One of the Synoptic Gospels. Mark is the first gospel in the New Testament and portrays Jesus as the great teacher of Israel who gathers his followers around him to make a new community of the people of God. Eventually, Jesus gives his life up for his community. Surrounded by narrative, Matthew's gospel contains five long discourses, the most famous of which is the Sermon on the Mount.
One of the Synoptic Gospels. Mark is the shortest and most likely the earliest gospel. Portrays Jesus as a lion, moving quickly from one location to the next, often misunderstood and feared. Toward the end of Mark's gospel, Jesus dies terribly alone. Though some manuscripts of Mark continue past Mark 16:8, the earliest and most reliable New Testament manuscripts end at 16:8, leaving Mark's gospel open-ended.
One of the Synoptic Gospels. Luke portrays Jesus as a patient ox, or beast of burden. In this gospel, Jesus continually bears the burdens of those around him, caring for them and eventually bearing the greatest burden of all by giving up his life for them. The story presented in Luke is continued in the Book of Acts, the sequel also written by Luke.
John's gospel, the only one not considered a Synoptic Gospel. John portrays Jesus as a wise, all-knowing, high-flying eagle. In the fourth gospel, Jesus is constantly in control, always knowing how individual actions and decisions affect the entirety of God's plan. Jesus dies near the end of the gospel, majestically saying, "It is finished." The gospel of John is perhaps most well-known for its Prologue that identifies Jesus as "the Word of God become flesh."
Date last modified: October 29, 2012.
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