Jesus: Servant, Son of Man, King!
Congratulations! You have completed reading the Old Testament in your Rooted Bible Reading Plan for 2025. We now move on to the New Testament and begin with the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
We might consider Matthew, Mark, and Luke the first evangelists, who used similar accounts and often used the same language in their gospel writings. I find it interesting that God used three men from different backgrounds who were inspired by the Holy Spirit to write the synoptic gospels. These books of the Bible are referred to as synoptic because they are written from a common viewpoint, which is the Greek meaning of “synoptic”.
These men recorded the teachings, the miracles, and the proclamation of a kingdom to come as revealed through Jesus’ short three years of ministry. Jesus’ brief time here on earth revealed the mind and love of God and provided a means for mankind to be redeemed. His life and teachings, as recorded in the synoptic gospels, altered the course of history and ushered in the age of Grace.
The Three Evangelists
Matthew:
Matthew identified himself in Matthew 9:9 as a man sitting at the receipt of customs. Mark and Luke identify Matthew as a tax collector by the name of Levi. Many in the scripture were given two or three names. God changed Abram to Abraham, Jacob to Israel, Saul to Paul, Simon to Peter, etc., and maybe Levi to Matthew. Matthew means “gift of God or gift of Yahweh”.
Matthew was a Jewish tax collector, serving under Herod Antipas, who was the tetrarch of Galilee, which did not make him a popular individual among the Jews, and he would be considered a traitor to his people. This certainly would not qualify him to be a follower or one of the called Disciples of Christ. Yet, when Jesus called him to follow, Matthew must have seen in Jesus an opportunity to be freed from his service to Herod and his unpopularity with the Jews. It was an offer for a new life; therefore, Matthew immediately left his tax collector’s booth to become a devoted follower of Jesus, not realizing where this new journey would take him.
As with all of us, when Jesus calls, we can be redeemed to God and become a follower of Christ with everlasting life in Him. If we follow His call, then nothing in our past will matter. The Gospel of Matthew continues to be a source of spiritual guidance for all who answer the call to be a Christ Follower.
Mark:
Mark, who is identified in the scripture as John, Mark, and John Mark, grew up in Jerusalem. There was a house church in his home where his mother was a staunch supporter of the apostles and many Christ followers of the first century. It appears Peter was a favored apostle, and Mark became a close friend of Peter. Peter even called Mark (Marcus) his son in the faith. (1 Peter 5:13).
In Acts chapter 12, we read about Peter being arrested, placed in prison, and awaiting the death sentence by Herod the king. The church was gathered in the house of Mary, the mother of Mark, holding a prayer meeting for Peter’s safety. When an angel of the Lord freed Peter from prison, he immediately went to Mary’s house and to the followers who were gathered there.
Mark also accompanied Paul and his cousin Barnabas in mission work. Thus, Mark’s gospel is based greatly upon his close relationship with Peter, his sermons, and his ministry experiences with Paul and Barnabas.
Luke:
We are not given much information about Luke in his earlier years of life. We do know he was a Gentile who had come to faith in Christ. However, we don’t have any definite information about his conversion to Christ. It is believed his conversion was after Pentecost. Luke was identified in Paul’s letter to the Colossians as a beloved physician.
As a physician, Luke would have been highly educated, but we do not see that he ever elevated himself or his position in his writings. He was a humble man and did not call attention to himself. Luke proved to be a historian as he accompanied Paul, documenting much of Paul’s ministry. Luke is believed to have conducted careful research and interviews with eyewitnesses, including the apostles and other early followers of Jesus, which he used in writing his gospel and its sequel, the book of Acts. Because Mark and Luke had both travelled with Paul, they obviously knew each other. Luke was able to learn much from Mark due to his relationship with Peter, who was a disciple of Jesus. Luke acknowledges this in the very beginning of his gospel (Luke 1:1-3).
Luke, being the only non-Jewish writer of the New Testament, was chosen and inspired by the Holy Spirit to write his gospel to affirm Jesus as the Son of God and His humanity as the Son of Man.
