How Do You Read the Gospels?

When people read the gospels, they are reading to understand the Messiah and His purpose for salvation and daily living. There is always the question of why it takes four gospels to tell the same stories over and over. This is because each writer had a story to tell and wanted to paint a particular portrait of Jesus. The authors also had a purpose and perspective directed to a specific audience. The audience’s focus is dependent upon what the reader brings to the text or the diverse perspectives through which scripture can be read. Each gospel leaves readers with an understanding of Jesus as the Sufferer, the Son of God, the Messiah, the Savior. The overall purpose of having four gospels gives the reader a deeper, more profound understanding of the nature of Jesus’ person and work.

In reading the gospels, it is very evident that the focus is on ministry and the many miracles that Jesus performed. The ultimate goal is to spread the gospel around the world in order to get people to repent of their ways and start fresh by believing that Jesus is the Son of God that has come to save. Understanding the underlying message of the gospels explains how we are to receive what Jesus is offering, learn from the lesson, and implement what we have learned. So often, there is a barrier of fear and feelings of inadequacy in having a serious discussion about the bible. Rereading the gospels can give a greater insight into the theme, the purpose, and the audience. It may lead to the discovery that there are many people who are interested in the gospels but won’t ask questions or start the conversation.

So why reread the gospels? Reading the gospels more than once can challenge a person because there is much more knowledge to gain with each reading. Rereading makes one pay more attention to the perspective in which they are reading. This may be one explanation as to why we can read a passage over and over and learn something new each time we read it. Rereading can spark a regeneration of deeper questions for understanding and challenges our thought process. Perhaps we learn that we don’t know as much as we think. After reading the gospels again, we may feel better equipped to answer the difficult questions. For example, when a student proclaims to be an atheist but has difficulties in knowing how to balance logic and faith. Too much scripture can be overwhelming and a deterrent from hearing truth, but used in the right manner, a good parable can be a great resource.

Rereading the gospels is beneficial in our growth as well as others. Overall, these readings have been a  reminder that our mission field is not always in a church position. Our mission field is sometimes right in front of us, whether it is school, the neighborhood, a social gathering, or the job. We have a responsibility as believers to share the gospel.

CrayDawg,  Inc. (c)2024