Many Christians treat the Gospels as mere introductory books of the New Testament and, in doing so, miss their immense significance. As a result, they fail to fully appreciate the depth and richness these books bring to the Christian experience.
See, the Gospels record the most extraordinary time in human history when God took on human flesh and lived among His creation in the person of Jesus Christ. To simply read through the Gospels without pausing to grasp their significance is to miss one of the Bible’s greatest treasures.
In the next few minutes, we will delve into the importance of the Gospels and the significant ways the gospels shape our Christian walk.
1. The Gospels highlight Jesus Christ
Christianity is anchored on Jesus, the author and perfector of our faith (Hebrews 12:1-2).
The Gospels pull back the curtain and let us see Jesus up close, which is why the importance of the Gospels is impossible to overstate.
We see Him speak, relate with people, perform miracles, His attributes, and so on, which we learn from and bolster our faith in God.
Simply, the more time you spend in the Gospels, the clearer Jesus becomes. And that matters because many believers unknowingly follow a version of Jesus they have constructed in their minds rather than the Jesus revealed in Scripture.
Moreover, each Gospel reveals a unique dimension of Christ.
Matthew presents Jesus as the promised King and Messiah who fulfills many Old Testament prophecies. This reminds us that God keeps His promises.
Mark, with its urgency and action-packed narration, presents Jesus as the Servant King. This serves to remind believers that greatness in God’s Kingdom is found through humble service. And we are to serve with a sense of urgency, as Christ reflected in Jesus ministry.
Luke, writing to a predominantly Gentile audience, presents Jesus as the Savior for all people. His Gospel shines a spotlight on the poor, the marginalized, women, Gentiles, and social outcasts.
This shows that no one is beyond Christ’s reach. As we carry out the Great Commission, let’s reach out to all, especially the marginalized who are often overlooked.
John presents Jesus God. Jesus is not just the Son of God; He indeed is God, the Word that became flesh and dwelt among humanity. As much as Jesus lived amongst us, we shouldn’t make the fatal error of relating to Him merely as a human being. He is God.
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John together provide the most complete portrait of Jesus available anywhere.
2. A written reminder of God’s faithfulness
Life, especially the difficult seasons when prayers seem unanswered, and the wait is too long, has a way of making us lose sight of God’s track record. If left unaddressed, doubts could creep in, and faith wane.
During such times, the Gospels remind us of God’s faithfulness. God Has never broken a promise.
Not once.
The significance of the Gospels in connecting the Old Testament to the New Testament is not discussed enough.
Many writers, inspired by the Holy Spirit, prophesied different aspects of Jesus life. So, when we see Him introduced in the four gospel books, it was not a random event. From virgin birth to resurrection, it was the fulfillment of about 300 divine promises spanning centuries.
Friend, the same God who fulfilled His promises concerning Christ will fulfill His promises concerning your life. That’s one of the central lessons of the Gospels and an important reason why Christians should read them regularly.
When the times are hard, and doubt starts setting in, read through the gospel books in the Bible again. In addition to a general reminder of God’s faithfulness, there will be enough Scripture to remind you that God’s plans unfold according to His timing, not yours.
God is faithful to keep His promises.
3. Give a blueprint of what kingdom living is
Every waking moment, we are bombarded by many noises. Whether friends, social media, celebrities, influencers, podcasters, politicians, you name them, everyone wants to tell you how to live.
The Gospel books help us to cut through the noise and bring us back to the voice that matters most – Jesus.
See, Jesus models Christian life perfectly. Jesus didn’t simply tell people how to live; He showed us. So when we read Matthew Mark Luke and John, we get the blueprint for what kingdom living looks like.
The snippets of Jesus’ life which the gospels give us reveal His heart and character. This, in turn, should shape how we live our lives today.
You want to see what Gospel-centered living looks like? You have to read, see Jesus in the Gospels, and emulate Him.
His life was a masterclass in discipleship, the epitome of kingdom living.
4. The Gospels anchor our faith in the saving work of Christ
This is perhaps the greatest answer to the question of the ways the gospels shape our Christian walk.
Everything in the Gospels moves toward one destination, the cross. From the moment Jesus entered the world, His mission was clear: He came to save sinners by dying on the cross for their sins.
Little wonder the Gospel writers devote such significant space to Jesus’ final week. Jesus atoning death is the main story, not a side story.
Without the cross, our sins remain unforgiven, salvation is impossible, and humanity remains separated from God.
This is why the Gospels that give us the account of Jesus death and resurrection are important, and Christians should make a habit of reading through them often.
They continually bring you back to the finished work of Christ, back to the Gospel itself.
Never outgrow the Gospels
When did you last read the Gospels? I don’t mean quick glossing over or a quick reference to confirm something, but a slow, thoughtful reading.
If it’s been a while, pick one this week and relish its teachings. Study them, don’t just read. Linger there and soak in the Word. You could even consider doing a comprehensive Bible verse mapping on a few sections.
Saint, never outgrow the Gospels. Even as you read other parts of the Bible, let one of your fingers always remain on the Gospels so that you can experience the amazing ways the gospels shape our Christian walk.
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