The Four Witnesses: An Introduction to the Gospels

The New Testament opens with four remarkable books, commonly known as the Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These are not merely historical biographies, but divinely inspired accounts presenting the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. While they narrate the same pivotal events, each Gospel offers a distinct perspective, tailored to a specific audience and emphasizing particular aspects of our Lord's identity and mission. Far from being contradictory, these four narratives beautifully complement one another, painting a complete and multifaceted portrait of the Son of God.

The meticulousness of their composition is highlighted by Luke's own introduction:

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.

Luke 1:1-4

This pursuit of certainty, guided by the Holy Spirit, ensures that though the perspectives differ, the truth remains singular and unassailable. Let us delve into a side-by-side comparison of these four indispensable books.

Matthew: The King and His Kingdom

Written by Matthew, also known as Levi, a tax collector called by Jesus, this Gospel is primarily addressed to a Jewish audience. Its central theme is the presentation of Jesus as the long-awaited Messiah, the King of Israel, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies. Matthew's purpose was to demonstrate unequivocally that Jesus of Nazareth was indeed the promised Son of David, the rightful heir to Abraham's covenant.

Key characteristics of Matthew's Gospel include:

  • A detailed genealogy tracing Jesus' lineage through Joseph back to Abraham (Matthew 1:1-17), emphasizing His royal descent.
  • Frequent quotations from the Old Testament, often introduced with phrases like "that it might be fulfilled" (Matthew 1:22, Matthew 2:15, Matthew 2:23).
  • Emphasis on the "Kingdom of Heaven" (used over 30 times), highlighting the spiritual and sovereign reign of Christ.
  • Inclusion of significant discourses, such as the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5-7), which outlines the principles of the Kingdom.
  • Portrayal of Jesus as the new Moses, delivering new law and leading His people.

Matthew's Gospel begins by declaring, "The book of the generation of Jesus Christ, the son of David, the son of Abraham." It meticulously builds the case for Jesus' kingship, culminating in His Great Commission to establish His spiritual kingdom throughout the world (Matthew 28:18-20).

Mark: The Servant in Swift Action

John Mark, a companion of Peter and Paul, is the author of the shortest and most action-packed Gospel. Believed to reflect Peter's eyewitness accounts, Mark's Gospel is directed primarily to a Roman Gentile audience. Its central theme is Jesus as the powerful Servant of God, diligently carrying out His Father's will, often emphasizing His miraculous works and authority.

Key characteristics of Mark's Gospel include:

  • A fast-paced narrative, often using the Greek word 'euthys' (translated as "straightway" or "immediately"), conveying urgency and power.
  • Less emphasis on discourses and more on deeds and miracles, appealing to the Roman appreciation for action and authority.
  • Portrayal of Jesus as the suffering Servant, fulfilling Isaiah 53, who came "not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many" (Mark 10:45).
  • A focus on Jesus' humanity and emotions, showing His compassion, anger, and weariness.
  • The abrupt and powerful ending, highlighting the resurrection and the disciples' fear and awe.

Mark dives straight into Jesus' public ministry, beginning with John the Baptist's preparation and Jesus' baptism (Mark 1:1-13). It portrays a Christ who is constantly active, demonstrating His divine power over sickness, demons, and nature, all while fulfilling His servant role unto death.

Luke: The Son of Man, Saviour of All

Written by Luke, a Gentile physician and companion of the Apostle Paul, this Gospel is addressed to "most excellent Theophilus" and, by extension, to a broader Gentile audience. Luke's primary theme is Jesus as the perfect Son of Man, the compassionate Saviour of all humanity, encompassing Jews and Gentiles, rich and poor, men and women.

Key characteristics of Luke's Gospel include:

  • A highly detailed and historically oriented account, often providing precise dates and geographical references (Luke 3:1-2).
  • A genealogy tracing Jesus' lineage through Mary back to Adam (Luke 3:23-38), emphasizing His universal humanity.
  • Emphasis on prayer, the Holy Spirit, and the universal scope of salvation.
  • Inclusion of unique parables, such as the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) and the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32), highlighting God's compassion and grace.
  • Special attention to the marginalized, including women, children, the poor, and outcasts.
  • Portrayal of Jesus as the Great Physician, healing both body and soul, fulfilling His mission "to seek and to save that which was lost" (Luke 19:10).

Luke presents Jesus as the empathetic and perfect Man, whose ministry extends to all people, offering salvation and restoration. His Gospel begins with the miraculous births of John the Baptist and Jesus, setting a tone of divine intervention and grace for all mankind.

John: The Divine Son of God

The Apostle John, "the disciple whom Jesus loved," wrote this profound Gospel. Unlike the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke, which share similar narratives), John's Gospel is distinct in its content and theological depth. It is addressed to a universal audience of believers and non-believers, aiming to bring them to faith in Christ.

John's central theme is Jesus as the eternal Son of God, God incarnate, emphasizing His divine nature and the path to eternal life through belief in Him.

Key characteristics of John's Gospel include:

John's Gospel is a theological masterpiece, inviting readers into a deeper understanding of Christ's divine glory and the profound truth of salvation through faith in Him. It begins not with a birth narrative or a genealogy, but with the eternal existence of the Word made flesh.

A Harmonious Quartet: Why Four Gospels?

The existence of four distinct Gospels is not a redundancy but a divine design. Just as multiple witnesses are required to establish truth (Deuteronomy 19:15; 2 Corinthians 13:1), these four accounts provide a comprehensive and robust testimony to Jesus Christ. Each Gospel approaches the same central figure from a unique vantage point, much like looking at a magnificent diamond from four different angles reveals its multifaceted brilliance.

  • Matthew presents Jesus as the King, fulfilling Israel's hopes.
  • Mark portrays Him as the diligent Servant, powerfully executing God's will.
  • Luke reveals Him as the perfect Man, compassionate and universal Saviour.
  • John declares Him as the very Son of God, divine and eternal.

Together, they offer a complete picture: the King, the Servant, the Man, the God. This rich tapestry of perspectives strengthens the historical reliability of the accounts and provides a deeper understanding of the person and work of Jesus Christ than any single narrative could achieve. They demonstrate the consistent character and message of Christ, while appealing to diverse human needs and understandings.

The Unified Message: Christ Jesus

Despite their individual focuses and target audiences, the four Gospels are united in their central message: the revelation of Jesus Christ as the unique Son of God, the Saviour of the world. They all consistently testify to His sinless life, His authoritative teaching, His miraculous works, His substitutionary death on the cross, His glorious resurrection from the dead, and His ascension to the right hand of the Father.

From the virgin birth to the empty tomb, each Gospel points to the same truth: that "God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life" (John 3:16). They call all mankind to repentance and faith in Jesus Christ, the only name "given among men, whereby we must be saved" (Acts 4:12).

Studying the Gospels side-by-side enriches our understanding of Christ's identity and mission. It allows us to appreciate the Holy Spirit's wisdom in providing us with four distinct yet harmonious witnesses, each contributing to the glorious and unchangeable truth of our Lord Jesus Christ. They stand as the foundational pillars of our faith, inviting us to know Him more deeply and to walk in the light of His truth.