Differences in the Synoptic Gospels
Because of the different backgrounds of these three men, the Holy Spirit inspired them to write their gospels in such a way as to convince their readers that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah and Savior of mankind. These gospels contain many similarities because of the flow of information between the writers, but also have purpose in their differences. Matthew wrote mainly to convince the Jewish people that Jesus was their long-awaited Messiah; Mark wrote mainly to show Jesus’ miracles and works as a servant, while Luke wrote mainly as a physician and educated man to emphasize Jesus’ humanity as the Son of Man.
Jesus as King
Matthew’s gospel was directed mainly to the Jews. Being a disciple, he spent much time with Jesus. It appears his heart was for the Jewish people and he wanted to convince them that Jesus was their King. The Jews had been waiting for centuries for the Messiah to come and establish a new Kingdom. They were looking for a king who would rule the world with justice and free them from the rule of the Roman Empire. They were looking for a worldly king and not a spiritual king. They did not accept Jesus because He did not come in the way they had anticipated or expected. Matthew directed his gospel to the Jews to prove that Jesus was their long-awaited Messiah who fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament, which they had ignored.
Matthew, being a Jew, knew his audience well. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he put together a well-documented account of the life and ministry of Jesus. He begins his gospel by declaring the genealogy of Jesus, starting with Abraham to David, continuing from David to the exile to Babylon, and from the exile to the Messiah.
Matthew tells about the birth of Jesus, emphasizing Joseph’s angelic encounter more than Mary’s. Although he makes it clear that Mary was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit, his attention to Joseph was to convince his readers that Jesus was the promised king through the lineage of David. He shares that Joseph was told the child was to be named Jesus, which means “the Lord saves”. Matthew also reveals that the child would be named Immanuel, meaning “God with us”, to fulfill the prophecy that was spoken by the prophet Isaiah.
Matthew notes that after Jesus was born, wise men (Magi) from the east came looking for the one born King of the Jews. They came to Jerusalem and asked Herod where they might find Him. The priests and scribes said it is written by the prophet that Bethlehem would be the place that would produce a Ruler who would shepherd the people of Israel. The Magi are only mentioned in Matthew’s gospel to add more convincing proof that Jesus is the long awaited King.
After documenting more prophecy from Jesus’ flight to Egypt, the massacre of the male children at Herod’s command, and the return to Nazareth, Matthew tells of John the Baptist and Jesus’ baptism. Then Matthew records Jesus’ ministry, teachings, parables, and miracles.
Matthew’s Gospel is the only one to include The Sermon on the Mount. Can you imagine the number of people who gathered that day? Some Bibles call this a large crowd, while the KJV and NKJV say there was a great multitude. There were people from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond Jordan.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew records the key words of Jesus, “Do not think that I have come to destroy the Law of the Prophets. I did not come to destroy, but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17). Jesus spoke of love, forgiveness, and humility. He also addressed issues of justice, equality, truthfulness, kindness and respect, and showing compassion to one another. As I said at the beginning of this writing, Jesus came to show us the mind of the Father and how to do His will, and to provide a way of salvation through His sacrifice.
Matthew compared the Old Testament prophetic writings with the historical and eyewitness accounts of the disciples in order to prove that Jesus is the promised Messiah. As you read his gospel, you will find references to prophecies from Isaiah, Micah, Hosea, Jeremiah, Psalms, Malachi, and Zechariah. You would think with this many compared prophecies, the Jews would have recognized and accepted Jesus as their Messiah.
Through Jesus’ life and ministry, Matthew gives us a clear message that Jesus is the Christ, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords. Jesus gave His life on Calvary, was buried, and rose from the grave. He ascended back to the Father and is coming again. The question for us is, are we ready? Matthew leaves us with the final words of Jesus to go, and as we are going, preach, teach, and make disciples, which is called the Great Commission.
