Previous post: Iconography Of The Gospels
Yesterday’s introductory post gave some background and a first stab at an iconography of the gospels. I used the “Son Of” motif to describe each of the synoptic gospels. John was odd man out, typified by Jesus Christ, the Lamb of God.”
Today I want to give a second “iconography” of the gospels. Perhaps “mnemonic” would be a better term. How can you summarize in a memorable way the distinctives of each of the gospels?
“The Kingdom, The Power, and The Glory”
Matthew: The Kingdom
Matthew’s gospel explains the coming of the Kingdom of Heaven. Each of the 5 discourses is in some way related to the Kingdom being established on earth by the coming of the Messiah. (Chapters from Matthew in parentheses)
- The Sermon on the Mount: Ethics in the kingdom (5-7)
- The commissioning of the 12: The announcement of the kingdom (10)
- Parables of the Kingdom (13)
- Life in the Kingdom (18)
- Olivet Discourse: Prelude to the coming of the King (24-25)
Mark: The Power
Mark’s Gospel is suffused with the power of the incarnate God. Gundry writes, “The Jesus of Mark is overpowering. Let the weak find in him their champion, the strong their conqueror.”
Luke: The Glory
Mary glorifies the Lord. So do Zechariah, Simeon and Ana. Angels sing “Glory to God in the highest.” This glory continues until the final words of the gospel with Jesus ascending into heaven and the disciples praising God.
