ePrayer Circle Bible Study: Gospel of John, Luke, Mark, and Matthew: Understanding the Four Gospels – A Reading Plan
The Gospels of John, Luke, Mark, and Matthew are central to understanding the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. These four books of the New Testament provide different perspectives on the same story—the birth, ministry, death, and resurrection of Jesus.
Each Gospel writer was inspired by the Holy Spirit to share the good news in a way that would speak to different audiences, helping believers across the world understand God’s love and plan for salvation. Together, they form the cornerstone of the Christian faith. Below is an overview of each of the four books that make up the Gospel. Passages are from the King James Bible. Suggested reading is in this order: John, Luke, Mark and Matthew.
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John: The Divine Son of God
John’s Gospel stands out because of its profound theological insights. Instead of presenting a chronological narrative, John focuses on Jesus’ divine nature, referring to Him as the “Word made flesh” (John 1:14 KJV). He explains that Jesus was with God and, in fact, was God, also identifying Him as the Creator. The passage says, “He was in the world, and the world was made by Him, and the world knew Him not.
He came unto His own, and His own received Him not. But as many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His name” (John 1:10-12 KJV).
Jesus did not come to earth to be God but took on human flesh to offer salvation by bearing the sins of humanity. John’s Gospel portrays Jesus as the Son of God (flesh), sent to be a living sacrifice for our sins and to restore our connection with God. He came to reveal the Father’s love and offer eternal life to all who believe.
John emphasizes Jesus’ close relationship with His disciples and His mission to bring light to a dark world (John 8:12 KJV). One of the most well-known verses from this Gospel is John 3:16, which encapsulates the message: John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Luke: The Savior for All People
Luke, a physician and companion of the disciple Paul, wrote to a Gentile audience, portraying Jesus as the Savior for all people. His Gospel focuses on Jesus’ healing miracles and compassion for the outcasts, including women, the poor, and sinners. Luke’s attention to detail and chronological order makes this Gospel a great choice for those seeking a full account of Jesus’ life. Below is a brief overview of the miracles of healing that Luke wrote about.
The Gospel of Luke indeed places a strong emphasis on healing, both physical and spiritual. As a physician, Luke was particularly attentive to the accounts of Jesus’ healing ministry. Below are key healing stories found in the Gospel of Luke:
- Healing of a Demon-Possessed Man (Luke 4:33-36 KJV)
Jesus casts out an unclean spirit from a man in the synagogue at Capernaum, demonstrating His authority over evil spirits. - Healing of Simon Peter’s Mother-in-Law (Luke 4:38-39 KJV)
Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law of a high fever, showing His power over sickness and restoring her to immediate health. - Healing Many in Capernaum (Luke 4:40-41 KJV)
Jesus heals various people suffering from different diseases and casts out demons, reflecting His broad authority over illness and the spiritual realm. - Cleansing of a Leper (Luke 5:12-16 KJV)
A man with leprosy approaches Jesus, and He heals him, showing His compassion and ability to cleanse even the most stigmatizing diseases. - Healing of a Paralytic (Luke 5:17-26 KJV)
Jesus heals a man who is paralyzed after his friends lower him through the roof. This miracle also demonstrates Jesus’ authority to forgive sins. - Healing of the Centurion’s Servant (Luke 7:1-10 KJV)
A Roman centurion asks Jesus to heal his servant. Jesus heals him from a distance, emphasizing the power of faith. - Raising of the Widow’s Son at Nain (Luke 7:11-17 KJV)
Jesus raises a widow’s only son from the dead, showcasing His authority over death. - Healing of a Woman with an Issue of Blood (Luke 8:43-48 KJV)
A woman who had been suffering from a bleeding disorder for 12 years is healed when she touches Jesus’ garment in faith. - Raising Jairus’ Daughter (Luke 8:40-42, 49-56 KJV)
Jesus raises the daughter of Jairus, a synagogue leader, from the dead, revealing His power over life and death. - Healing of a Boy with an Unclean Spirit (Luke 9:37-43 KJV)
Jesus heals a boy possessed by an evil spirit after His disciples were unable to cast it out. - Healing a Crippled Woman (Luke 13:10-17 KJV)
Jesus heals a woman who had been crippled for 18 years on the Sabbath, emphasizing His authority to heal even on the Sabbath. - Healing of a Man with Dropsy (Luke 14:1-6 KJV)
Jesus heals a man suffering from dropsy (swelling) on the Sabbath, showing once again His willingness to heal, despite opposition. - Healing of Ten Lepers (Luke 17:11-19 KJV)
Jesus heals ten lepers, but only one, a Samaritan, returns to thank Him, emphasizing gratitude and faith. - Healing of Blind Bartimaeus (Luke 18:35-43 KJV)
Jesus restores sight to a blind man near Jericho, who cries out to Him in faith.
