Today, we begin John...

As we begin to read through this last gospel, the gospel of John, let’s take a few minutes to look at an overview of the four gospels.  (John is a much different gospel than the other three.)

Remember, each of the gospels is named for its author.

• Matthew (one of the 12 disciples) wrote specifically to the Jews to prove that Jesus is the Messiah.  Matthew emphasized the fulfillment of prophecy and uses a lot of Old Testament Scriptures.  
• Mark (not one of the 12, a cousin of Barnabas and a close associate of Paul) wrote specifically to the Christians in Rome (Gentiles), to present the person, work and teachings of Jesus.  Some believe Peter was the source of his information.
• Luke (not only not one of the 12 disciples, but also the only Gentile author in the New Testament) wrote to Theophilus (a Gentile) and to Gentiles in general to present an accurate account of the life of Christ and to present Him as the perfect human and Savior.
• John’s gospel was written last, after the destruction of Jerusalem and before John’s exile to the Island of Patmos.  John (also one of the 12 disciples) wrote to prove that Jesus is the Son of God and that all who believe in Him will have eternal life.  He wrote both to new Christians and to those who may be seeking.  

As you begin reading John, ask the Holy Spirit to speak specifically to you, to teach you whatever He wants you to see in this book.  Take special note of what John shows us about the deity of Christ, and what John shows us about Who God is and how He relates to us.