Jesus as Servant
Mark’s gospel was intended to be an encouragement to the Christians in Rome, as well as for all Christ followers like you and me. He reveals that the Son of God was willing to lay aside His deity and become an example as a servant for all humanity. Mark’s key verse is found in chapter 10, verse 45, as Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Although Mark’s gospel begins with acknowledging Jesus’ divinity as the Son of God, we see Jesus declaring in this verse that He has come in human form to serve by example and ultimately sacrifice His life for our ransom.
Mark does not record the angelic visits to Mary and Joseph or even mention the virgin birth of Jesus. He begins his gospel with John the Baptist preparing the way of the Lord, as prophesied by the Old Testament Prophets. He continues with the baptism of Jesus, Satan tempting Jesus, and then right into Jesus’ ministry.
While Matthew’s gospel records and references many Old Testament prophesies to establish Jesus’ identity, Mark’s gospel records some 18 miracles of Jesus to convince the people that He is the Christ. Jesus’ acts of healing, compassion, and power confirmed His identity with the disciples. When He asked them, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter confidently answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ” (Mark 8:29).
Mark had many personal experiences with the Apostle Peter. It is believed that Peter probably was the one who led Mark to faith in Jesus because Peter called Mark his son (1 Peter 5:13). As a young man, Mark became acquainted with Paul and accompanied Paul and Barnabas on Paul’s first missionary journey. Mark abandoned Paul and Barnabas early in the journey and returned home, which upset Paul greatly. Later on, Mark developed into a faithful and reliable follower of Christ, as Paul revealed in his letters.
Mark provides us with Jesus’ words on greatness and how it is measured by our service to one another. Jesus gave the example. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
Mark’s gospel closes with the resurrection of our Savior. Like Matthew’s and Luke’s gospels, Mark recounts the visit of Mary Magdalene and other women to the tomb early on Sunday morning. The stone at the entrance of the tomb had been rolled away and they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting in the tomb. He told them not to be afraid, but to go and tell the disciples and Peter that Jesus would meet them in Galilee. Matthew records that the young man in the tomb was actually an angel who addressed the women, and Luke records that two men stood by them in shining garments, and later described these men as angels. Some people contend this to be a contradiction between the gospels; however, these are merely heavenly beings that provided the message where the risen Savior would meet His disciples.
Jesus, The Son of Man
Luke’s gospel begins with him putting together an orderly account of the life of Jesus based upon his careful review of things fulfilled, and the evidence provided by His eyewitness followers. Luke provides the most extensive and thorough story of the life of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Unlike Matthew and Mark, the Holy Spirit uses Luke, as a gentile physician, to focus on Jesus as a man, without sin, who would become the perfect sacrifice for man’s redemption.
Luke records the miraculous conception and birth of John the Baptist. John’s parents, Elizabeth and Zachariah, were well-advanced in age, but the angel Gabriel announced to Zachariah that they would have a son, and his name would be called John. John would be the one to prepare the way of the Lord, as it is written in the Prophets. Luke tells of John’s birth, his circumcision, and how Zachariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied.
Luke goes into detail about the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary to announce the birth of Christ and the events that would take place through the pregnancy and birth. Matthew records the angel’s visit to Joseph, while Luke records the angel’s visit to Mary. Matthew and Luke wrote about the Christ for different audiences and from different perspectives. Mark’s gospel doesn’t even address Jesus’ birth.
Luke records the decree of Caesar for a census that took Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. An angel appearing to the shepherds with the news of Jesus’ birth is not recorded in the other two synoptic gospels. Luke makes no mention of the Magi as found in Matthew’s gospel. Luke continues to record Jesus being circumcised and presented in the temple. In the temple, Simeon and Anna meet Jesus and rejoice. At the age of twelve, Jesus is found in the temple, amazing the teachers with His wisdom. Later at the age of about thirty, Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist and overcomes the temptations of Satan.
