THE GOSPELS Gospels are first 4 books of New Testament Gospels important because They tell about birth,

childhood, ministry and death on the cross of Jesus They show Jesus as the fulfillment of the Old Testament Four Gospels but only ONE message One message written in different styles to suit the target readers Gospels are Foundation of all other books of New Testament Fulfillment of all books of Old Testament MATTHEW Written to Jews Divided into five sections just like the law Torah Genesis, Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, Deuteronomy Matthew used the law by quoting the books of law (Torah) Torah written by Moses. Jews understood Torah very well Matthew used this style to provoke Jews to read the books of Law Because Jews were waiting for prophesied Messiah to set them free from bondage of Roman government, they were waiting for political Messiah Authorship of Book of Matthew Written by Matthew. In Mark 2:14 Matthew is also given name Levi, Son of Alphaeus. We know Levi is Matthew because Matthew is only tax collector among the disciples of Jesus. Name Matthew means The Gift of God Intended Readers of Matthews Gospel Matthew mostly targeted the Jews. He tries to tell them the fulfillment of law is Jesus Christ. He explains beginning of Judaism faith. He shows it was not by chance the Jews rejected Christ but by divine providence to the Gentiles. Matthew tells readers Jesus Christ is the prophesied Messiah whom they were waiting for. He Refers to Jesus as a king Thought Jesus was mocked He really is King of the universe. Matthew mentions the Kingdom of Heaven 33 times. This emphasizes the eminence of Jesus royalty Date of Authorship Hard to estimate exact time it was written Clear indications it was written after book of Mark Mark most likely got information from Apostle Peter Peter called Mark spiritual son (1 Peter 5:13) Matthew has some borrowed information from book of Mark Matthew was probably written between AD 50 and AD 75 Why Was Matthew Written? To show relationship between Jesus and the Old Testament Mentions the Old Testament 68 times to show connection To have written record of Jesus teaching 1

To show how Jesus expected His disciples to live their character. Jesus warned disciples against some vices of various groups of people, Pharisees, Sadducees, Scribes, Herodians, Etc To answer some questions asked by church about life of Jesus and about end times; To show how church should follow Jesus, show how church should be and help distinguish church from world Special Features in the Book of Matthew Orderly; Divided into 5 sections Shows that Jesus was the Messiah of the Jews, Matthew quotes from Old Testament 65 Times. Speaks about heavenly kingdom 33 times Other gospels refer to kingdom of God; heavenly kingdom agreed with customs of the Jews. Matthew writes like a pastor, answering questions and dealing with problems arising among Christians Contents of Book of Matthew Book divided into 5 major sections Special purpose for this Jews knew about 5 books of law Jews knew about 5 books of Psalms Matthew wanted to show Jesus was the fulfillment of Law and Psalms Matthew 1:1 2:23 is the introduction Shows that Jesus is the Messiah Connects Jesus with the promises made by God to Abraham and David. Birth of Jesus shows fulfillment. Proves identity of Jesus as the King. Shows meaning of Jesus to the Gentiles Matthew 1:23 - Isaiah 7:14 - Born a virgin Matthew 2:6 - Micah 5:2 - born in Bethlehem Matthew 2:18 - Jeremiah 31:15 - Wailing of Rachel for her children Matthew 1:21 - Isaiah 19:20 - Savior of the world Matthew 3:1 7:28 - first section Teaching/preaching of Jesus on the mount. Jesus explains how man ought to live under Gods rule Matthew 8:1 11:1 second section Instructions of Jesus to His disciples when He sent them out for missionary journey Matthew 11:2 13:52 third section Some of the controversies Jesus was involved in Parables that explain the heavenly Kingdom Human response to the messages Matthew 13:53 18:35 fourth section Largest section; Character of believers that are in Christian fellowship (especially Matthew 18) Matthew 19:1 25:46 fifth section Last journey of Jesus to Jerusalem Reveals peak of His argument with the Jews Chapters 24 and 25 Jesus teachings concerning end times Conclusion (Matthew 26:1 28:20) on Jesus crucifixion and resurrection AND His great commission to the church. Matthew shows that it is only in Jesus Christ that the Jewish faith finds fulfillment of its hope 2

