How to Read the Gospels for First Timers
There are four gospels in the Bible; Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. The first three were written between 40AD and 65AD. While John was written at some time between between 65AD and 95AD.
A gospel is an Old English translation of a Greek word which means ‘good news’.
But what is a gospel?
A gospel was a document given by a herald from a conquering king. It was inviting the people who heard the ‘gospel’ to join the new kingdom. It would lay out what the king would give to his new subjects. And then, explain that if they didn’t bow the knee to his authority, they would be exiled, deposed or killed.
So we need to understand that Jesus’ gospel is inviting us to join the Kingdom of Heaven.
When reading the Gospels we need to realise it is an invitation. At the end of the gospel, it is expected that you will make a decision whether to bow the knee to Jesus and accept His rule or not.
The synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke) were written around the same time and shared many of the same stories.
The Gospel according to John is different. It was originally written to address an early heresy in the church which said that Jesus wasn’t God until his baptism. This is why John starts the book with Jesus existing with God in the beginning.
John 1 v 1 - 2
In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning.
When reading the Gospels, we must realise that every story about Jesus is important, nothing is an incidental comment or a pointless phrase. Every part of each story has a deeper meaning. Sometimes, it points to an event in the Old Testament. Sometimes it reveals who Jesus is. Sometimes it tells us more about the Kingdom of Heaven. And sometimes all three and much more.
So when we read the Gospels, we must remember that it is a military document, laying out the terms for surrender. The question is, will we surrender?