From Luke’s careful review of the fulfilled events and collected information from eyewitness followers of Jesus, Luke records the public ministry of Jesus. His gospel closes with Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. Jesus’ last words, recorded in Luke’s gospel, are found in Luke 24:49: “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” After this, Luke’s gospel seems to end abruptly, but remember, he also wrote the Acts of the Apostles, which picks up where he left off in his gospel writings.
It is interesting that Luke, being a Gentile, wrote more of the New Testament than any other author. He wrote 24 chapters in his gospel and 28 chapters in the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, which accounts for about 25%. The Apostle Paul wrote the second most in his letters to the churches.
Conclusion
Although the synoptic gospels are similar, they differ in their intended audiences and are presented from different perspectives. We are blessed to have these gospels compiled within our Bible as evidence for us that Jesus is the King of Glory. We also see His great love as He took on human flesh to become a sacrifice for us, and it is by this example we can see how to serve one another in love.
We see many paintings of what artists envision Christ to look like. However, it is Isaiah the prophet who gives a description of Jesus. “He hath no form or comeliness; and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him” (Isaiah 53:2).
We get a picture in the gospels of Jesus’ life in action and His overwhelming emotions. The power of His presence can be seen in the responses of the people who were touched by His love. The gospels tell us that the common people followed Him gladly, and the children that came to Him were comfortable in His presence (Matt. 19:13-14). He acknowledged those who were outcast and responded to them in love. He made the sorrowing glad.
The gospels reveal our Savior’s strength, kindness, peace, and love. Yet, He came to His own creation, and His own did not receive Him; but to as many as did receive Him, He gave them the power to become the children of God. (John 1:11-12)
As we read these gospels, may we be convinced that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, and by believing, open our hearts and receive Him. Through our faith and by His grace, we can have the power to become the children of God.
Congratulations! You have completed reading the Old Testament in your Rooted Bible Reading Plan for 2025. We now move on to the New Testament and begin with the gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
We might consider Matthew, Mark, and Luke the first evangelists, who used similar accounts and often used the same language in their gospel writings. I find it interesting that God used three men from different backgrounds who were inspired by the Holy Spirit to write the synoptic gospels. These books of the Bible are referred to as synoptic because they are written from a common viewpoint, which is the Greek meaning of “synoptic”.
These men recorded the teachings, the miracles, and the proclamation of a kingdom to come as revealed through Jesus’ short three years of ministry. Jesus’ brief time here on earth revealed the mind and love of God and provided a means for mankind to be redeemed. His life and teachings, as recorded in the synoptic gospels, altered the course of history and ushered in the age of Grace.
The Three Evangelists
Matthew:
Matthew identified himself in Matthew 9:9 as a man sitting at the receipt of customs. Mark and Luke identify Matthew as a tax collector by the name of Levi. Many in the scripture were given two or three names. God changed Abram to Abraham, Jacob to Israel, Saul to Paul, Simon to Peter, etc., and maybe Levi to Matthew. Matthew means “gift of God or gift of Yahweh”.
Matthew was a Jewish tax collector, serving under Herod Antipas, who was the tetrarch of Galilee, which did not make him a popular individual among the Jews, and he would be considered a traitor to his people. This certainly would not qualify him to be a follower or one of the called Disciples of Christ. Yet, when Jesus called him to follow, Matthew must have seen in Jesus an opportunity to be freed from his service to Herod and his unpopularity with the Jews. It was an offer for a new life; therefore, Matthew immediately left his tax collector’s booth to become a devoted follower of Jesus, not realizing where this new journey would take him.
As with all of us, when Jesus calls, we can be redeemed to God and become a follower of Christ with everlasting life in Him. If we follow His call, then nothing in our past will matter. The Gospel of Matthew continues to be a source of spiritual guidance for all who answer the call to be a Christ Follower.
Mark:
Mark, who is identified in the scripture as John, Mark, and John Mark, grew up in Jerusalem. There was a house church in his home where his mother was a staunch supporter of the apostles and many Christ followers of the first century. It appears Peter was a favored apostle, and Mark became a close friend of Peter. Peter even called Mark (Marcus) his son in the faith. (1 Peter 5:13).
