THE GOSPELS

Mathew, Mark, Luke and John are the first four books of the New Testament. Years ago I heard a Pastor recommend that everyone should read these four books from beginning to end three times in a row. The premise being that the first time you just read it, the second time you pick up on what you missed and the third time you should have a good understanding of the books.

I did read them that way and came away very enlightened. It was amazing the things that caught my eye with the second reading that I had missed the first time. The third time I was looking for that which I might have missed in the first two readings. I was not disappointed as I discovered even more.

All of these books are covering the life of Jesus. People always tell stories from their own view point and that is what these 4 men do. We learn not only about the ministry of John the Baptist but of his miraculous birth. Luke 1 The birth of Jesus is told, though nothing is mentioned of His childhood, except the one incident in the temple. Luke 2:46 (King James Version) 46 And it came to pass, that after three days they found him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the doctors, both hearing them, and asking them questions.

We learn of His ministry, how he called his disciples, and many miracles. We also read of His trial, death, burial, and resurrection.

There are also things we do not find. There is no record of a church being formed, just of followers. There is also no mention of people speaking in tongues, but we do have scriptures that confirm being filled with the Holy Ghost. Luke 1: 35 And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. 41 And it came to pass, that, when Elisabeth heard the salutation of Mary, the babe leaped in her womb; and Elisabeth was filled with the Holy Ghost.

The scriptures showed us that men could repent and have their sins forgiven them. Luke 23: 42 And he said unto Jesus, Lord, remember me when thou comest into thy kingdom. 43 And Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise. Mark 2: 5 When Jesus saw their faith, he said unto the sick of the palsy, Son, thy sins be forgiven thee.

As I was looking up these scriptures it jumped off the page at me again how Zacharias questioned the angel of the Lord, and Elisabeth while hiding herself accepted that she was to give birth. The little things that say so little and show so much. Luke 1:6 And they were both righteous before God, walking in all the commandments and ordinances of the Lord blameless.

Many questions can come up in reading the books this way and I encourage you to do so. In fact it is a good thing to do with any book of the Bible. Set aside time to read. The first time without pen or paper just read. The second time with pen, paper and high lighter. The third time look for the deeper meaning. Ask the questions of who is speaking to whom? What is the reaction of the people speaking and being spoke to? Is this about healing, belief, growth, it is prophecy being fulfilled?

You will be amazed at the information that will stand out to you that you might have missed before.

God Bless,

rECj/LJG