The Gospels as Four Portraits of Jesus

Marks Gospel(B) Matthews Gospel(C) Lukes Gospel(D) Johns Gospel(E) the synoptic gospelsABC

Written for the church in Rome and for Gentiles

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

Genealogy traced to Abraham

Genealogy traced to Adam

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

Stresses the humanity and suffering of Jesus

Include Genealogy of Jesus

Include Infancy Narratives

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

Stresses Jesus compassion, mercy, and concern for sinners

Demonstrates Jesus role as teacher and preacher (Rabbi)

Presents Jesus as "the Word of God"

written by a Gentile doctor for Gentile Christians

Infancy Narratives with shepherds

the earliest and shortest Gospel

The miracle stories emphasize Jesus compassion for those who are suffering

Stresses the incarnation

offers a unique portrait of Jesus

Stresses the central role of the Holy Spirit in Jesus life

Infancy Narratives with magi

Builds on poetic and memorable images of Jesus ("I am" statements

similar portraits of JesusThe synoptic gospels

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)>Messianic Secret

Probably written by followers of the Beloved Disciple

Mark, Matthew, and 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. Peters role in the early Church

Focuses on Jesus inclusion of women

Jesus washes the Apostles feet at the Last Supper

Jesus Restores Peter