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

The Gospels Spreading the “Good News”

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

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

Life & Teaching Oral Tradition Written Gospels

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

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”

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

Gospel of Matthew Written by “Matthew”, a Jewish Christian Written about 70-80 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

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.

Gospel of Mark Written by John Mark, a friend of Peter Written about 65-70 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”

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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