We should first remember that there were no scribes who were recording or transcribing the words of Jesus when he preached and taught. Even after his resurrection his first disciples saw no need for writing down his words since they thought he would come again in their lifetime. Thus, the first gospel written was the Gospel of Mark, written about 40 years after the death of Jesus. By this time, the stories about Jesus had been passed on orally from one generation to another. Mark is the shortest and most action-packed Gospel – the narrative moves rapidly to the cross. The Gospel ends at Mark 16:8, with the women fleeing in fear from the empty tomb. The authors of Matthew and Luke had Mark as one source and another source called “Q”, from the German “Quelle” (source). Matthew is writing to Jewish followers and presents Jesus as the new Moses. The Gospel of Luke highlights Jesus’ humanity and compassion, emphasizing that salvation is available to everyone, regardless of background. Only Luke and Matthew contain the Sermon on the Mount and the Lord’s Prayer, two essential teachings of Jesus. Matthew, Mark, and Luke are called “synoptic” because they are so similar to each other and repeat many of the same stories. John’s Gospel came decades later and emphasizes what the church believed about the divine nature of Jesus. But in every case the Gospel writer chose to retell stories and teachings in his own unique style so as to emphasize one aspect over another. Only Luke’s Gospel includes the parables of the Prodigal Son and the Good Samaritan. Only John’s Gospel tells of the raising of Lazarus. When we read all four gospels we get a more complete picture of Jesus. And we also get a better understanding of the early church. – – – Fr. Jim