Today we will talk about did Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John know Jesus. This is an important question for believers and seekers alike. Understanding the backgrounds and relationships of these four Gospel writers can help us appreciate the richness of the New Testament. Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John each provide unique perspectives on Jesus’ life, teachings, and works. As we explore their connections with Jesus, we will reflect on their experiences through scripture. Be on the mode of meditation as we read through God’s word.
Did Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John Know Jesus?
Understanding Matthew’s Relationship with Jesus
Matthew, one of the twelve disciples, was likely a tax collector before following Jesus (Matthew 9:9). In the Greek, the name “Matthew” (Ματθαῖος) means “gift of God.” His close association with Jesus suggests that he had firsthand knowledge of His ministry. Being part of the inner circle, Matthew witnessed many of Jesus’ miracles and teachings firsthand, helping shape the narrative he later wrote. His Gospel begins with a genealogy, emphasizing Jesus’ heritage and fulfilling Old Testament prophecies, which indicates a deep understanding of Jewish customs (Matthew 1:1-17).
Matthew not only knew Jesus socially as a disciple but also recognized Him as the Messiah. In Matthew 16:16, when asked about His identity, Peter says, “You are the Messiah, the Son of the living God.” This acknowledgment reflects Matthew’s belief in Jesus’ divine nature, further confirmed by Jesus’ teachings throughout the Gospel. It shows that he regarded Jesus not only as a teacher but as the divine Son of God, which profoundly influenced his writing.
Additionally, in Matthew 28:20, Jesus commands His disciples to teach others about Him, which Matthew certainly took to heart as he later penned his Gospel for others to learn about Jesus. His perspective was shaped by both personal experience and his Jewish background, giving readers significant insights into who Jesus was and what He represented. Matthew’s position as a disciple allowed him to provide a comprehensive and attentive account of Jesus’ life and teachings.
Mark’s Perspective on Jesus
The Gospel of Mark is believed to be based on the teachings of Peter, one of Jesus’ closest disciples. Mark himself was not among the twelve, yet he played a vital role in the early church (Acts 12:12). His Gospel is the shortest of the four, possibly reflecting a succinct style that aims to quickly convey the essence of Jesus’ ministry. The Greek word “Mark” (Μάρκος) translates to “male” or “hammer,” symbolizing a strength that may resonate with the robust portrayal of Jesus in his writing.
Mark’s Gospel opens with the declaration of Jesus as the Son of God (Mark 1:1), emphasizing His divine identity from the get-go. Although Mark did not travel with Jesus during His earthly ministry, he likely interacted with those who did, particularly Peter. His account reflects a sense of urgency and action, as seen in the use of the word “immediately” throughout. This vibrant style may represent the heartfelt passion Mark felt about sharing the good news regarding Jesus, as he recognized the significance of Jesus’ life and wonders.
Moreover, Mark records many miracles and teachings that display Jesus’ authority and compassion. His depiction of Jesus’ emotions, like anger (Mark 3:5) or compassion (Mark 6:34), offers a human side of Jesus that many can relate to. Even without shining through as a traditional disciple, Mark’s focus on Jesus’ actions demonstrates his profound understanding of who Jesus was and why His story mattered.
Luke’s Journey with Jesus
Luke stands out as the only Gospel writer who was a Gentile and physician (Colossians 4:14). His name in Greek, “Λουκᾶς,” signifies “from Lucania,” pointing to his origins. Luke’s writing is marked by an emphasis on the inclusivity of Jesus’ mission. Although Luke was not one of the twelve, he conducted thorough research to provide an orderly account of Jesus’ life (Luke 1:1-4). His approach highlights a diligent effort to ensure accuracy by interviewing those who walked alongside Jesus, including the apostles.
In his Gospel, Luke chronicles many events not found in the other Gospels, like the parables of the Good Samaritan (Luke 10:25-37) and the Prodigal Son (Luke 15:11-32). This focus on social justice and kindness illustrates his understanding of Jesus’ teachings about compassion and mercy. Luke’s account shows that even in his absence from Jesus’ inner circle, he recognized the importance of documenting Jesus’ message and love for all people.
Furthermore, the early chapters of Luke delve into the Nativity story, providing a detailed account of Jesus’ birth (Luke 2:1-20). This fundamental moment in Christianity reflects how understanding Jesus’ beginnings was vital for Luke. His portrayal of Jesus is one of hope, healing, and compassion, reflecting a deep psychological and spiritual connection to Jesus’ mission, even without direct involvement as a disciple during Jesus’ ministry.
John’s Unique Insight into Jesus
John, often referred to as the “beloved disciple,” offers a distinct perspective through his Gospel rooted in spiritual depth (John 13:23). The name “John,” or “Ιωάννης” in Greek, signifies “Yahweh is gracious.” He was part of Jesus’ closest circle and witnessed numerous key moments, including the Transfiguration (Mark 9:2) and the resurrection (John 20:1-10). John’s relationship with Jesus was deeply personal, as shown in his reflections on Jesus’ intimate teachings. His Gospel emphasizes the identity of Jesus, often focusing on His divine nature, the concept of the Word becoming flesh (John 1:14), and the power of belief in Him.
John’s portrayal of Jesus is particularly unique because he emphasizes love throughout his writing. “For God so loved the world” (John 3:16) is perhaps the most famous verse from his Gospel, encapsulating the essence of Jesus’ mission. John further describes Jesus as the vine and believers as the branches (John 15:5), suggesting an intimate relationship that requires connection and reliance on Him. His Gospel also features many “I am” statements (John 6:35, 8:12, 10:11, etc.), showing Jesus’ significance in the lives of believers and His role as their sustainer.
Despite being a witness to Jesus’ actions, John also demonstrates a reflective understanding of the events surrounding Jesus’ life. His writing touches on the significance of faith and the transformative power of knowing Jesus. The closing of his Gospel states, “these are written that you may believe” (John 20:31), confirming his intent to share Jesus’ story with the world and inviting readers into that relationship.
Final Thoughts
As we have examined the backgrounds of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, we can see that each had a distinct relationship with Jesus. Matthew’s first-hand experience as a disciple gives his account authority and depth. Mark’s connection with the teachings of Peter highlights Jesus’ impactful message, while Luke’s thorough research underscores his dedication to presenting the truth about Jesus. Finally, John’s deep personal connection encapsulates the love and divinity of Jesus. Together, these four Gospels provide a varied yet unified portrayal of Jesus that enriches our understanding and appreciation of His life and mission.
It is incredible to think that each Gospel writer, despite their different backgrounds and experiences, sought to share their insight into who Jesus is. Their writings encourage us to look beyond mere historical facts and connect with the transformative relationship they had with Jesus. Let us remember that we too are invited into this journey of faith, learning about Jesus through the accounts of those who walked so closely with Him.
In closing, it is clear that Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John each had a profound understanding of Jesus, as evident from their writings. They knew Him in various capacities—whether as a disciple, friend, or through meticulous research. Their accounts continue to illuminate our path as we grow in faith and understanding of our Savior.
Further Reading
30 Bible Verses About Getting Closer To God (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Removing People From Your Life (With Commentary)
30 Bible Verses About Israel (With Explanation)
30 Bible Verses About Being Lukewarm (With Explanation)
4 Ways to Encounter Grace and Truth: A Study on John, Chapter 4