Good morning. Today is Monday June 14th!

🥳 Congratulations on starting today with God, and thank you for letting us be a part of it.

— John 20:31

The four Gospels are all telling the same true story about Jesus, but they are doing it from different angles, to different audiences, with different goals, themes, writing styles, structures, and even different details emphasized on purpose.

Think of it less like four copies of the same biography and more like four camera angles of the same event.

The word “Gospel” literally means “good news.”

The four Gospels are:

 • Gospel of Matthew
• Gospel of Mark
• Gospel of Luke
• Gospel of John

And this is where it gets really interesting:

Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called the “Synoptic Gospels.”

“Synoptic” means “seen together.”

They often:
• tell the same stories
• in similar order
• sometimes using nearly identical wording

John is completely different in style, structure, timeline emphasis, vocabulary, and theology focus.

A lot of scholars think if you removed John entirely, Christianity would still make sense historically, but you would lose HUGE amounts of theological depth about who Jesus actually is.

So how are they actually different?

Matthew presents Jesus as the promised King and Messiah. It constantly connects Jesus back to Old Testament prophecy, Abraham, David, and Moses because it was written heavily with a Jewish audience in mind.

Mark is much shorter, faster, and more action-focused. It emphasizes what Jesus did more than long teachings. Mark presents Jesus as the suffering servant and powerful miracle worker.

Luke is the most detailed and historical. It focuses heavily on compassion, outsiders, women, the poor, sinners, and prayer. Luke presents Jesus as the perfect Savior for all humanity, not just Israel.

John is the most theological and symbolic. Instead of focusing mainly on parables and chronology, John focuses deeply on who Jesus actually is. That’s why John contains the famous “I AM” statements and opens with:

“In the beginning was the Word…”

Matthew shows Jesus as King.

Mark shows Jesus as Servant.

Luke shows Jesus as Savior.

John shows Jesus as the Son of God.

And together, they create the full picture.

When you’re not sure how to pray, A.C.T.S. gives you a simple path to follow: Adore, Confess, Thank, and Ask.

Adoration: Jesus, thank You for revealing Yourself through Scripture.

Confession: Forgive us for the times we neglect Your Word.

Thanksgiving: Thank You for the Gospels and the truth they reveal.

Supplication: Help us know You more through Scripture each day.

In Jesus’ name, Amen

“He Reigns” by BRAG WORSHIP, Trip Lee, Jonathan Traylor

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Thanks for letting us be a part of how you start your day with God.

See you tomorrow,

Zach | Start With God