The Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—stand as the very heart of the Christian faith, presenting to us the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. To read them is not merely an academic exercise, but an encounter with the living Word of God. They are not simply historical documents, but divinely inspired narratives designed to reveal the Saviour and draw us into a saving relationship with Him. Understanding how to approach these sacred texts is paramount for every believer seeking spiritual nourishment and growth. The KJV, with its reverent language, offers a profound conduit for this encounter.
Approach with Prayer and Humility
Reading the Gospels, or any part of God's Word, begins not with intellect alone, but with a heart prepared by the Holy Spirit. Before opening the sacred page, we ought to seek divine illumination. The truths contained within are spiritually discerned, not merely intellectually grasped.
But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned.
Prayer opens the heart to receive God's wisdom, and humility acknowledges our need for His guidance. We must come not as critics, but as disciples, eager to learn from the Master. Lay aside preconceived notions and biases, allowing the text to speak for itself, illuminated by the Spirit. Ask the Lord to open your understanding, as He did for His disciples.
Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures,
This humble posture ensures that our reading is not just informative, but transformative.
Understand the Authors' Perspectives
While all four Gospels present the same Christ, they do so from distinct perspectives, each tailored to a particular audience and purpose. Recognizing these nuances enriches our understanding.
- Matthew: The King and Messiah. Written primarily for a Jewish audience, Matthew emphasizes Jesus as the promised Messiah, the Son of David, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. He presents Jesus as the King who establishes His kingdom. Look for the numerous references to "that it might be fulfilled."
- Mark: The Servant and Son of God. Mark's Gospel is concise, action-oriented, and often portrays Jesus as the powerful Servant of the Lord, constantly ministering and performing miracles. It emphasizes His deeds more than His discourses, often using the word "straightway" or "immediately." It is believed to have been written with a Roman audience in mind.
- Luke: The Son of Man and Saviour of All. Luke, a Gentile physician, meticulously researched his account, presenting Jesus as the compassionate Son of Man, the perfect human, and the Saviour for all humanity—Jews and Gentiles alike. He highlights Jesus' concern for the marginalized, women, and the poor. His genealogy traces Jesus back to Adam.
- John: The Son of God and Divine Logos. John's Gospel is distinct, focusing on the deity of Christ and His eternal nature. It presents Jesus as the "Word made flesh," the divine Son of God, and emphasizes belief in Him for eternal life. John records fewer parables and miracles but includes lengthy discourses on theological truths, such as the "I AM" statements.
Understanding these different emphases helps us appreciate the multifaceted glory of Christ, rather than seeing contradictions. They are complementary portraits, not conflicting ones.
Recognize the Gospels as Historical Narrative and Theological Truth
The Gospels are not mere fables or allegories; they are historical accounts of real events, involving real people, in a real time and place. Luke explicitly states his careful research:
Forasmuch as many have taken in hand to set forth in order a declaration of those things which are most surely believed among us, Even as they delivered them unto us, which from the beginning were eyewitnesses, and ministers of the word; It seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write unto thee in order, most excellent Theophilus, That thou mightest know the certainty of those things, wherein thou hast been instructed.
However, they are more than just history; they are inspired history, imbued with profound theological truth. Every event, every teaching, every miracle points to the person and work of Jesus Christ as God's redemptive plan. They reveal God's character, His holiness, His love, and His plan for salvation through His Son. Read them with an eye for both the factual details and the eternal truths they convey.
Pay Attention to Context
To rightly divide the word of truth, context is king. This involves several layers:
- Literary Context: How does a particular verse or passage fit within the immediate paragraph, chapter, and the entire book? Do not lift verses out of their surrounding narrative. For instance, understanding a parable requires knowing the question Jesus was answering or the audience He was addressing.
- Historical Context: What were the political, social, and religious conditions of first-century Judea and the Roman Empire? Understanding Jewish customs, the role of the Pharisees and Sadducees, and Roman rule sheds light on many of Jesus' interactions and teachings. For example, the parable of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) takes on richer meaning when one understands the animosity between Jews and Samaritans.
- Cultural Context: What were the daily life, traditions, and common metaphors of the time? Jesus often used agricultural metaphors (sowing, harvest), fishing analogies, and domestic scenes familiar to His audience. Knowing these helps prevent misinterpretations.
- Biblical Context: How do the Gospels connect to the Old Testament prophecies and promises, and how do they lay the foundation for the epistles and the rest of the New Testament? Jesus is the fulfillment of the Law and the Prophets.
This layered approach to context helps us avoid anachronisms and ensures we understand the text as its original audience would have.
Look for Jesus' Person and Work
Ultimately, the Gospels are about Jesus Christ. As you read, focus on who He is and what He did.
- His Deity and Humanity: Observe His divine power and authority (calming storms, raising the dead, forgiving sins) alongside His genuine humanity (weeping, hungering, tiring). He is fully God and fully man, the perfect Mediator.
- His Teachings: Pay close attention to the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), His parables, and His direct instructions. These reveal the nature of the Kingdom of God and the righteousness required of its citizens.
- His Miracles: See them not just as displays of power, but as signs pointing to His identity as the Son of God and demonstrating His compassion and authority over sin, sickness, and death.
- His Relationships: How did He interact with His disciples, the crowds, the religious leaders, the outcasts? His interactions reveal His character and His heart.
- His Atoning Work: The climax of each Gospel is the passion narrative—His suffering, crucifixion, and resurrection. This is the central event of human history, providing salvation for all who believe. Understand that His death was not a tragedy, but a purposeful act of redemption.
The Gospels are not merely a moral guide; they are a revelation of the Saviour. Every page invites us to behold Him.
Apply the Truth to Your Life
Reading the Gospels should lead to transformation, not just information. After careful study, ask yourself:
- What does this passage reveal about God's character?
- What does it reveal about my own heart or the human condition?
- Is there a command to obey, a promise to claim, a warning to heed, an example to follow?
- How does this truth call me to repentance, faith, or greater obedience?
The goal is to allow the Word to shape your thoughts, motives, and actions, conforming you more and more to the image of Christ.
But be ye doers of the word, and not hearers only, deceiving your own selves.
The Gospels are living and powerful, able to pierce the heart and discern the thoughts and intents.
Conclusion
Reading the Gospels with diligence, prayer, and a humble heart is one of the most enriching spiritual disciplines a believer can undertake. They are God's chosen means to introduce us to His Son, Jesus Christ, in whom "are hid all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge" (Colossians 2:3). By understanding the authors' unique perspectives, recognizing the historical and theological depth, paying close attention to context, and focusing on the person and work of Jesus, we can unlock the profound truths contained within these sacred books. Let us draw near with faith, eager to learn from the Master, that our lives might truly reflect the glorious light of the Gospel.