdom that will fulfill Daniel's prophecy. Only Jesus Christ the Son of God is seated at the Father's right hand.
Thoughts to Ponder...
We have 4 gospels from God to give us a full and complete picture of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Each gospel has a different point of emphasis and things that are unique. Each one of the Spirit inspired gospels is a rich source of truth for the born again believer in Jesus Christ.
So far, we have seen Christ as the King, the Suffering Servant and the Son of Man. John's gospel was written much later after the birth of the New Testament church. John lived into his 90's and as the last living apostle he was used of God to write correctives to the church, Therefore his gospel shows us a very different side of Christ.
I pray that this study will be used of God to open the eyes of the lost so that all can see the glories of Christ and embrace Him as their savior. I pray that as we study this gospel we will see how John's gospel complements Matthew, Mark and Luke's gospel. I pray that the Spirit of God will help us rejoice in all that we find Christ to be in the gospel of John.
Bob
Our world is full of chaos, confusion and uncertainty yet we have the greatest blessing of being able to look into the scriptures given by God to us.
I would like to study through the Gospel of John with you. John's gospel is unique. He wrote toward the end of the first century after having seen the birth of the church and the martyrdom of all the other apostles. John also saw where the church was getting off track and wrote his gospel to address these concerns.
John wants us to know certain doctrinal truths that had become compromised to some degree and he reinforced them strongly in his gospel and his 3 epistles.
Let us begin this study by comparing themes in the other 3 gospels to themes in John's gospel.
Unique aspects of Matthew's Gospel.
Matthew's intent is to present Jesus Christ as Israel's King and Messiah. Thus, Matthew starts with a legal family history that connects Jesus Christ to King David and to Abraham. This provides the legal foundation for proclaiming Jesus as King and Messiah.
The Kingdom of Heaven
Matthew 5:1-3 And seeing the multitudes, he went up into a mountain: and when he was set, his disciples came unto him: 2 And he opened his mouth, and taught them, saying, 3 Blessed are the poor in spirit: for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.
The gospel of Matthew uses the unique phrase "kingdom of heaven" 32 times. It would remind the people of God that Christ is going to rule on earth in fulfillment of all prophecies. It would remind them that Jehovah declared that He would come to earth and reign one day.
Prophecy Fulfilled by Christ.
Matthew 1:22-23 Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, 23 Behold, a virgin shall be with child, and shall bring forth a son, and they shall call his name Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.
Matthew also uses 130 quotations from the Old Testament to prove that Jesus is the legal King of Israel. Matthew is the only gospel that uses the phrase "which was spoken" while quoting prophecy.
Christ came to perfectly obey God's holy law.
Matthew 5:17 -18 Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. 18 For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled.
Matthew's gospel is the only one where Jesus declares His intention to perfectly keep and satisfy the Holy Law of God. No man has ever kept God's law but Christ came to fulfill it. This is a very important theological truth because all mankind is condemned by the law because sin dwells in us and we often violate God's holy precepts.
Unique aspects of Mark's Gospel.
Christ the Suffering Servant of Isaiah
Isaiah 53:11 He shall see of the travail of his soul, and shall be satisfied: by his knowledge shall my righteous servant justify many; for he shall bear their iniquities.
Mark's gospel is intent on showing Jesus Christ as the Righteous Servant of Jehovah coming to complete the redemptive work of God. There is no reference to the special birth of Christ or of the homage he received from the wise men. Isaiah 53 is the chapter telling us about Jehovah, our Suffering Servant. It shows how His sufferings are directly related to His saving work.
Mark 10:44 -45 And whosoever of you will be the chiefest, shall be servant of all. 45 For even the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many.
A servant does not receive such honors and Mark is intent on showing us the things that Jesus did. Jesus came to serve and minister to the needs of those He came in contact with. He came to do the works of the Father and to seek and save the lost.
The Greek word "doulos" can be translated "servant" or "slave" and it carries the idea of completing a task for someone of a higher authority. This certainly describes the relationship of the Father and the Son.
Decisive actions and immediate works of Christ.
Mark 1:17-20 And Jesus said unto them, Come ye after me, and I will make you to become fishers of men. 18 And straightway they forsook their nets, and followed him. 19 And when he had gone a little further thence, he saw James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother, who also were in the ship mending their nets. 20 And straightway he called them: and they left their father Zebedee in the ship with the hired servants, and went after him.
