Hi First Presbyterian,
We started a new series in Wednesday Night Bible Study looking at the unique characteristics of each of the four New Testament Gospels. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John each tell us about the one and only Jesus Christ, but each of them tells us about him from their own perspectives and with their own rhetorical goals in mind. In their differences, the Gospels teach us important lessons about Jesus.
What do Matthew and Luke tell us about the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem but Mark and John do not? Why does Matthew tell us about the visit of the magi, but Luke tells us about the visit of the shepherds? Why does Luke include Jesus’ parable of the lost coin but not the other Gospels? Why are there no parables in John’s Gospel, yet there are incredible miracle stories found only in the Gospel of John? There are answers to each of these questions which give us insight into the unique portrayal of Jesus that the Gospel writers were seeking to create. While the Gospels are slightly different from one another, we need each of them to get a more complete understanding of who Jesus truly is. Can you imagine if we only had the Gospel of John and never knew anything about the Sermon on the Mount, one of the most important teachings on ethics and morality? Can you imagine if we only had the Gospel of Mark and knew nothing of the seven “I am…” statements of Jesus found in the Gospel of John?
The fact that we have four Gospels demonstrates how important it is to listen to multiple voices. When it comes to the church, I think we need each other’s voices. We need to hear from one another about what God is doing in our lives. Your experience of God’s love, justice, grace, and mercy may be different than my experience, and I need to hear from you to help me expand my knowledge of God. Paul says in Colossians 3:16: “Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly; teach and admonish one another in all wisdom.” If Christ is speaking to you today, thank the Lord! But don’t keep it to yourself; share it with someone else to encourage them and to help them see a more complete picture of the one and only Jesus Christ.
Peace to you,
Pastor Neff