Why four gospels? Why is Jesus' genealogy different in Matthew and Luke? Why doesn't Mark include the "Christmas story"? Last year I took a New Testament Survey class that cleared up a lot of questions I had. God knew exactly what He was doing when He put His word together.
Matthew
Originally to Jewish audience
Reveals Jesus "The Jewish Messiah"
Jesus' genealogy given from Abraham to Joseph, husband of Mary
Old Testament quoted by Christ over 40 times
Jews were (and are) looking for their earthly, Jewish Messiah to come. His genealogy to Abraham was crucial to establish for this audience. They already understood that all mankind goes back to Adam through their study and reading of the Tanak (the Old Testament portion of the Bible). Jews then and now love the Tanak and live by it. Matthew quotes it frequently throughout his writing to prove to them from the Scripture that Jesus was the one for whom they had been waiting. Matthew is a teaching book and early on became the most read gospel.
Mark
Originally to Roman audience
Reveals Jesus "The Perfect Servant and Burden-bearer"
No genealogy given
Old Testament quoted by Christ 20 times
Mark (who worked closely with both Paul and Peter) most likely wrote his gospel account first. His Roman audience had a "get-to-the-point" mindset, and Mark does just that. His account is a very quick read. He keeps the reader engaged with stories and extensive dialog. Mark jumps in at the "action" part of the gospel - the beginning of Jesus' ministry. Mark includes Hebrew scriptures, but not as frequently or lengthily as Matthew. He also excludes any genealogy. Romans would not have been interested in where a servant came from, only why He came.
Luke
Originally to Greek audience
Reveals Jesus "The Perfect Son of Man"
Jesus' genealogy from Mary to Adam
Old Testament quoted by Christ 16 times
Luke was a Greek physician who travelled with Paul on many of his missionary journeys. In Luke 1:1 he gives his reason for writing: "to give an orderly account." Greek/western thinking wanted things in order of when they happened. If you want to know chronology look at Luke. Luke also has a strong emphasis on the Holy Ghost and on Jesus prayer life. This gospel is really part one of a two part series by Luke that includes Luke and Acts. His emphasis on women also reflects the more Gentile flavor of Luke's writing.
John
Originally to believers
Reveals Jesus "The Son of God"
Jesus' genealogy "In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God and the Word was God."
Old Testament quoted by Christ four times
John's gospel was written much later than the first three, to a different audience and for a different reason. It is not a synoptic gospel. (Synoptic means "to see the same".) By the time John wrote his account, the church was an established institution and there were believers in Christ throughout the Roman Empire. John answers the question: "Who is Jesus really?" John includes only 7 miracles in his account, 5 of which are not in the other gospels. He also includes seven "I am" statements from Jesus, found in 6:35, 8:12, 10:7, 10:11&14, 11:25, 14:6 and 15:1. All Christ's OT quotes in John are unique to this gospel.
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