Using a Gospel Harmony to Study the Life of Jesus
As we enter the summer season and take a break from our normal routine it is often helpful to try new things and/or do old things in new ways. The following suggestion as an alternative form of study may be just the piece you need to breathe new life into your devotional life. In John 14:8 Philip says to Jesus, “Lord, show us the Father, and it is enough for us.” Jesus in His response (verse 9) to Philip said, “Have I been so long with you, and yet you have not come to know Me, Philip? He who has seen Me has seen the Father; how do you say, ‘Show us the Father”?
It is a declaration that we need to take note of because Jesus is saying that if you want to know what God is like you need only examine the life of Jesus. The character of God, His attributes, His thoughts and His desires for humankind are all revealed in the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, His only Son.
A helpful tool in studying the life and ministry of Jesus is a Gospel harmony. It combines the four Gospel accounts, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John in their probable chronological order allowing the reader to develop a sense of the relationship that existed between the various events and teachings in the life of Jesus. It also allows for an easy comparison of the parallel accounts that are recorded in the Matthew, Mark, Luke and sometimes John. In many cases the Gospel writers were eyewitnesses to the events they record, and like many eyewitness accounts include, under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, individual details they believe important. Much can be learned as we examine each account for similarities and differences.
This month I would recommend that you either buy or borrow a Gospel harmony and study the account of the healing of the paralytic contained in Matthew 9:1-8, Mark 2:1-12 and Luke 5:17-26. Read and re-read each account several times and then begin to ask the following questions. I think you will be amazed at what you discover. Enjoy!
- What are the points of the story that each writer includes?
- What information does each writer include that is not included in the other accounts? What can we learn from this about the author or the people to whom he was writing?
- Why was this particular account included in the canon? What do we learn about God, Jesus and/or the Holy Spirit?
- How would God have us respond to this teaching?
- Write out a prayer that reflects your desire to incorporate this teaching of Jesus into your life.
Author
Pastor Bruce is the Executive Director of God's Living Stones. He lives in Omaha, NE, with his wife Barb. They have two adult children.
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