Matthew, Mark, Luke and John – they aren’t a new boy band, but they are tops in the Christian hit parade … and required reading for anyone who wants to understand the message of Christ. In this episode, Catholic Central breaks them down for you.
The Gospels surveys the four Biblical books that are central to Christianity: Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. They are eyewitness accounts (or, in the case of Luke, based on eyewitness accounts) of the life and ministry of Christ. We explore these four distinct lenses through which Jesus comes fully into focus.
Diving Deeper
- The Gospels share the life, death, and Resurrection of Jesus. How are they like and unlike from other accounts of famous figures from history?
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Jesus came so that we might have life, and have it abundantly. What does it mean to have life abundantly? Do you know someone who is “full of life”? What sets this person apart?
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The authors of the Gospels wanted to share and pass on the Faith. Have you ever been so excited to share a story with another person you could hardly wait? What was the story about? How did you go about sharing it?
Activity
Gospel Challenge: It takes 21 days to make a habit. One of the best habits we can make is reading the Gospels. Choose one of the Gospels, and read a very short passage each day for the next 21 days.
Reflection by Father Vince Kuna, C.S.C.
Matthew, Mark and Luke, the synoptic Gospels, differ from the Gospel of John in that the first three tell more of a chronological story, highlighting events of Jesus’ ministry relevant to saving truth. John is concerned more with synthesizing the events of the previous Gospels into a theological reflection. With this context, read aloud a mystery recorded in one of the synoptic Gospels, say, Mark’s account of the Last Supper (Mark 14). Pause for a moment in silence. Then read aloud Jesus’ discourses on the Last Supper found in John 14. Spend several minutes in contemplation on these theological statements on the mystery of the Lord’s Supper.
