WHY FOUR GOSPELS?

WHY FOUR GOSPELS?

As everyone knows, there are four Gospels, but the question at once arises, “Why four?” Why wouldn’t one straightforward, continuous narrative have been enough? Would not this have been simpler and clear? Might this not have saved us from some of the difficulties which have arisen in what some have said are conflicting accounts?

The answer seems plain. Because one or two would not have given us a portrayal of the life of Christ. There are four distinct offices of Christ portrayed in the Gospels. He is presented as King in Matthews, Servant in Mark, Son of man in Luke, Son of God in John.

It is true that each of the four gospels has much in common with the others. Each deals with Christ’s earthly ministry, His death, and resurrection, His teachings, and miracles, but each gospel has its differences. We at once see that each of the writers is trying to present a different picture of our one lord.

Matthew deliberately adds to his account what Mark omits. There is a lack of completeness as to His life history in any one of the four Gospels. Hear what John says in 21:25: and there are also many things which Jesus did, the which, if they should be written every one, I suppose that even the world itself could not contain the books that should be written.

There are deliberate gaps that none of the evangelists professes to fill in. For instance, all omit any account of the eighteen years of Christ’s life between the ages of twelve and thirty. Although each Gospel is complete in itself, it is very selective; only a few of His miracles are described and only a portion of His teachings are given. Each evangelist has recorded that which is relevant and pertinent to his particular theme.

In the National Gallery in London, there are three representations on a single canvas of Charles I. In one his head is turned to the right; in another, to the left; and in the center, we find the full-face view. This is the story of this production. Van Dyck painted them for Bernini, the Roman sculptor, that he might by their help make a bust of the king. By combining the impressions so received, Bernini would be better able to produce a “speaking” likeness. One view would not have been enough.

It may be true that the Gospels were intended to serve the very purpose of this portrait. Each presents a different aspect of our lord’s life on earth. Together we have the complete picture. He was a king, but He was the perfect servant, too. He was the son of the man, but we must not forget He was the son of God.

There are four Gospels with one Christ, four accounts with one purpose, and four sketches  of one person.