Comparing The Four Gospels

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The Gospels are the first four books of the New Testament in the Bible that record the good news of God’s plan for a Savior through the life, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Writing from before Jesus’ birth to about AD 85, each author had a particular style to communicate the life and meaning of Jesus. Though the methods may differ, each Gospel writer’s main purpose was to call people to faith (Elwell and Yarbrough 59).

The book of Matthew was originally written for the Jews and presents Jesus as the Son of David and Abraham (64). Because he is portrayed as a messianic King, His ancestry to the throne of King David is emphasized. Christ speaks of “the throne of His glory” (English Standard Version, Mtw. 19.28), and Jerusalem is called “the city of the great king” (Mtw. 5.35). Matthew not only refers to Jesus as the King but also relates Him to a Teacher. He sees Christ as the “new Moses” (70) establishing new laws to the world through parables and sermons. Matthew also makes reference to Jesus as a healer and preacher, but ultimately he wanted to show Christ was fulfilling the Old Testament prophecies of the Messiah.
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Therefore this Gospel is full of Jesus’ actions, instead of many teachings and parables (79). Christ’s main emphasis was not on politics or power, but on suffering and servanthood. Jesus preached the importance of servitude in leadership. “But whoever would be great among you must be your servant, and whoever would be first among you must be slave of all. For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many” (Mark 10.43-45). Jesus came to serve and ultimately sacrifice His life for the salvation of

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