In Acts chapter 12, we read about Peter being arrested, placed in prison, and awaiting the death sentence by Herod the king. The church was gathered in the house of Mary, the mother of Mark, holding a prayer meeting for Peter’s safety. When an angel of the Lord freed Peter from prison, he immediately went to Mary’s house and to the followers who were gathered there.
Mark also accompanied Paul and his cousin Barnabas in mission work. Thus, Mark’s gospel is based greatly upon his close relationship with Peter, his sermons, and his ministry experiences with Paul and Barnabas.
Luke:
We are not given much information about Luke in his earlier years of life. We do know he was a Gentile who had come to faith in Christ. However, we don’t have any definite information about his conversion to Christ. It is believed his conversion was after Pentecost. Luke was identified in Paul’s letter to the Colossians as a beloved physician.
As a physician, Luke would have been highly educated, but we do not see that he ever elevated himself or his position in his writings. He was a humble man and did not call attention to himself. Luke proved to be a historian as he accompanied Paul, documenting much of Paul’s ministry. Luke is believed to have conducted careful research and interviews with eyewitnesses, including the apostles and other early followers of Jesus, which he used in writing his gospel and its sequel, the book of Acts. Because Mark and Luke had both travelled with Paul, they obviously knew each other. Luke was able to learn much from Mark due to his relationship with Peter, who was a disciple of Jesus. Luke acknowledges this in the very beginning of his gospel (Luke 1:1-3).
Luke, being the only non-Jewish writer of the New Testament, was chosen and inspired by the Holy Spirit to write his gospel to affirm Jesus as the Son of God and His humanity as the Son of Man.
Differences in the Synoptic Gospels
Because of the different backgrounds of these three men, the Holy Spirit inspired them to write their gospels in such a way as to convince their readers that Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah and Savior of mankind. These gospels contain many similarities because of the flow of information between the writers, but also have purpose in their differences. Matthew wrote mainly to convince the Jewish people that Jesus was their long-awaited Messiah; Mark wrote mainly to show Jesus’ miracles and works as a servant, while Luke wrote mainly as a physician and educated man to emphasize Jesus’ humanity as the Son of Man.
Jesus as King
Matthew’s gospel was directed mainly to the Jews. Being a disciple, he spent much time with Jesus. It appears his heart was for the Jewish people and he wanted to convince them that Jesus was their King. The Jews had been waiting for centuries for the Messiah to come and establish a new Kingdom. They were looking for a king who would rule the world with justice and free them from the rule of the Roman Empire. They were looking for a worldly king and not a spiritual king. They did not accept Jesus because He did not come in the way they had anticipated or expected. Matthew directed his gospel to the Jews to prove that Jesus was their long-awaited Messiah who fulfilled the prophecies of the Old Testament, which they had ignored.
Matthew, being a Jew, knew his audience well. Under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, he put together a well-documented account of the life and ministry of Jesus. He begins his gospel by declaring the genealogy of Jesus, starting with Abraham to David, continuing from David to the exile to Babylon, and from the exile to the Messiah.
Matthew tells about the birth of Jesus, emphasizing Joseph’s angelic encounter more than Mary’s. Although he makes it clear that Mary was found to be with child through the Holy Spirit, his attention to Joseph was to convince his readers that Jesus was the promised king through the lineage of David. He shares that Joseph was told the child was to be named Jesus, which means “the Lord saves”. Matthew also reveals that the child would be named Immanuel, meaning “God with us”, to fulfill the prophecy that was spoken by the prophet Isaiah.
Matthew notes that after Jesus was born, wise men (Magi) from the east came looking for the one born King of the Jews. They came to Jerusalem and asked Herod where they might find Him. The priests and scribes said it is written by the prophet that Bethlehem would be the place that would produce a Ruler who would shepherd the people of Israel. The Magi are only mentioned in Matthew’s gospel to add more convincing proof that Jesus is the long awaited King.
