All Four Gospels Agree

All four New Testament Gospels – Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John – agree on Passion story. The Passion story gives the story of Jesus’ final days on earth beginning with Jesus’ Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem (Mark 11:1-10; see also Matthew 21:1-9; Luke 19:29-38; John 12:12-15) and ending with Jesus’ resurrection from complete death (Mark 16:1-8; see also Matthew 28:1-8; Luke 24:1-10; John 20:1-8). Despite the differences of the four New Testament Gospels, all four Gospels are essentially the same at the end. All four Gospels describe Jesus’ Passion – His arrest, suffering, death, and miraculous resurrection. Many biblical scholars believe that the early church fathers wrote the Passion story first, and the four Gospel writers used this written Passion story as a source for their Gospels.

The further one reads towards the beginning of the Gospels, the more diverse the Gospels become. The four Gospels are very different at the beginning of their stories. Matthew has one birth account, and Luke has another birth account while John grounds his story in eternity. Thus, the most uniformity of the Gospels is the end and the most diversity at the beginning. Matthew begins his Gospel narrative with Jesus’ genealogy, His birth, and Jesus’ early years, including His escape to Egypt from evil King Herod and their return to Nazareth. However, Mark’s Gospel omits Jesus’ birth narrative and begins with John the Baptist's preaching in the wilderness and announcing Jesus’ coming arrival. Then, Mark moves quickly through Jesus’ baptism, the temptation in the desert, and call of His first disciples. By Mark 1:14, Mark takes us directly into Jesus’ public ministry in first century Galilee. Luke begins his Gospel with angels appearing to Zechariah and then to Mary, announcing the coming births of John the Baptist and Jesus. Then, Luke explains how Mary would conceive Jesus by the Holy Spirit. John begins his Gospel, not with a Jesus’ birth story. Instead, John’s Gospel describes Jesus’ eternal beginning and reminds his readers that Jesus is eternal and existed with God the Father and the Holy Spirit at creation. 

After Jesus’ death and resurrection, the essence of the apostles’ preaching and teaching was Jesus’ Passion – His arrest, suffering, death, and resurrection (e.g., Acts 2:22-24, 36; Acts 5:29-32; 1 Corinthians 15:1-11). In Jesus’ death and resurrection, the apostles received the full understanding of Jesus’ identity as Messiah and Son of God, and they could not stop proclaiming what they had visually seen and heard (Acts 4:20, 33; see also Romans 1:4). Moreover, after Jesus’ death and resurrection, the apostles began to appreciate and understand Jesus’ life and various miracles. In a sense, the Gospel of Jesus started with Jesus’ death and resurrection and pushed backward.

References

Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005).

Edwards, James R. The Gospel According to Mark (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2002).

Loyd, Melton, Ph.D., Professor of New Testament (Due West Campus: Erskine Theological Seminary, 2015).

What I Want For Christmas!

⁴⁶ Then they reached Jericho, and as Jesus and His disciples left town, a large crowd followed Him. A blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road. ⁴⁷ When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was nearby, he began to shout, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” ⁴⁸ “Be quiet!” many of the people yelled at him. But he only shouted louder, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” ⁴⁹ When Jesus heard him, He stopped and said, “Tell him to come here.” So they called the blind man. “Cheer up,” they said. “Come on, He’s calling you!” ⁵⁰ Bartimaeus threw aside his coat, jumped up, and came to Jesus. ⁵¹ “What do you want Me to do for you?” Jesus asked. “My Rabbi (Master),” the blind man said, “I want to see!” ⁵² And Jesus said to him, “Go, for your faith has healed (saved) you.” Instantly the man could see, and he followed Jesus down the road (on the way). Mark 10:46-52 (NLT)

On their way to Jerusalem, Jesus and His disciples came to Jericho (Mark 10:46). Jericho was the last major city in the Jordan River valley fifteen miles northeast of Jerusalem. As Jesus and His disciples left Jericho heading to Jerusalem, crowds of people were following Jesus (Mark 10:46; see also Matthew 20:29). Jesus’ popularity and fame had spread into Jericho just as the Gentile areas and included both men and women (see also Matthew 4:25; Mark 3:7-8; Mark 15:40-41; Luke 8:1-4).

Now, a blind beggar named Bartimaeus (son of Timaeus) was sitting beside the road as Jesus was passing by him (Mark 10:46; see also Luke 18:35). Matthew’s Gospel indicates two blind men were sitting beside the road and does not name Bartimaeus as Mark and Luke’s Gospels (Matthew 20:30). When Bartimaeus heard that Jesus of Nazareth was near, he began to shout out, “Jesus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:47, TLB; see also Matthew 20:30; Luke 18:36-38). However, the people began to shout at blind Bartimaeus to “Shut up!” (Mark 10:48, TLB; see also Matthew 20:31; Luke 18:39). However, blind Bartimaeus was persistent, shameless, and desperate. Bartimaeus began to shout louder, again and again, “O Son of David, have mercy on me!” (Mark 10:48, TLB; see also Matthew 20:31; Luke 18:39).

