Welcome to my Treasure Hunting series, in which I try to work through some books of the New Testament and find interesting data, stories, connections hidden among the lines.
Why four gospels? Have you thought about this question yet? Why not only one, straightforward, full story and we wouln't need to look for similarities or get confused of differences. Why not three gospels, like the Godhead has three persons. Or seven, as it is the number represents the fullness, and also there were seven dwarfs with Snow White.
In the National Gallery in London, there are three representation on a single canvas of Charles I. In one, his head is turned to the right; in other to the left; and in the centre we find the full-face view. The story comes with it is the following: Anthony Van Dyck, Flemish painter painted this for Bernini, the Roman sculptor that by combining the impressions the sculptor would be better able to produce the "speaking" likeness of the king.
It might be true that the Gospels were intended to serve the same purpose of Jesus' portrait - each represents a different aspect of His life and together we have a complete picture.
Matthew was one of Jesus' first twelve disciples who - previously been a tax collector - was an eye-witness of all the teachings and miracles. He presents Jesus as a King, the Son of David. It was written primarily to the Jews that is why it is full with quotations from the Old Testament Scriptures. It contains the Sermon of the Mount and His teachings are about the Kingdom.
Mark - who wrote his gospel during apostle Peter's narration - introduces Jesus as a Servant and he wrote it to the Romans. More miracles are found here than in any other gospels, because the Romans, who were the rulers of the world at that time, cared little for words, far more for deeds.
Luke as an educated doctor wrote his gospel for the educated Greeks, who were lovers of poetry, culture and beauty, and he sets forth Jesus as the Perfect Man. Only in Luke's gospel we can find songs (Magnificat, Zacharias's praise, angels and sheperds are singing).
John, who was also a disciple of Jesus, wrote his "good news" for all people, who will believe. He portrays Jesus as the Son of God. In this gospel there are many intimate talks and moments which has got one purpose: to lead people to the Lord.
And just to see the beautiful portrait of Jesus, here are the closing remarks of the four gospels:
Matthew 28:18-20- Jesus, the King is commanding and commissioning His disciples.
Mark 16:20 - Jesus, the Servant is pictured as still labouring with His disciples.
Luke - Jesus, the Perfect Man ascending to heaven to His Father.
John 21:25 - Jesus, the Son of God did many other things, that there would be not enough books in the whole world to contain it.
