~ Jesus Christ Is Messiah,
Servant, Son of Man, Son of God, and Much More ~
The Bible is about Jesus
Christ ~
“Jesus said to them, ‘How foolish you are, and how slow of heart to
believe all that the prophets have spoken! Did not the Christ have to suffer these things and then enter His glory?’ And beginning with Moses and all the Prophets,
He explained to them what was said in all the Scriptures concerning Himself” (Luke
24:25-27). The Apostle Paul told us the
Scriptures present many shadows of things to come but the reality is found in
Jesus Christ (Colossians 2:17).
The
Word Gospel ~ It is commonly understood that the word
Gospel means “Good News.” In Scripture
it refers specifically of the good news of Jesus Christ—The Messiah.
There are some critically important aspects of the New
Testament term Gospel. 1. It costs you
nothing—it cost The Messiah His human life.
2. You can do nothing to earn it or improve it. The Good News is that it is “done” and you do
not have to “do” anything except accept the free gift God offers you. 3) It is strictly an aspect of the grace of
God, and finally, 4) properly understood it demands everything (your heart,
soul, allegiance, etc. to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords).
important note: I can categorically say that there is no
Christianity without The Gospel!
Fortunately God in His grace has provided on-going
forgiveness as we fail from time-to-time while on earth. “If we say that we have no sin, we deceive ourselves, and the truth
is not in us. If we confess our sins, He
is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all
unrighteousness. If we say that we have
not sinned, we make Him a liar, and His word is not in us” (1
John 1:8-10).
Overview
Of The Four Gospels
~ Matthew, Mark, and Luke are
called The Synoptic Gospels since
they cover very similar material—covering parallel historic accounts. Together they stress the humanity of Jesus
Christ—the outward, earthly side of Him.
John on the other hand has been called The Fourth Gospel since it occurs fourth sequentially in Scripture
and is the most different. John stresses
the deity of Jesus Christ—the inward, heavenly side of Him. In summary, the overall clarity regarding the
life of Christ is given to us by four of His contemporaries telling His story
from their four personalities and perspective (a wonderful reality—since if
they were all identical one would suspect collusion between the four).
Christ in The Four Gospels ~
Together they tell one story—but each with its own nuances. If we were missing any one of the four we
would have a less complete picture of Jesus Christ—The Messiah. Consider some of the differences between the
Gospels in the comparisons below:
Matthew’s
Gospel presents Jesus Christ as the King—The
Messiah.
Mark’s
Gospel presents Jesus Christ as Servant—full
of action.
Luke’s
Gospel presents Jesus Christ as Man—the
Son of Man.
John’s
Gospel presents Jesus Christ as the God-Man—Son of God.
Matthew’s
emphasis is on what He thought and
what He said.
Mark’s
emphasis is on what He did.
Luke’s
emphasis is on what He felt.
John’s
emphasis is on what He was.
Matthew
is about His Kingdom and the way of righteousness.
Mark
is about His humanity and the way of suffering.
Luke
is about His ministry and the way of
wisdom.
John
is about His deity and the way of love.
Matthew
presents the King of Israel.
Mark
presents the servant of the Word.
Luke
presents the Son of Man.
John
presents the Son of God.
Matthew
shows His sovereignty—reigning and
ruling.
Mark
shows His humility—serving and
suffering.
Luke
shows His humanity—sharing and
sympathizing.
John
shows His deity—Savior redeeming
fallen man.
Matthew
appeals to the Hebrew mind (Jesus, Son of Abraham).
Mark
appeals to the Roman mind (action, no genealogy).
Luke
appeals to the Greek mind (Jesus, Son of Adam).
John
appeals to the Church in this present
age (Jesus, Son of God).
Matthew
begins with The Messiah’s genealogy—His credentials as Messiah.
Mark
begins with no genealogy—not necessary for a servant.
Luke
begins with Adam—in keeping with his humanity theme.
John
begins with eternity past—in sync with His divine nature.
Matthew
ends with The Messiah’s resurrection—the
crowning proof of His Messiahship.
Mark
ends with The Messiah’s ascension—exalted
with glory and honor.
Luke
ends with The Holy Spirit—a promised
Comforter for man.
John
ends with The Messiah’s Second Coming—The
Messiah’s promised return.
Matthew
presents David’s
Righteous Branch (Jeremiah 23:5, 33:15).
Mark
presents Jehovah’s
servant, the Branch (Zechariah 3:8).
Luke
presents the man who’s
name is The Branch (Zechariah 6:12).
John
presents The Branch of
Jehovah (Isaiah 4:2).
Matthew
pictures the Royal Lawgiver (Matthew 28:18-20).
Mark pictures
the Mighty Worker (Mark 16:16-20).
Luke pictures
the Friend of Man (Luke 24:50-53).
John pictures
the Son of God (John 20:28-31).
Matthew
portrays the Prophesied King.
Mark portrays
the Obedient Servant.
Luke portrays
the Perfect Man.
John portrays
the Divine Son.
Matthew’s
approach and style is that of a teacher.
Mark’s
approach and style is that of a preacher.
Luke’s
approach and style is that of a writer.
John’s
approach and style is that of a theologian.
The
Gospel by Matthew is characterized by outstanding sermons.
The
Gospel by Mark is characterized by outstanding miracles.
The
Gospel by Luke is characterized by outstanding parables.
The
Gospel by John is characterized by outstanding doctrines.
Matthew’s
prominent idea is the Law.
Mark’s
prominent idea is power.
Luke’s
prominent idea is grace.
John’s
prominent idea is glory.
Conclusion ~ “Who do you say that I am?”
(Matthew 16:15). This is the most
important question you will ever answer.
If you do not answer it, or answer it incorrectly, you have made the
biggest mistake anyone can make!
~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW
~~~ EXPLANATORY “JESUS
CHRIST IN EVERY BOOK OF THE BIBLE” SERIES ~~~
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