Comparison of the Four Gospels

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this module is to teach Seventh graders about the four Gospels in depth. Students will learn about the Evangelists, how and why the Gospels were written, as well as the importance of the Gospels as the Good News of salvation. Students will also learn about how the Gospels fulfilled the prophecies in the Old Testament and how the message of the Gospels can be applied to our lives. This week's lesson will focus on comparing the 4 Gospels.

INTRODUCTION - 5 Minutes

The Lord Christ ordered His disciples, before His ascension, to, "Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature" (Mark 16:15). Therefore, they went to preach the Gospel of salvation, after receiving power from the Holy Spirit. The Church was established by vocal preaching and testimony of the apostles. As the Gospel of salvation began to spread verbally, it became necessary to document the life and teaching of the Lord Christ.

The four Gospels alike present to us the person and work of our blessed Savior, but each one views Him in a distinct relationship.

HOLY SCRIPTURE - 5 Minutes

"Now a river went out of Eden to water the garden, and from there it parted and became four riverheads." (Genesis 2:10)

CONTENT (KEY POINTS) - 20 Minutes

For this section, please refer to the attached table outlining the Comparisons of the Four Gospels, which summarizes the material below.

Who were the Evangelists and what was their relationship with Jesus ?

Matthew was initially a tax collector and among the chosen 12 apostles
Mark belonged in the greater circle of disciples, the Seventy, was the companion of the Apostles Peter and Paul, and recorded Peter's account of Christ. It is believed that many events took place in Mark's mother's house, known as the "Upper room"
Luke was originally a physician and also belonged to the Seventy Disciples. He joined the Apostle Paul in his missionary travels.
John was among the chosen Twelve Apostles; he was one of the closest to the Lord and outlived the rest of Apostles. The Lord commanded St. John to take St. Mary into his care after His death.

When and where was it written?

Matthew's Gospel was written around the 70s A.D in Judea Palestine. It was written in Hebrew and later translated into Greek -- as opposed to the other three Gospel Books that were directly written in Greek.
Mark's Gospel was the first Gospel to be written (between the mid 50s-and late 60s A.D. in Rome)
Luke's Gospel was written between 60-80s A.D. in Rome.
John's Gospel was the last to be written (around 90 A.D. in Ephesus)

Who was it written for?

Matthew's Gospel was written primarily to the Jews
Mark's Gospel was written to Romans and Gentiles (e.g., Egyptians, etc.)
Luke's Gospel was mainly addressed to Greeks/gentiles, but also addressed to Theophilus, and intended for all believers
John's Gospel was written to Christians throughout the world

What is the structure? ( chapters, opening)

Matthew's Gospel is 28 chapters and begins with the Genealogy of Jesus
Mark's Gospel is 16 chapters and begins with " A voice crying in the wilderness." It is the shortest but the one with the longest narratives
Luke's Gospel is 24 chapters and begins with Zachariah serving as a priest / offering incense
John's Gospel is 21 chapters and begins with "In the beginning was the Word"

How is our Lord portrayed?

Matthew's Gospel portrays Jesus as the Messiah who fulfilled the OT prophecies
Mark's Gospel portrays Jesus as the Mighty and Conqueror of the devil
Luke's Gospel portrays Jesus as the Son of Man and The Sacrificial Lamb
John's Gospel portrays Jesus as The Divine Son of God and the Incarnate Word

What are some highlights?

Matthew's Gospel highlights Jesus' sermons & words
Mark's Gospel highlights the power of God through miracles
Luke's Gospel highlights Jesus's parables
John's Gospel highlights the principles of Jesus' teachings. St. John knew the contents of the other three Gospels, and aimed at recording additional unknown details and explanations.

What are some narratives/stories unique to each Gospels?

Matthew's Gospel: Wise Men visit Jesus, Flight to Egypt, Beatitudes
Mark's Gospel: Since Matthew and Luke's Gospels were based on Mark's, most of Mark's material is also mentioned in other Gospels.
Luke's Gospel: Annunciation and Visitation, Parable of the Prodigal Son
John's Gospel: 9 I AM statements, Raising of Lazaraus, The Samaritan Woman

DISCUSSION (Challenge) - 5 Minutes

The four Evangelists were inspired by the Holy Spirit when they wrote the four Gospels, and therefore each affirms what the others said. "But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in My name, He will teach you all things, and bring to your remembrance all things that I said to you. " (John 14:26)

While the Gospels each have unique styles/features, etc, it is also important to remember that there is much parallel content about Jesus' life & ministry and they all tell the same overall message: the Good News of our salvation.

APPLICATION (Action) - 10 Minutes

Split the students into 4 teams, one for each Gospel. Read out loud a series of facts from the attached table and have the students identify which Gospel it belongs to. The group that represents that Gospel should stand up to win 1 point. If the wrong group stands up, or does not stand up when they should, deduct 1 point. The first team to reach 5 points wins.

Alternatively, servants can also use the worksheet described in "Homework" below as an in-class activity.

CONCLUSION - 5 Minutes

Each of the four Evangelists portrayed our Lord Jesus Christ in a particular way to serve a particular purpose and audience in order for everyone to understand that Christ came for us and to redeem us.

RESOURCES

The Four Gospels

PARENTS CORNER/HOMEWORK

Using the attached activity "Bible Scavenger Hunt," have the students search for the various narratives of the events in the life of our Lord in the Gospels (see additional instructions on worksheet). This activity will reinforce what we have learned about the harmony of the Gospels.