Bartimaeus called Jesus “Son of David,” a title for the Messiah (e.g. see Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5-6). Blind Bartimaeus could see that Jesus was the long-awaited Messiah (Christ) predicted by the Old Testament prophets (see also Matthew 1:1; Mark 1:1; John 20:31; see also 2 Samuel 7:5-16). However, the religious leaders who visually witnessed Jesus’ miracles and teachings were blind to Jesus’ identity and refused to recognize Jesus as Messiah. Although Bartimaeus was blind, he saw Jesus’ identity as Messiah of the world. Moreover, Bartimaeus’ cry for mercy revealed he believed Jesus was concerned with bringing God’s Kingdom to all people, including the poor, maimed, lame, powerless, and blind (Luke 4:18-19; see also Isaiah 42:7; Isaiah 58:6; Isaiah 61:1-2).

When Jesus heard blind Bartimaeus’ request, He stopped there in the road and said, “Tell him to come here” (Mark 10:49; see also Matthew 20:32; Luke 18:40). Here Jesus put into practice what He had just taught the disciples about helping and serving others (see Matthew 20:28; Mark 10:45). Although Jesus was concerned about the coming events in Jerusalem, He revealed love, service, and compassion for others in need (see also Matthew 9:35-36; Matthew 14:14; Matthew 15:32; Matthew 20:34; Mark 1:41; Mark 6:34; Mark 8:2).

Jesus’ disciples called to blind Bartimaeus and said, “Be of good cheer. Rise, He (Jesus) is calling you” (Mark 10:49, NKJV). Bartimaeus threw aside his old coat, jumped up and came to Jesus. Then, Jesus asked Bartimaeus, “What do you want (desire) Me to do for you? (Mark 10:51, TLB; see also Matthew 20:32; Luke 18:41). Jesus’ question to Bartimaeus was the same question He had asked James, John, and Salome (see Matthew 20:20-21; Mark 10:36). Bartimaeus said to Jesus, “I want to see!” (Mark 10:51; see also Matthew 20:33; Luke 18:41). Bartimaeus’ request revealed his faith in Jesus’ divinity (Mark 10:51). Jesus said to Bartimaeus, “Your faith has saved and healed you.” (Mark 10:52, MSG; see also Luke 18:42). Matthew’s Gospel indicated that Jesus felt compassion for the blind men and touched their eyes (Matthew 20:34; see also Matthew 9:35-36). However, Mark and Luke’s Gospel indicated that Jesus healed Bartimaeus without touch. In that very instant, Bartimaeus recovered his full sight and followed Jesus down the road on the way to Jerusalem (Mark 10:52; see also Matthew 20:34; Luke 18:43).

Like many others, Jesus rewarded Bartimaeus’ faith in Him with healing (literally salvation) (e.g., see also Matthew 9:22; Mark 5:23, 28, 34; Mark 6:56; Luke 8:48; Luke 17:19). The word for “healed” in Greek also mean “saved,” combining both physical and spiritual dimensions. Jesus always responds to faith and rewards those who genuinely believe in Him with His salvation (healing and wholeness). Luke’s Gospel added that Bartimaeus “followed Jesus, praising God. And all who saw it praised God, too” (Luke 18:43, NLT). Bartimaeus went from darkness to light, from begging to following Jesus, and from crying to praising the Lord God.

For this Christmas and every day in the New Year, ask Jesus for salvation – the gift that gives all eternity!

References

Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005).

NLT Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2008).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Edwards, James R. The Gospel According to Mark (Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans Publishing Company, 2002).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).

Serving Others Like Jesus

⁴² So Jesus called them (disciples) together and said, “You know that the rulers in this world lord it over their people, and officials flaunt their authority over those under them. ⁴³ But among you it will be different. Whoever wants to be a leader among you must be your servant, ⁴⁴ and whoever wants to be first among you must be the slave of everyone else. ⁴⁵ For even the Son of Man came not to be served but to serve others and to give His life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:42-45 (NLT)

After Jesus’ third and final Passion prediction of His coming suffering and death (Mark 10:33-34), two of Jesus’ disciples came over and asked Jesus for a special favor (Mark 10:35; see also Matthew 20:20). The two disciples were James and John. James and John were brothers and the sons of Zebedee (Mark 10:35; see also Matthew 20:20). Jesus called James and John “Sons of Thunder” (Mark 3:17) when He chose them to be His apostles (Mark 1:19-20; see also Matthew 4:21-22). In Matthew’s Gospel, James and John’s mother came to Jesus and “kneeling down, asked a favor of Him” (Matthew 20:20), while Mark’s Gospel recorded that James and John asked for themselves (Mark 10:35-37). In both Matthew and Mark Gospels, the brothers wanted to sit on honored thrones next to Jesus in His glorious and majestic Kingdom (Mark 10:37; see also Matthew 19:28; Matthew 20:21). God’s Kingdom is the Kingdom of Jesus Christ.

