1. Synoptic Gospels
Matthew, Mark, Luke

2. Introduction The new Testament Christianity based on historical facts
Good News – witness of others
Gospel is news – derived from witness of others. Puts a different face upon life
It’s the life, death and resurrection of Jesus Christ
The new Testament
Is a historical book of the Good News of the Living God at work in history,
Not just in the past but in the living present and the future in light of the promises of God.

3. The Synoptic Gospels Common in the first three gospels
Synoptic because they ”see together”
Same point of view regard the life of Christ, agreeing in
Subject matter &
Order
Common in the first three gospels
Announcement of the Messiah by John the Baptist
Baptism of Jesus
Temptation of Jesus
Teaching & miracles of Jesus
Transfiguration of Jesus
Trial, death & burial of Jesus
Resurrection of Jesus

4. Purpose & Distinct Focus of the Gospels
Matthew 16:13–16 (NIV84) 13 When Jesus came to the region of Caesarea Philippi, he asked his disciples, “Who do people say the Son of Man is?” 14 They replied, “Some say John the Baptist; others say Elijah; and still others, Jeremiah or one of the prophets.” 15 “But what about you?” he asked. “Who do you say I am?” 16 Simon Peter answered, “You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.”

5. The Gospels answer the questions posed by the Lord to his disciples.
The Gospel writers under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit set out to reveal the Son of God
His Person
His work
The Gospels answer the questions posed by the Lord to his disciples.
They declare exactly who Jesus is:
Messiah of the Old Testament
Servant of the Lord
Son of Man
Son of God
Saviour of the World

6. Jesus revealed in Ezek 1:10 – Parallel revelation in the Gospels
Matthew – Messiah-King (Lion)
Mark – Lord’s Servant (Ox)
Luke – Son of Man (Man)
John – Son of God (Eagle)

7. Summary
Matthew
To the Jews
Jesus of Nazareth is their Messiah, the King of the Jews
Genealogy of Jesus
10 fulfilment quotations, Jesus the long awaited Messiah
Mat 1:23, 2:15,18,23, 4:15, 8:15, 12:18-21, 13:35, 21:5, 27:9-10
The King who left an empty tomb

8. Summary Mark Addressed to the Romans
Jesus as the Servant of the Lord – gave his life as a ransom for many
Shortest gospel, yet 37% devoted to the last & most important week of the Lord life.

9. Summary Luke The doctor historian Jesus as the perfect Son of Man
He came to seek and save the lost Luke 19:10
Stressed the true humanity of our Lord Christ yet declared His Deity
Luke’s appeal was to the Gentiles – Greeks with a keen interest in human philosophy

10. Summary John Presenting Jesus as the Eternal Son of God
He gives eternal and abundant life to all who would receive Him by believing in Him - Jn 1:12, 3:16-18, 36, 10:10
Written especially to the Church – called out ones
Five chapters on the Lords farewell discourses to His disciples to comfort them
Demonstrates Jesus is the Saviour through 7 miraculous signs
Encourage people in Him that they may have Life -Jn 20:30-31

11. Matthew Author & Title Date Theme & Purpose Key Words or Concept
Matthew an apostle
Formerly Levi – tax collector
Date
AD 50’s or 60’s
Theme & Purpose
Jesus is the long awaited Messiah
Key Words or Concept
Jesus the Messiah
King of the Jews
Key Verses
1:20-23, 16:15-19, 28:18-20
Key Chapters
Chapter 1 & 12
Christ as seen in Matthew
Jesus is the Messiah
Son of Abraham & David
King of Heaven
Outline

12. Mark Author & Title Date Theme & Purpose Key Words Key Verses
Mark an associate of Peter the apostle
Date
AD 50’s or 60’s
Theme & Purpose
Christ the Servant
Key Words
Servant, Servant of the Lord
Key Verses
8:34-37, 10:43-45
Key Chapters
Chapter 8
Christ as seen in Mark
Saviour as a Sacrificing Servant who gives his life obediently for the ransom for many
Outline

13. Luke Author & Title Date Theme & Purpose Key Words or Concept
Physician, Evangelist, Gentile, not an eye witness of the life of Jesus Christ.
Date
AD 60
Theme & Purpose
Initial Greek readership
Perfect human nature as the Son of Man
Jesus is perfect manhood – physically, mentally and spiritually
Key Words or Concept
Jesus, the Son of Man
Key Verses
1:1-4, 19:10
Key Chapters
Chapter 15
Three parables – lost sheep, lost coin, lost son
Christ as seen in Luke
The humanity and compassion of Jesus are repeatedly stressed in Luke's Gospel
Most complete account of Christs ancestry, birth, development
Back to Adam, Son of God
Carried our sorrows & offer priceless gift of salvation
Jesus fulfils the Greek ideal of human perfection
Outline