Mark uses a Greek word translated "straightway" or "immediately" 40 times in his gospel. The word refers to work that is done right away with no delay. It means doing a job well and with speed and this is why Mark used that specific word so many times.
Mark is the only one who tells us Jesus was a carpenter.
Mark 6:1-3 And he went out from thence, and came into his own country; and his disciples follow him. 2 And when the sabbath day was come, he began to teach in the synagogue: and many hearing him were astonished, saying, From whence hath this man these things? and what wisdom is this which is given unto him, that even such mighty works are wrought by his hands? 3 Is not this the carpenter, the son of Mary, the brother of James, and Joses, and of Juda, and Simon? and are not his sisters here with us? And they were offended at him.
Mark's gospel is the only one that tells us that Jesus was a carpenter like His earthly father, Joseph. This key detail helps us understand what Jesus came to do and how He operated.
A carpenter fixes broken things by making necessary repairs. Consider how many times Jesus healed people, cast out demons or raised the dead. A carpenter can also build new things by using new or recycled wood. Consider how Jesus raised the dead and gave sight to the blind. A carpenter usually does work for other people. Consider how Jesus ministered to all the people who sought Him out. Thus, Jesus is presented as the Servant of Jehovah in Mark's gospel.
Unique aspects of Luke's Gospel.
Luke was a Gentile physician who wrote his gospel to other Gentiles. Luke counted himself as one of the saved or born again people of God, thus showing that Christ, the Son of Man came to save all mankind, both Jews and Gentiles.
Luke 3:38 Which was the son of Enos, which was the son of Seth, which was the son of Adam, which was the son of God.
Luke traced the family lineage of Jesus through His mother, Mary. This connects Christ with Kind David, Abraham and back to Adam who was son of man, son of God.
18 Parables only found in Luke's gospel.
Luke 15:1-7 Then drew near unto him all the publicans and sinners for to hear him. 2 And the Pharisees and scribes murmured, saying, This man receiveth sinners, and eateth with them. 3 And he spake this parable unto them, saying, 4 What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? 5 And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. 6 And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. 7 I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.
Jesus used this parable to illustrate His great mission to seek and save the lost. God is willing to leave the 99 sheep that are safe and accounted for in order to seek that one lost sheep. This parable shows the Father's love for all mankind, the Son's obedience in doing what it took to rescue all the sheep and the Spirit's calling at the door of our hearts to show us the way of salvation. This undertaking is a source of great joy in heaven.
Luke also tells us the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) along with the parable of the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32) and the Lost Sheep noted above. Luke also includes parables about the importance of prayer (Luke 11:5-13; 18:1-18).
Christ presented as Son of Man and Savior of All.
Luke 9:21-22 And he straitly charged them, and commanded them to tell no man that thing; 22 Saying, The Son of man must suffer many things, and be rejected of the elders and chief priests and scribes, and be slain, and be raised the third day.
In the verses preceding this text Peter confesses that Jesus is Christ, the Son of God. The Lord charges His disciples not to tell this to others and then Christ foretells what will happen to Him in Jerusalem.
Daniel 7:13 I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. 14 And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.
The prophet Daniel links the "Son of Man" with One who was in heaven with the Ancient of Days. This Son of Man clearly points to Jesus Christ because one day Jesus will be given an everlasting kingdom that will fulfill Daniel's prophecy. Only Jesus Christ the Son of God is seated at the Father's right hand.
Thoughts to Ponder...
We have 4 gospels from God to give us a full and complete picture of the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Each gospel has a different point of emphasis and things that are unique. Each one of the Spirit inspired gospels is a rich source of truth for the born again believer in Jesus Christ.
So far, we have seen Christ as the King, the Suffering Servant and the Son of Man. John's gospel was written much later after the birth of the New Testament church. John lived into his 90's and as the last living apostle he was used of God to write correctives to the church, Therefore his gospel shows us a very different side of Christ.
I pray that this study will be used of God to open the eyes of the lost so that all can see the glories of Christ and embrace Him as their savior. I pray that as we study this gospel we will see how John's gospel complements Matthew, Mark and Luke's gospel. I pray that the Spirit of God will help us rejoice in all that we find Christ to be in the gospel of John.
Bob
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