After documenting more prophecy from Jesus’ flight to Egypt, the massacre of the male children at Herod’s command, and the return to Nazareth, Matthew tells of John the Baptist and Jesus’ baptism. Then Matthew records Jesus’ ministry, teachings, parables, and miracles.
Matthew’s Gospel is the only one to include The Sermon on the Mount. Can you imagine the number of people who gathered that day? Some Bibles call this a large crowd, while the KJV and NKJV say there was a great multitude. There were people from Galilee, Decapolis, Jerusalem, Judea, and beyond Jordan.
In the Sermon on the Mount, Matthew records the key words of Jesus, “Do not think that I have come to destroy the Law of the Prophets. I did not come to destroy, but to fulfill” (Matthew 5:17). Jesus spoke of love, forgiveness, and humility. He also addressed issues of justice, equality, truthfulness, kindness and respect, and showing compassion to one another. As I said at the beginning of this writing, Jesus came to show us the mind of the Father and how to do His will, and to provide a way of salvation through His sacrifice.
Matthew compared the Old Testament prophetic writings with the historical and eyewitness accounts of the disciples in order to prove that Jesus is the promised Messiah. As you read his gospel, you will find references to prophecies from Isaiah, Micah, Hosea, Jeremiah, Psalms, Malachi, and Zechariah. You would think with this many compared prophecies, the Jews would have recognized and accepted Jesus as their Messiah.
Through Jesus’ life and ministry, Matthew gives us a clear message that Jesus is the Christ, the King of Kings, and the Lord of Lords. Jesus gave His life on Calvary, was buried, and rose from the grave. He ascended back to the Father and is coming again. The question for us is, are we ready? Matthew leaves us with the final words of Jesus to go, and as we are going, preach, teach, and make disciples, which is called the Great Commission.
Jesus as Servant
Mark’s gospel was intended to be an encouragement to the Christians in Rome, as well as for all Christ followers like you and me. He reveals that the Son of God was willing to lay aside His deity and become an example as a servant for all humanity. Mark’s key verse is found in chapter 10, verse 45, as Jesus said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many.” Although Mark’s gospel begins with acknowledging Jesus’ divinity as the Son of God, we see Jesus declaring in this verse that He has come in human form to serve by example and ultimately sacrifice His life for our ransom.
Mark does not record the angelic visits to Mary and Joseph or even mention the virgin birth of Jesus. He begins his gospel with John the Baptist preparing the way of the Lord, as prophesied by the Old Testament Prophets. He continues with the baptism of Jesus, Satan tempting Jesus, and then right into Jesus’ ministry.
While Matthew’s gospel records and references many Old Testament prophesies to establish Jesus’ identity, Mark’s gospel records some 18 miracles of Jesus to convince the people that He is the Christ. Jesus’ acts of healing, compassion, and power confirmed His identity with the disciples. When He asked them, “Who do you say that I am?” Peter confidently answered and said to Him, “You are the Christ” (Mark 8:29).
Mark had many personal experiences with the Apostle Peter. It is believed that Peter probably was the one who led Mark to faith in Jesus because Peter called Mark his son (1 Peter 5:13). As a young man, Mark became acquainted with Paul and accompanied Paul and Barnabas on Paul’s first missionary journey. Mark abandoned Paul and Barnabas early in the journey and returned home, which upset Paul greatly. Later on, Mark developed into a faithful and reliable follower of Christ, as Paul revealed in his letters.
Mark provides us with Jesus’ words on greatness and how it is measured by our service to one another. Jesus gave the example. “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life a ransom for many” (Mark 10:45).
Mark’s gospel closes with the resurrection of our Savior. Like Matthew’s and Luke’s gospels, Mark recounts the visit of Mary Magdalene and other women to the tomb early on Sunday morning. The stone at the entrance of the tomb had been rolled away and they saw a young man clothed in a long white robe sitting in the tomb. He told them not to be afraid, but to go and tell the disciples and Peter that Jesus would meet them in Galilee. Matthew records that the young man in the tomb was actually an angel who addressed the women, and Luke records that two men stood by them in shining garments, and later described these men as angels. Some people contend this to be a contradiction between the gospels; however, these are merely heavenly beings that provided the message where the risen Savior would meet His disciples.