Essentially, James and John were asking Jesus for power, prestige, and authority in God’s Kingdom. James and John’s request indicate they correctly understood Jesus as the Messiah and God’s Son (Mark 8:29; Mark 9:2-8). Even more, James, John, and their mother were claiming the promise Jesus had given that, in His future Kingdom, His disciples would sit on Twelve thrones with Him (Matthew 19:28; see also Luke 22:28-30). However, James and John completely misunderstood what it meant to be a leader in God’s Kingdom.

Moreover, James and John were like many other Jews in the first century. Like many other first century Jews, James and John believed that Jesus was the Messiah that would establish His earthly Kingdom and free Israel from Rome's oppression. James and John wanted honored places in Jesus’ earthly Kingdom. However, Jesus’ Kingdom is not of this world and not centered in palaces and thrones. Instead, Jesus’ Kingdom reigns in the hearts and lives of His faithful followers. One day when Jesus returns, He will establish His glorious Kingdom on earth (see Revelation 21:1-22:5).

Jesus told James and John, “You do not know what you are asking! Are you able to drink from the bitter cup of sorrow I must drink from? Or to be baptized with the baptism of suffering I must be baptized with?” (Mark 10:38, TLB; see also Matthew 20:22). Immediately, James and John affirmed to Jesus that they were able to accept any affliction, sorrow, and suffering in order to sit on thrones in God’s Kingdom (Mark 10:38-39; Matthew 20:23). Next, Jesus said to James and John, “You shall indeed drink from My cup and be baptized with My baptism, but I do not have the right to place you on thrones next to Mine. Those appointments have already been made.” (Mark 10:39-40, TLB; see also Matthew 20:23). The “cup” and “baptism” Jesus references were figures of speech for His coming Passion – trial, suffering, and execution at the hands of the religious leaders and Romans (see Matthew 26:39; Mark 14:32-36; Luke 12:50). In fact, both James and John would share Jesus’ baptism and the cup of suffering. In later years, James was the first of the disciples to be martyred (Acts 12:2) and John suffered great persecution and forced into exile on the Isle of Patmos (Revelation 1:9). Next, Jesus informed James and John that only God the Father appoints and ordain who will sit on Jesus’ right hand and His left hand (Mark 10:40; see also Matthew 20:23).

When the ten other disciples heard that James and John had asked Jesus for high positions in God’s Kingdom, they were indignant (outraged) (Mark 10:41; see also Matthew 20:24). Selfish requests usually result in discord, arguments, and division (James 3:13-4:3). All Jesus’ disciples wanted to be great in God’s Kingdom (Matthew 18:1). Yet, James and John’s request was not the first time the disciples had committed this sin. During Jesus’ public ministry, His disciples often argued among themselves who would be greatest in His Kingdom (e.g. see Matthew 18:1-5; Mark 9:33-37; Luke 9:46-48; Luke 22:24). In the light of Jesus’ coming service and suffering to bring salvation, the disciples’ self-centeredness was inexcusable.

However, Jesus called His disciples to Himself and said, “As you know, the kings and great men of the earth lord it over the people; but among you it is different. Whoever wants to be great among you must be your servant. And whoever wants to be greatest of all must be the slave of all. For even I, the Messiah (Son of Man), am not here to be served, but to help others, and to give My life as a ransom for many.” (Mark 10:42-45, TLB; see also Matthew 20:25-27; Luke 22:26-27). Once again, Jesus tried to teach His disciples what it meant to be an “important person” in God’s Kingdom. Jesus had previously taught His disciples that greatness comes through humbly helping and serving others (Matthew 18:4; Mark 9:33-37; see also Luke 22:26). Anyone who wishes to be important and first in rank among the people must be the people’s servant (Mark 10:44; see also 1 Peter 5:1-5). In God’s Kingdom, loving and serving others, doing good deeds in the world, and helping others in need is what God requires (e.g., see Matthew 22:34-40; Mark 12:28-31; Luke 10:25-28; John 13:34-35; John 15:12, 17; 1 John 3:23; 1 John 4:7; 1 Timothy 3-7). True disciples of Jesus do not search for power and authority but always seek out ways to help others. God’s graciously gives His authority not for self-importance, ambition, or respect, but for humble service to Him and others (1 Peter 5:1-7). The greatest disciple will be the greatest servant (Mark 10:43).