Application Old Testament shows the expectation of the cross New Testament fulfilled Old Testament is shadow of New Testament Gospel of Matthew shows importance of Old Testament because its fulfillment is in New Testament Cannot have the New without first having the Old In Old Testament God was far from people In New Testament God is together with us (Romans 8:31) in Jesus (Emmanuel = God with us There is the call to obedience and exposing of hypocrisy We are encouraged to be sincere to ourselves and to society at large There is a call to missions (spreading the gospel to all the nations) proclaiming the good news to all people of the earth It is a must for disciples of Jesus to learn how to live in hard situations of the 2 eras 1- era of fulfillment of Christ (in words of Jesus and work through the church) 2- era that is coming (end times) Christians are expected to be humble, patient, open, obedient, sober and watchful, having faith in the risen Jesus as they wait for His second return How the Book of Matthew Reveals Christ Reveals Christ as the fulfillment of all expectations and hopes of Messiah Matthew used phrase so that it might fulfill the prophesy that. . . Christ is fulfillment of the law and prophesy When Matthew used the term Son of Man he referred to the role of Jesus as the Messiah who is fully man When Matthew used the term Son of God he referred to the deity of Christ as the Messiah who was fully God Son of Man, Son of God qualified Christ as the only Messiah since He was fully man and fully God Holy Spirits Work in the Book of Matthew Jesus was conceived through the power of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 1:18-20) Before Jesus began His public ministry He was filled by the Holy Spirit during baptism and then He was led into the wilderness to be tested as preparation for ministry (Matthew 3:16 4:1) Jesus performed signs and wonders in the power of the Holy Spirit (Matthew 12:15-21) The Message of the Book of Matthew Jesus as the Messiah Jesus fulfills the prophesies on the Old Testament Matthew 1:23 2:6,18,23 4:15,16 Jesus speaks about the Kingdom He explains what the Kingdom of God is He said the Kingdom of God is the rule of God on earth (Matthew 9:35) He taught that Kingdom of God should be given first priority in life (Matthew 6:33) Jesus speaks about the law He strengthens the law (Matthew 5:17,18) 3

He summarizes the law (Matthew 22:37-40) He interprets the law (Matthew 23:23) Jesus commissions His church As a community (Matthew 5:20) As a community that is disciplined (Matthew 18:15-18) As a community that forgives (Matthew 18:21-22) As a praying community (Matthew 18:19-20) As a witnessing community (Matthew 28:19-20)

MARK Who was John Mark? Was not one of the apostles or disciples who were with Jesus. Seen during one of Paul and Barnabas missionary journeys Dwelled with his mother (Mary) in Jerusalem (Acts 12:12) Their home was used for fellowship His surname was John (Acts 12:12) Was a follower of Jesus Had close relationship with apostles Paul, Barnabas and Peter (Col 4:10 1Peter 5:13) Was a cousin of Barnabas Accompanied Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey (Acts 13:5) Left Paul and Barnabas after they journeyed to Cyprus (Acts 4:36, 15:36 39) Returned to Jerusalem (Acts 13:13) In Jerusalem spent time with apostle Peter It is possible that apostle Peter brought John Mark into faith in Jesus. Peter refers to John Mark as spiritual son (1Peter 5:13) It is generally accepted that Mark wrote the gospel according to what he heard from Peter. It is suggested that Mark is the young man mentioned in Mark 14:51,52 who ran naked when Jesus was arrested. There is now way to confirm this suggestion. The Date of Writing It is possible that gospel of Mark is the first of the 4 to be written Written between AD 65 and 70. Before the destruction of the city of Jerusalem. Both Matthew and Luke seem to have used the gospel of Mark to write their gospels Marks Mysteries Mark shows us Jesus who has a secret. We see Jesus refusing anyone to reveal Him as the Messiah. Jesus commanded demons to be silent when they tried to reveal that He was the Son of God (Mark 1:25, 34 3:12) Jesus entreated the healed people not to tell who healed them (Mark 1:44, 5:43 7:36) Jesus told His disciples not to tell anyone that He was the Messiah (Mark 8:30) Jesus tells His disciples about the Kingdom of God in private (Mark 4:10-12) Special Features in the Gospel of Mark Shortest of the 4 gospels Very compressed gospel (short but with a lot of information contained in it) Mark explains situations that happened very close together He uses the words immediately and instantly more than 40 times 4

Immediately shows the was we come from one event to another Personal Application Teaches that the life of disciples means following Jesus in a way that others do not understand To the disciples of Jesus, at all times notice that the promises are true and sure Mark also explains the need of FAITH for every person. The message and the power of Jesus is help to those in need. Opposite of this faith is hard-heartedness Mark assures us that the miracles of Jesus and His disciples will continue to be found in the lives of Christians (Mark 16:17, 18) Book of Mark portrays Jesus in His work of redemption Book of Mark shows the Holy Spirit in operation. Mark explains the prophecy of John the Baptist about Jesus that Jesus would baptize with the Holy Spirit (Mark 1:8) Message of the Book of Mark Jesus - the Son of God. In the beginning of the gospel, Mark talks about Jesus Christ, the Son of God (Mark 1:1). This expresses the deity of Christ Jesus - the Son of Man- Expresses the humanness of Jesus He grieves (Mark 3:5 14:33) His love/compassion towards men (Mark 6:4) Mark uses the phrase son of man 14 times Mark uses original words of Jesus Original words in Aramaic talitha koumi rise up young girl (Mark 5:41) ephaphatha open (Mark 7:34) eloi eloi lama savachthani my God, my God why have you forsaken me (Mark 15:34) Kindness of Jesus -Mark records Peters memory of Jesus special kindness Was unique kindness to Peter because Peter did not deserve it. Peter denied Christ, but Christ showed him love and forgiveness Key Themes of Mark Miracles of Jesus to reveal Him as the Son of God People's response eg Mark 1:27 2:12 4:41 Important titles (special names) of Jesus The Son My Son Son of God Son of Man Jesus authority Mark 1:22 1:27 2:10 3:15 6:7 11:27 33 13:34 Outline of Book of Mark Introduction Mark 1:1-13 Entrance and exit to and from Galilee Mark 1:14 7:23 Jesus on the northern side of Galilee Mark 7:24 9:50 Jesus on the southern side of Galilee Mark 10:1 13:37 Focus of all history Mark 14:1 16:8 Conclusion Mark 16:9 20 Great Commission commandment to minister to the whole world 5

