www.rj-mccauley.blogspot.com: Read the Bible for Life: Scholar Series (on Biblical Hermeneutics) Part 4

In part four of the Read the Bible for Life: Scholar Series, one of my favorite NT scholars has several videos on how to make sense of reading the teachings of Jesus and the Gospels. Mark Strauss has put together a fantastic resource that every Christian should have on their bookshelf. The book is called, Four Portraits, One Jesus: An Introduction to Jesus and the Gospels. This book covers all the basics regarding the life and story of Jesus in Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Not only does the book discuss each Gospel, but it explains the exegetical background necessary to properly understand how the Bible was canonized and why it was written. There is plenty of information and pictures in this book which will help anyone to make more sense of reading the teachings of Jesus and the Gospels.

Strauss emphasizes that the four Gospels are written with unique presentations in order to provide us a "deeper, and more profound understanding of Christology" (p. 24). Each gospel book was written differently, so it is important to see each gospel in the way the author intended to convey to his audience.

Four Portraits, One Jesus explains how each gospel has a unique presentation. Matthew is the most structured; grounded in Old Testament themes and fulfillment as the Gospel of the Messiah. Mark is the most dramatic; passionately telling the Gospel of the suffering Son of God. Luke is the most thematic; reassuring the world the Gospel of the Savior for all people. John is the most theological; explaining the truth of the Gospel of the divine Son who reveals the Father. Strauss notes that all four portraits of the One Jesus, "testify to the one gospel - the good news of salvation available through Jesus the Messiah" (p. 24). Enjoy the videos and be informed with this great material!