These healing stories in Luke highlight Jesus’ compassion, power, and mission to restore both physical and spiritual well-being. Luke’s account reveals that healing is central to Jesus’ ministry, offering hope and salvation to those in need.
Mark: The Suffering Servant
The Gospel of Mark is known for its fast-paced, action-oriented narrative, and it emphasizes Jesus’ role as the suffering servant and the Son of God. Several feature stories in Mark highlight key moments of Jesus’ healing, teaching, and miraculous power. Here are the notable feature stories from the Gospel of Mark:
1. Jesus Heals a Man with an Unclean Spirit (Mark 1:21-28 KJV)
One of the first miracles in Mark, Jesus drives out an unclean spirit from a man in the synagogue at Capernaum. This story sets the tone for His authority over evil and His power as a healer.
2. Healing of Peter’s Mother-in-Law and Many Others (Mark 1:29-34 KJV)
Immediately after leaving the synagogue, Jesus heals Peter’s mother-in-law of a fever. Later that evening, He heals many people suffering from various diseases and casts out demons, showing His deep compassion for the sick.
3. Cleansing of a Leper (Mark 1:40-45 KJV)
A man with leprosy approaches Jesus and asks to be healed. Jesus touches him, making him clean. This story demonstrates Jesus’ willingness to heal even those considered unclean by society.
4. Healing of a Paralytic (Mark 2:1-12 KJV)
When a paralyzed man is lowered through the roof by his friends, Jesus first forgives his sins and then heals him, allowing him to walk. This story emphasizes Jesus’ authority to forgive sins as well as heal physical ailments.
5. Calming of the Storm (Mark 4:35-41 KJV)
While crossing the Sea of Galilee, a violent storm threatens the boat. Jesus calms the storm with just His words, showing His authority over nature. This is one of the key stories displaying His divine power.
6. Healing of the Gerasene Demoniac (Mark 5:1-20 KJV)
In a dramatic encounter, Jesus heals a man possessed by a legion of demons. The demons are cast into a herd of pigs, which then rush into the sea. This story highlights Jesus’ authority over the spiritual world and His power to free people from bondage.
7. Healing of the Woman with the Issue of Blood (Mark 5:25-34 KJV)
A woman suffering from a bleeding disorder for 12 years touches Jesus’ cloak in faith and is instantly healed. This story is a powerful testimony of faith and healing, demonstrating Jesus’ responsiveness to even the smallest acts of belief.
8. Raising of Jairus’ Daughter (Mark 5:21-24, 35-43 KJV)
In one of the most powerful resurrection stories, Jesus raises the daughter of Jairus, a synagogue leader, from the dead. This story is intertwined with the healing of the woman with the issue of blood, showcasing both Jesus’ healing power and His authority over death.
9. Feeding of the Five Thousand (Mark 6:30-44 KJV)
In this miracle, Jesus feeds 5,000 men (plus women and children) with just five loaves of bread and two fish. This story is significant for showing Jesus’ ability to provide and care for large crowds through miraculous means.
