The Beginning in any writing is always critical because it sets the ‘mood, flavor’ for what’s coming next – the main message. It may be a teaser, a question, a declaration, etc. but it does have to capture the reader’s attention or they may not get to the crux of what the writer wants to say. With that thought in mind, the Gospels are absolutely critical for the Christian. We all need to know. I had never taken the time to compare the 4 Gospels though I read them many times. For some reason I got to wondering about how the 4 Gospels began and ended their books.
The focus for all four books is Jesus: who He was, what He did, how He did what He did, and what happened to Him.That thought got me to thinking about how each of the gospels shared what they thought was important and how they would speak to a specific audience. (Understand that this is my understanding, my lessons and interpretations.)
“The record of the genealogy of Jesus the Messiah, the son (descendant) of David, the son (descendant) of Abraham:”
(Matthew 1:1, AMP)“The beginning of the [facts regarding the] good news of [a]Jesus Christ, the Son of God.” (Mark 1:1, AMP)
“Since [as is well known] many have undertaken to compile an orderly account of the things which have been fulfilled among us [by God],.”
(Luke 1:1, AMP)“In the beginning [before all time] was the Word Christ), and the Word was with God, and the Word was God Himself.” (John 1:1, AMP)
Matthew was speaking to his fellow Jews and knowing their concern about lineage, started with what would be most important to them. He recounted the lineage of both Jesus’ Father and Mother. This would provide what Matthew ultimately would emphasize and share, a strong foundation of understanding and acceptance.
Mark was more of the firebrand. He started with the ‘facts’ and aimed this, I think, at the generation that was frustrated by the Roman occupation. His words throughout his book are action oriented and shared a Jesus would was involved, uncompromising, and strong.
Luke’s account came much later and his audience was the Gentiles. So he would be concerned about helping them understand that they are also part of the ministry of Jesus.
John spoke to the hearts of his readers. He wanted them to understand the essence of who Jesus was and why He did what He did. I believe his focus was to help us understand the fullness of Jesus, who and how He acted, and what this meant.
All four focus on the person of Jesus but they each present the information slightly differently depending on the audience they are writing to. Matthew is talking to his fellow Jews and provides justification by showing Jesus’ lineage. Luke is talking to the Gentiles. I might argue that Mark is talking to our heads and emotions and John to our heart. Regardless, in the end they all state the same belief: Jesus came to bring us Life and life abundantly, He taught, He healed, He lived, He was crucified, AND He rose from the dead. That being said, it all only touches the surface… but it is a start.
Equally important as the beginning is the ending, In my writing, I spend as much time on the ending as I do the beginning. Yes, the end is sometimes a summation, sometimes a call to action, a directive and sometimes a confirmation… and sometimes ‘all the above’.
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations [help the people to learn of Me, believe in Me, and obey My words], baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe everything that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always [remaining with you perpetually—regardless of
circumstance, and on every occasion], even to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:19-20, AMP)“So then, when the Lord Jesus had spoken to them, He was taken up into heaven and sat down at the right hand of God. And they went out and preached everywhere, while the Lord was working with them and confirming the word by the signs that followed.]” (Mark 16:19-20, AMP)
“While He was blessing them, He left them and was taken up into heaven. And they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy [fully understanding that He lives and that He is the Son of God]; and they were continually in the temple blessing and praising God.” (Luke 24:51-53, AMP)
“This is the same disciple who is testifying to these things and has recorded them; and we know [without any doubt] that his testimony is true. And there are also many other things which Jesus did, which if they were recorded one by one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that would be written.” (John 21:24-25, AMP)
Matthew states Jesus command, Mark relates the actions by the Apostles, Luke tells us about the impact that was the result of the understanding that Jesus went to heaven, and John affirms who he is and his veracity. Personally, it is John’s final two sentences that have always intrigued me: not everything is recorded and even the world could not contain. I believe the one point that can be gleaned from all four accounts is that though this is the start of the the beginning… there’s much more to come.
The Start may be only the Beginning. It does lead to an eventual End? Actually the start may herald a beginning, a new. And in the case of Jesus… this is still going on. The impact of who He was and what He did still echos and affects our now and future. It is a beginning… it is not an end. Perhaps the only question is… what will you do with this understanding, how will it impact your life?
Bottom line truly is:what difference do these words mean to you and the world you live in? If they aren’t life to you, if they don’t bring you understanding and joy… what do they say, how do they speak to you?
