This week in our Bible reading plan, we enter the book of John. After reading Matthew, Mark, and Luke you may have noticed both similarities and differences between all four books. Do not let the similarities bore you nor the differences concern you. Below, are some condensed notes from the Bible Interpretation Sunday School class I taught a couple of times here at Bethel (which I adapted from notes from seminary classes). I encourage you to keep these in mind and take them to heart as you conclude these four accounts of Jesus’ earthly life and ministry. May God grow us in our love for Jesus and obedience to Him as we read about Him.

• There are 4 Accounts but 1 Gospel – Often times we say there are 4 Gospels when referring to Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. What we really mean when we say this is that there are 4 recorded perspectives of the life, burial, and resurrection of Jesus. These perspectives are “according to” the biblical author’s name. Where the accounts differ, more than likely, reveals the writer’s emphasis. While it can be interesting (and in some cases helpful) to harmonize the 4 accounts, we would do well to primarily stick with each gospel writer’s emphasis. In so doing, we avoid “flattening” the text as well as pick up the author’s reason for writing what he does.
• There are 4 Accounts for a Divine Reason – What the Old Testament was anticipating, we have in “4D” to remember, reflect, give thanks for, live in light of, and proclaim with great confidence.
• There are 4 Accounts with Unique Audiences – For example: Matthew writes primarily to a Jewish audience proving that Jesus is the Messiah from the Old Testament Scriptures. On the other hand, John writes primarily to a Gentile audience. We see this in his sensitivity in explaining Jewish customs that would have been foreign to non-Jewish readers.
• There are 4 Accounts with a Unique Structure and Emphasis – For example: John structures his account around 7 signs Jesus does and 7 “I Am” statements He says. Therefore, John is structured more by theme. Compare this to Mark, who seems to organize his account chronologically.

If this topic interests you, I would commend to you an episode from one of my favorite podcasts, Preachers Talk, entitled On Preaching Gospels/Acts. It is geared toward “preachers” but there is something edifying for everyone who listens to it.