Jesus, The Son of Man
Luke’s gospel begins with him putting together an orderly account of the life of Jesus based upon his careful review of things fulfilled, and the evidence provided by His eyewitness followers. Luke provides the most extensive and thorough story of the life of our Lord Jesus Christ.
Unlike Matthew and Mark, the Holy Spirit uses Luke, as a gentile physician, to focus on Jesus as a man, without sin, who would become the perfect sacrifice for man’s redemption.
Luke records the miraculous conception and birth of John the Baptist. John’s parents, Elizabeth and Zachariah, were well-advanced in age, but the angel Gabriel announced to Zachariah that they would have a son, and his name would be called John. John would be the one to prepare the way of the Lord, as it is written in the Prophets. Luke tells of John’s birth, his circumcision, and how Zachariah was filled with the Holy Spirit and prophesied.
Luke goes into detail about the angel Gabriel’s visit to Mary to announce the birth of Christ and the events that would take place through the pregnancy and birth. Matthew records the angel’s visit to Joseph, while Luke records the angel’s visit to Mary. Matthew and Luke wrote about the Christ for different audiences and from different perspectives. Mark’s gospel doesn’t even address Jesus’ birth.
Luke records the decree of Caesar for a census that took Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem, where Jesus was born. An angel appearing to the shepherds with the news of Jesus’ birth is not recorded in the other two synoptic gospels. Luke makes no mention of the Magi as found in Matthew’s gospel. Luke continues to record Jesus being circumcised and presented in the temple. In the temple, Simeon and Anna meet Jesus and rejoice. At the age of twelve, Jesus is found in the temple, amazing the teachers with His wisdom. Later at the age of about thirty, Jesus is baptized by John the Baptist and overcomes the temptations of Satan.
From Luke’s careful review of the fulfilled events and collected information from eyewitness followers of Jesus, Luke records the public ministry of Jesus. His gospel closes with Jesus’ death, burial, resurrection, and ascension. Jesus’ last words, recorded in Luke’s gospel, are found in Luke 24:49: “Behold, I send the Promise of My Father upon you; but tarry in the city of Jerusalem until you are endued with power from on high.” After this, Luke’s gospel seems to end abruptly, but remember, he also wrote the Acts of the Apostles, which picks up where he left off in his gospel writings.
It is interesting that Luke, being a Gentile, wrote more of the New Testament than any other author. He wrote 24 chapters in his gospel and 28 chapters in the Book of the Acts of the Apostles, which accounts for about 25%. The Apostle Paul wrote the second most in his letters to the churches.
Conclusion
Although the synoptic gospels are similar, they differ in their intended audiences and are presented from different perspectives. We are blessed to have these gospels compiled within our Bible as evidence for us that Jesus is the King of Glory. We also see His great love as He took on human flesh to become a sacrifice for us, and it is by this example we can see how to serve one another in love.
We see many paintings of what artists envision Christ to look like. However, it is Isaiah the prophet who gives a description of Jesus. “He hath no form or comeliness; and when we shall see Him, there is no beauty that we should desire Him” (Isaiah 53:2).
We get a picture in the gospels of Jesus’ life in action and His overwhelming emotions. The power of His presence can be seen in the responses of the people who were touched by His love. The gospels tell us that the common people followed Him gladly, and the children that came to Him were comfortable in His presence (Matt. 19:13-14). He acknowledged those who were outcast and responded to them in love. He made the sorrowing glad.
The gospels reveal our Savior’s strength, kindness, peace, and love. Yet, He came to His own creation, and His own did not receive Him; but to as many as did receive Him, He gave them the power to become the children of God. (John 1:11-12)
As we read these gospels, may we be convinced that Jesus is the only begotten Son of God, and by believing, open our hearts and receive Him. Through our faith and by His grace, we can have the power to become the children of God.
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