N4 Teaching the Few

Books: Mathew, Mark, Luke, John
Theme: Popularity to Opposition
Summary: Jesus time to return to the Father is drawing near. He now teaches his disciples to teach others. The fist couse is the end of the Galilee Ministry. The second course is his ministry from Judea to Perea. The last course is his final journey to Jerusalem.
Overview for Teachers
It is believed that the gospel's were written in the order of Mark, Matthew, Luke and John.
  • Mark was close to Peter and therefore likely recorded events from the view of Peter. Peter referred to John Mark as 'my son'.
  • Together with these books, many other writings existed. It is therefore believed that the writer's of the gospels drew of these writings to draft a book aimed at their target audience.
  • Mark does not have the birth of Christ document, but does focus on that later stages of this life. Therefore it is also likely that Matthew sought to record these events to confirm that Christ came from the house of David.
  • Luke sought to carefully document history, putting events in chronological order. Therefore when studying these books chronologically, this book is a credible source. He provided the gaps around and in the birth of Jesus. As there were other well documented writings on the sermon on the mount, including Matthew's, he also did not go the same lengths in documenting this.
  • The book of John was written many years later. John would have known what was documented historically in the other three books documented the facts, John wrote his book so that 'we may believe'. However, in addition to this, it is believe that John's book is a supplement to history. His eye witness events that are unique in his book (and not in the others) is intentional to ensure all facts known are recorded.