The life of Jesus Christ is one of the most fascinating and influential stories known to humanity. It has been told and retold, in various forms, for over two thousand years.
But where do we get our information about this incredible figure? Which gospels talk about the life of Jesus?
The Four Gospels
The four gospels are the primary sources for information about the life of Jesus Christ. They are called Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. These books are called “gospels” because they tell the “good news” about Jesus Christ.
Matthew
Matthew was one of Jesus’ disciples and is believed to have written his gospel around 70-80 AD. Matthew’s gospel emphasizes Jesus’ teachings and his role as a Jewish Messiah. It begins with a genealogy tracing Jesus’ lineage back to Abraham and David.
Mark
Mark was not one of the twelve disciples but was a follower of Peter. His gospel is believed to have been written around 65-70 AD.
Mark’s gospel is known for its brevity and its emphasis on action rather than teaching. It begins with John the Baptist preparing the way for Jesus.
Luke
Luke was a physician and historian who wrote his gospel around 80-90 AD. His gospel aims to present an orderly account of Jesus’ life and teachings, including many stories that are not found in other gospels. Luke’s gospel begins with an account of John the Baptist’s birth.
John
John was one of Jesus’ disciples and is believed to have written his gospel around 90-100 AD. John’s gospel emphasizes Jesus’ divinity and presents him as the Word made flesh. It begins with a poetic prologue that describes Jesus as the true light that came into the world.
The Synoptic Gospels
Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the Synoptic Gospels because they share many of the same stories and sayings. These three gospels are believed to have been written independently but may have used some of the same sources.
The Gospel of Thomas
The Gospel of Thomas is a non-canonical gospel that was discovered in Egypt in 1945. It contains 114 sayings attributed to Jesus, many of which are not found in the four canonical gospels.
In Conclusion
In conclusion, the four gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – are the primary sources for information about the life of Jesus Christ. Each gospel has its own unique perspective and emphasis, but together they provide a rich portrait of this important figure.
The synoptic gospels – Matthew, Mark, and Luke – share many stories and sayings but also have their own distinct contributions. Finally, there are other non-canonical gospels like the Gospel of Thomas that offer additional insights into Jesus’ teachings.