LUKE About the author, Luke Was not one of the 12 disciples of Jesus. Did not write the gospel while Jesus was on the earth With apostle Paul in ministry (Col 4:14, Philemon 1:24, 2Timothy 4:11) Why Was Gospel of Luke Written? Luke wanted to write a well-organized gospel from reports of eyewitnesses of Jesus (Luke 1:1-4) Luke wanted to write a report of the beginning of earthly life of Jesus and the development. Wrote this in 2 sections 1 gospel of Luke 2 book of Acts Luke shows how God has been at work especially the fast way the disciples of Jesus used to spread the gospel from Galilee to Rome Luke wanted to show that Jesus was the Savior of ALL not just a particular group Luke wanted to show Roman rulers that Christianity was not a threat to good political Government Who Were The Readers of the Gospel of Luke Luke writes to Theophilus (Luke 1:3) Theophilus seems to have been a Gentile of reputation who become a Christian Nothing much is know about Theophilus, but the name Theophilus means loved by God or friend of God. Luke could have targeted more readers from the Gentiles and Roman who fitted that description. When Was the Gospel Written Luke was written about AD 60 80s Special Features on the Book of Luke Style of using stories is not seen in other gospels Lukes ability in use of words is seen in his good Greek language and style of writing Luke likes to express human nature of Jesus Tells much about life of Jesus his birth and childhood Many parables about people More about the resurrection of Jesus than the other gospels Luke more interested in personal experiences, especially of children, women and outcast Luke also interested by prayer, Holy Spirit and lessons about joy Message in the Book of Luke Good news about salvation God has come to redeem man from his sin God is the savior (Luke 1:47) Christ was born so the world may be saved (Luke 19:9, 10) Salvation comes by faith (Luke 7:50 8:12) Salvation means to loose life now (Luke 9:24) Salvation is possible because Christ did not save Himself (Luke 23:35-43) 6

Salvation is available now (Luke 4:21, 19:9) Good news about the Kingdom Central part (Luke 9:51 19:44) has a lot to say about the Kingdom of God that was the Central theme in Jesus teaching (Luke 4:43 8:1) Kingdom of God is forever (Luke 1:33) It is the Kingdom of even the poor (Luke 6:20) His disciples must preach about the Kingdom of God (Luke 9:2, 11) It must be sought after first (Luke 9:60-62 12:31) People (especially believers) must pray for it (Luke 11:2) It is the gift of God (Luke 12:32 22:29) The kingdom is likened. . . (Luke 13:18-30) Rich cannot enter easily (Luke 18:18-30) Is near now (Luke 10:9, 11 11:20 17:20, 21) But it will come (future tense) (Luke 24:31) Good news is found in Jesus. The good news is not just a story but it is the reality of the events of the life of Jesus History is important (Luke 1:1-4) God planned everything long ago (Luke 3:33-38) God was at work in the life of Jesus and there were many eye witnesses In His birth (Luke 2:30) In His baptism (Luke 3:22) In His death (Luke 23:39-49) In His resurrection (Luke 24:1-49) In His continued work through His disciples (Luke24:48) In His work all over the world (Luke 24:47) Jerusalem was just the starting point Application The message of the book of Luke can be used with 2 major groups Those who have not come to faith in Jesus To put their faith in Christ To build on the history of the evidence To know the mercies of God (forgiveness) To begin life all over again To be involved in the Kingdom of God Kingdom does not seek good or respect of man Kingdom requires humility and devotion (giving everything for the sake of Jesus) Kingdom has great reward in the life to come Those who believe in Jesus Faith in Jesus means To be joyful and full of thanksgiving in life Imitate the love of Jesus towards all Be involved in spreading the good news of the kingdom of God Crucify the flesh (self) every day Pray as Jesus taught Give the kingdom of God first priority in life Trust that God is the one that holds the world in place Key Themes in the Book of Luke Prayer Luke 3:21 5:16 11:1-13 18:1-8 7

Holy Spirit Luke 4:1 14:18 10:21 Praise and joy Luke 1:46-55 1:68-79 Forgiveness Luke 5:17-25 Money Luke 1:53 4:18 6:20 Women and children Luke 8:40-56 9:37-43 Outline of Luke Introduction Luke 1:1-4 First days of the Savior Luke 1:5 4:13 The Savior at Galilee Luke 4:14 9:50 The Savior going to Jerusalem Luke 9:51 19:44 The Savior at Jerusalem Luke 19:45 24:53