A couple of days ago we spoke about the first words of the Lord Jesus in Marks Gospel and that comparing the gospels in this way is an interesting study.
It is certainly nice to contemplate this subject on a Lords Day morning in preparation for worship and remembrance, but you can also build and expand upon these references and make a nice short teaching session that will hopefully benefit yourself and others as you study the Word of God. Lets look at these four references in turn:
- Matthew: "suffer it to be so now: for thus it becometh us to fulfil all righteousness" These words demonstrate to us that right at the outset of the Lord's earthly ministry he was concerned with and driven by fulfilling his Father's will and doing all those things that brought pleasure and glory to God.
- Mark: "...repent ye and believe the gospel". Such clear instruction from the mouth of the Saviour (we should always remember our gospel preaching should be simple and clear), this really is the gospel 'in a nutshell' - repent, and believe!
- Luke: "wist ye not that I must be about my Father's business?". The first words in the Saviours life as a boy of 12 - what a wonder that the eternal Son of God should ever be a boy of 12! This verse shows us the purpose for which he came, this was ever in the heart of the Saviour. There was a work to be done, a path to be trodden, one that would ultimately take him to Calvary...
- John: "what seek ye?... come and see". Here the Lord's first recorded words are a question followed by an invitation. Of course the Saviour never needed to ask any questions for he knew all the answers, but he asks that he might challenge our hearts. We might ask ourselves, what are we looking for? What are our lives about? Are we searching after the things of God? The Saviour's invitation is touching - "come and see". This can be used in a gospel application of course but I also apply it to our lives as believers, as the Lord freely invites us to learn more of Him and to have fellowship and live close to Him. Lots of things can distract us and interfere with the closeness of our fellowship with Christ, let us seek to maintain a close walk with God!
So there we are, just a few thoughts on these first words of our Lord Jesus as recorded in the four gospels, I trust that our hearts are warmed towards our Saviour and that we might be encouraged to further study and build upon these thoughts. Please feel free to leave a comment, they are appreciated.
Yours in Christ,
Mark
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