544 Read the Bible for Yourself 11: How to Read the Gospels

Restitutio

This is part 11 of the Read the Bible For Yourself.

The Gospels are evangelistic biographies of Jesus. In today's episode you'll learn the basic storyline of the four biblical Gospels: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Then we'll go through them from shortest to longest to see how each brings a unique and helpful perspective in telling the life of Christ. We'll also hit some important concepts like the kingdom of God, parables, and the word of God. Lastly, we'll ask about application. How can you figure out which sayings of Christ apply to you today and which ones do not?

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https://youtu.be/0iHhidbL4e8?si=3rs4fGGtQjsJAObB

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—— Notes ——

The Four Gospels

• Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John
• Gospel = good news
• The Gospels are biographies about Jesus which seek to convince readers about the good news that he is the Messiah.

Basic Storyline of the Gospels

1. Birth narratives
2. John’s ministry
3. John baptizes Jesus.
4. Jesus calls the twelve.
5. Teachings of Jesus
6. Miracles of Jesus
7. Conflict with critics
8. Triumphal entry
9. Intensified conflict
10. Last supper
11. Arrest, trial, execution
12. Resurrection appearances
13. Great commission

Mark (11,305 words)

• Papias: “And the elder used to say this: ‘Mark, having become Peter’s interpreter, wrote down accurately everything he remembered, though not in order, of the things either said or done by Christ. For he neither heard the Lord nor followed him, but afterward, as I said, followed Peter, who adapted his teachings as needed but had no intention of giving an ordered account of the Lord’s sayings. Consequently Mark did nothing wrong in writing down some things as he remembered them, for he made it his one concern not to omit anything that he heard or to make any false statement in them.’”[1]

John (15,633 words)

• Purpose statement: John 20:30-3130 Now Jesus did many other signs in the presence of his disciples that are