Matthew, Mark, and Luke: A Threefold Picture of the Savior

The gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke open the New Testament like three different camera angles revealing different characteristics of Jesus Christ—the Messiah who was promised and anticipated in the Old Testament.

That being said, these three books are also very similar; they follow a similar outline or synopsis, hence their being known as the Synoptic Gospels. Their big-picture agenda is simple: they give the historical facts about Jesus' life so that as you read about Him, you'll be personally transformed.

The gospel of Matthew was written for a Jewish audience, so it portrays Jesus Christ as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, the long-awaited King of the Jews who would deliver His people and set up His kingdom.

Mark wrote his gospel for the Romans, portraying Jesus as the obedient servant who was constantly in action and on the move, getting things done.

The book of Luke was written for the Greeks by a Gentile, or non-Jewish, doctor named—you guessed it—Luke. It focuses on the humanity of Jesus as the Son of Man and the compassion He had for others.

Think It Through

Which Synoptic Gospel's view of Jesus do you find the most compelling? Why?

Read Matthew 16:13-20. Why is it important for you to understand who Jesus is from a biblical perspective? How will you articulate to others who He is?

Read Mark 10:45, the key verse of Mark. How can you live out this verse toward God and others?

Read the parable of Jesus in Luke 15:11-32, one that's not found in any other gospel. Who does the father in the story represent? What does this reveal about God's character?

A Word of Encouragement

It's vital that you become familiar with the Gospels in your personal Bible study time. The Gospels give historical information that conveys a biographical explanation that will lead to personal transformation.

Prayer

Father, thank You for the beautiful threefold picture of Jesus the Synoptic Gospels give us. I pray that through these accounts of Jesus' life, I would come to know You more deeply and be empowered to live like my Savior.

Land and Explore

If you want to dig deeper into one of the Synoptic Gospels, check out this series from Pastor Skip on the gospel of Matthew .