10. Jesus Walks on Wate
After the feeding of the five thousand, Jesus walks on the Ser (Mark 6:45-52 KJV)a of Galilee to meet His disciples in the boat, calming their fears and showing His mastery over nature.
11. Healing of a Deaf and Mute Man (Mark 7:31-37 KJV)
Jesus heals a man who is deaf and has a speech impediment by touching his ears and tongue, restoring his hearing and speech. This miracle displays Jesus’ personal, compassionate approach to healing.
12. Healing of Blind Bartimaeus (Mark 10:46-52 KJV)
Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, calls out to Jesus as He passes by. Jesus heals him, restoring his sight, in response to Bartimaeus’ faith. This story emphasizes Jesus’ willingness to stop for individuals who cry out to Him in faith.
13. The Transfiguration (Mark 9:2-13 KJV)
In a significant moment, Jesus is transfigured before Peter, James, and John, with His clothes becoming dazzling white. Moses and Elijah appear, representing the Law and the Prophets, while God declares, “This is my beloved Son: hear him.” This story reveals Jesus’ divine glory and foreshadows His resurrection.
14. Jesus’ Prediction of His Suffering and Death (Mark 8:31-38; 9:30-32; 10:32-34 KJV)
Jesus predicts His death and resurrection multiple times in Mark, preparing His disciples for the suffering that lies ahead. These passages emphasize Jesus’ role as the suffering servant who will sacrifice His life for the salvation of the world.
15. The Crucifixion and Resurrection (Mark 15:21-16:8 KJV)
The climax of Mark’s Gospel is the crucifixion of Jesus, where He is condemned and dies on the cross for the sins of humanity. The Gospel ends with His resurrection, where the women find the empty tomb, and an angel declares that Jesus has risen. Mark’s account emphasizes Jesus’ victory over sin and death.
Matthew: The Fulfillment of Prophecy
The Gospel of Matthew is unique in its focus on Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy. Written primarily for a Jewish audience, Matthew emphasizes how Jesus is the long-awaited Messiah, the King of the Jews, who fulfills the promises made to Israel. Below are the key feature stories in the Gospel of Matthew that highlight Jesus’ role as the fulfillment of prophecy:
The Genealogy of Jesus (Matthew 1:1-17 KJV)
Matthew begins by tracing Jesus’ lineage through David and Abraham, showing that Jesus is the promised descendant who fulfills God’s covenant with Israel. This genealogy demonstrates that Jesus is the rightful heir to the throne of David, establishing His Messianic credentials.
The Birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:18-25 KJV)
The story of Jesus’ birth fulfills the prophecy of Isaiah 7:14, which speaks of a virgin giving birth to a son named Emmanuel, meaning “God with us.” Matthew emphasizes that Jesus’ birth is a divine fulfillment of God’s plan for salvation.
The Visit of the Wise Men (Matthew 2:1-12 KJV)
The visit of the Magi (wise men) from the East is significant because they recognize Jesus as the “King of the Jews,” fulfilling prophecies about Gentile nations acknowledging the Messiah (Isaiah 60:3). Their gifts of gold, frankincense, and myrrh symbolize Jesus’ kingship, priesthood, and future suffering.
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Reflect and Study
Studying the Gospels of John, Luke, Mark and Matthew, are essential for every believer. Each Gospel offers unique insights that, when combined, provide a full picture of Jesus Christ, our Savior. The Gospel changes lives. By reading and meditating on these books, you will grow in faith and understanding. Take the FREE 45 Day Study the Gospel Challenge to deepen your relationship with God.
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CALL TO SALVATION
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
Romans 10:9-10 9That if thou shalt confess with thy mouth the Lord Jesus, and shalt believe in thine heart that God hath raised him from the dead, thou shalt be saved. 10For with the heart man believeth unto righteousness, and with the mouth, confession is made unto salvation
John 3:5-6 5Jesus answered, Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the kingdom of God. 6That which is born of the flesh is flesh, and that which is born of the Spirit is the Spirit.
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