RELIGION 10MS.GAMBINO

The Gospels: Four Portraits of Jesus

(A) Mark’s Gospel: Written around 70 A.D.

The earliest and shortest Gospel

Possibly written by John Mark, a companion of the Apostle Peter

Written for the church in Rome and for GentilesOften recognized as the Gospel of Action where

Jesus is on the moveStresses the humanity and suffering of Jesus

(The Passion and The Cross)

Portrays Jesus as the suffering servant Messiah Messianic Secret: Jesus’ followers take some time to

catch on to who Jesus is, and when they finally do, Jesus tells them to keep it a secret, given their expectations of the Messiah

(B) Matthew’s Gospel: Written around 85 A.D. (The Bridge connecting the OT

& NT)

Written by a Jewish author for Jews who were converting to Christianity

Stresses Jesus as the fulfillment of promises made by God in the Hebrew Scriptures

Demonstrates Jesus’ role as teacher and preacher (RABBI)

Discusses the responsibilities of Jesus’ followers

Matthew and Luke

Infancy Narratives Genealogy Beatitudes:

MT: Infancy Narratives with magi     Genealogy traced to Abraham Sermon on mount

 LK: Infancy Narratives with shepherds    

Genealogy traced to Adam Sermon on plain

(C) Luke’s Gospel: Written around 85 A.D. (The only Gentile Evangelist)

Possibly written by a Gentile doctor for Gentile Christians Stresses the following themes:

The universality of the Christian message, by showing the inclusion of outcasts  (women, poor, and sick people)

Jesus’ compassion, mercy, and concern for sinners The miracle stories emphasize Jesus’ compassion for those

who are suffering The central role of the Holy Spirit in Jesus’ life

The Gospel of Luke is the first of a two-volume work, the second being the Acts of the Apostles focusing on the time period from the Ascension to the Pentecost and St. Peter’s role in the early Church

The Synoptic Gospels

Mark, Matthew, and Luke are referred to as 

the synoptic gospels because of their similar portraits of Jesus.

Synoptic: seen with the same view or ‘eye’

(D) John’s Gospel: Written around 95 A.D.

John offers a unique portrait of the Divinity of Jesus Probably written by followers of the Beloved DisciplePresents Jesus as "the Word of God"Stresses the incarnation similar to the creation story

in Genesis (In the Beginning)Emphasizes faith initiated by GodBuilds on poetic and memorable images of Jesus"I am" statementsOnly Gospel to include

Jesus washing the Apostles feet at the Last Supper Jesus forgiving Peter

The Gospels:Evangelists spreading the good

news!The core belief of Christianity is

the Resurrection(A) MARK

(B) MATTHEW(C) LUKE(D) JOHN

The Gospels:Synoptic

Gospels(A) MARK(B) MATTHEW(C) LUKE

(D) JOHN

The Bible

Old Testament

PentateuchHistoricalWisdom & PoetryProphets

New Testament

GospelsActs of the ApostlesLetters EpistlesRevelation