Then, Jesus said to His disciples that He came to serve and help others (Mark 10:45; see also Matthew 20:28; Philippians 2:1-11). Although Jesus is the glorious image of God, the Son of God, and the Messiah (Christ) (e.g., see Mark 1:1; John 20:31; 2 Corinthians 4:4-6), He served the people and willingly gave His life as a ransom to bring their salvation (Mark 10:45; see also Matthew 20:28; Luke 22:27; John 13:13-16). Jesus paid the ransom price of His life to free us from the slavery of sin and eternal death (1 Timothy 2:6; Titus 2:14; 1 Peter 1:18-19). Only Jesus’ sacrificial death would bring salvation (Romans 3:25).

¹³ For you have been called to live in freedom, my brothers and sisters. But do not use your freedom to satisfy your sinful nature. Instead, use your freedom to serve one another in love. ¹⁴ For the whole law can be summed up in this one command: “Love your neighbor as yourself.” ¹⁵ But if you are always biting and devouring one another, watch out! Beware of destroying one another. Galatians 5:13-15 (NLT)

Like many people today, the disciples were making the mistake of following the world’s examples of greatness. Instead of modeling themselves after Jesus (Acts 10:34-38; 1 Corinthians 11:1), James and John were admiring the glory, power, and authority of world leaders. God's patterns in the Holy Scripture teach that His people are to “serve one another through love” (Galatians 5:13; see also 1 Corinthians 9:19; 2 Corinthians 4:5; Ephesians 5:21). This was true of Joseph, Moses, Joshua, David, Timothy, and even our Lord Jesus Himself (see Philippians 2:1-11). These great leaders humbly served God and others. God’s grace and goodness are opportunities to love, to do good, and serve one another for God’s glory (see Matthew 5:14-16; 1 Corinthians 8:1; 1 Corinthians 10:31). Greatness is not ruling over others but serving them (Matthew 20:26).

³⁵ Sitting down, Jesus called the Twelve and said, “If anyone wants to be first, he must be the very last, and the servant of all.” Mark 9:35 (NIV)

Jesus’ life and ministry reflected the role of service and love for others (e.g., see Isaiah 52:13-53:12; Matthew 4:23-25; Matthew 9:35-38; Acts 10:34-38). As promised King and Messiah, Jesus saw Himself as God's Servant sent to suffer for and serve God's people. During His public ministry, Jesus’ mission was service and salvation; not power and prestige (Philippians 2:1-11). As followers of Jesus, all Christians must identify and imitate Jesus in His service and suffering (1 Peter 2:21). Through faith in Jesus, Christians are all equal and fellow servants of the Lord Jesus (Matthew 23:8; Matthew 23:11-12; 1 Corinthians 3:9). According to Jesus, “The greatest among you must be a servant” (Matthew 23:11, NLT; see also Mark 10:43; Luke 22:26).

Jesus instructed His disciples not to seek power, prestige, or wealth (Matthew 23:6) but humble services towards others (Matthew 23:11-12; see also John 3:30; John 13:12-17). The world’s system of leadership is often selfish and arrogant as they claw their way to the top. But among Christians, the leader is to be the one who serves best. Even though God has graciously given His people special gifts and talents through His Holy Spirit, these talents and gifts are for service in God’s Kingdom and serving others (see Romans 12:4-8; 1 Corinthians 12:27-31). No one in the church should rule over others; all should serve one another in a spirit of humility and love before God. Since all Christians are to be servants, there is no reason to compete with one another for honors and recognition. In God's Kingdom, the highest calling is servanthood; rank and authority are of little value. Besides, service keeps us aware of others' needs, and it stops us from focusing only on ourselves.

³⁴ Then Peter replied, “I see very clearly that God shows no favoritism. ³⁵ In every nation He accepts those who fear (respect, honor) Him and do what is right. ³⁶ This is the message of Good News for the people of Israel—that there is peace with God through Jesus Christ, who is Lord of all. ³⁷ You know what happened throughout Judea, beginning in Galilee, after John began preaching His message of baptism. ³⁸ And you know that God anointed Jesus of Nazareth with the Holy Spirit and with power. Then Jesus went around doing good and healing all who were oppressed by the devil, for God was with Him. . . . ⁴³ He is the One all the prophets testified about, saying that everyone who believes in Him (Jesus) will have their sins forgiven through His Name.” Acts 10:34-38, 43 (NLT)

References

Disciple's Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible, 1988).

Life Application Study Bible (Carol Stream, IL: Tyndale House Pub., 2005).

Life Essentials Study Bible (Nashville, TN: Holman Bible Publishers, 2011).

Ryrie Study Bible (Chicago, IL: Moody, 1995).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).