The Truth of the Gospel

When people hear the word “gospel,” they typically associate it with the Bible, and for a variety of people this is the extent of their biblical knowledge. While numerous people instinctively turn their heads away at the mention of religion, their assumptions of the Gospels as boring, stuffy orders to obey God are often incorrect. Sure, most people would find more excitement and pleasure reading a Harry Potter book instead of the Bible, but they often do not realize the Gospels contain a plethora of narrative stories of adventure, suspense, and peril. It almost appears the Gospels are the ultimate action stories equipped with the typical good versus evil storyline, and, of course, a heroic figure, Jesus. Translated into “good news,” the Gospels are accounts of Jesus’ journey through life and death, and their collective purpose is to express the arrival of the kingdom of God through the birth of Jesus. Even though people may still express skepticism regarding the validity of Jesus’ life, the fact still remains that the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke were all written for a purpose. While each of the Gospels encompass similarities and differences, they are united with the common desire to share the miraculous story of Jesus and His coming kingdom to all nations of the world.

Although the Gospel of Mark is presented second in the New Testament, scholars typically agree it was the first Gospel written; therefore, it set an example for other writers. Throughout the other two Synoptic Gospels, Matthew and Luke, influences of Mark are easily recognized in wording, structure, and the sequence of narrative events. While Mark is believed to have been recorded first, it is more condensed and simpler than Matthew and Luke; how...

... middle of paper ...

... main discourses of Jesus. Upon reading the Gospel of Matthew, readers are able to identify Jesus as the crucified Messiah and exalted Lord of the church. As the first book of a two-work narrative, Luke focuses on displaying Jesus as the universal Savior of the world, and readers are encouraged to spread the message of redemption to people of all nations. As the universally-known action story, the Gospels incorporate the drama, suffering, and hope associated with the life of Jesus, the ultimate hero. Whether people read this story through the lens of the intended audience or simply to gain understanding and knowledge about Jesus’ journey on earth, the purpose of the Gospels is clear. Despite differing elements of the Gospels, their intention to spread the wondrous story of Jesus and the coming of His kingdom throughout the world will forever remain constant.