Long Story Short | The Gospel(s) 8.17.25

Long Story, Short-The Gospel(s)

1. Recap of the Sermon

This week we reached the climax of the Big Story: Jesus. The New Testament opens not with one Gospel, but with four — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — each telling the story of Jesus with a distinct voice and emphasis.

Mark — raw, fast-paced, like a wild story Peter is telling his friends. Mark’s point? Jesus happened… and He still happens.
Matthew — rooted in the story of Israel, showing Jesus as the new Moses and the fulfillment of God’s promises to Abraham and David. His Sermon on the Mount lays out the way of the Kingdom.
Luke — written for “God-lovers,” highlighting Jesus’ humanity, compassion, meals with outcasts, and stories of mercy.
John — the “weird uncle,” spiritual and poetic. Jesus is the Word made flesh, revealing not just what God is like, but that God is like Jesus.

Despite their differences, all four Gospels point to the cross as the center — the axis of a new world built not on violence and revenge, but on forgiveness and sacrificial love. Communion reorients us to that story and invites us to keep living it.

2. Go a Little Deeper

Why Four Gospels? Early church leaders didn’t try to harmonize them into one. They preserved four distinct accounts, trusting that together they gave a fuller picture of Jesus. The diversity is not a problem to solve, but a gift to receive.
Gospel as “Good News”: In the Roman world, a “gospel” was imperial propaganda — Caesar’s birth, victory, or decree. The first Christians used the word to announce that Jesus, not Caesar, is Lord. It was a direct challenge to the empire’s version of peace and power.
The Cross as Re-founding: Genesis shows human society built on Cain’s violence; Jesus’ cross re-centers the world on forgiveness. The Gospels aren’t just biographies — they’re invitations to live by the story of God’s new creation.
Good News for the Margins: Theologian James Cone once wrote, “The cross is the most empowering symbol of God’s presence in the world, precisely because it is God’s solidarity with those who are powerless.” In other words, when the Gospels call Jesus “Lord,” they are announcing that the world’s systems of domination don’t get the last word. For people who have been overlooked, silenced, or crushed, the Gospel is a radical declaration of belonging, dignity, and hope.
3. Discussion Questions
1. What stands out to you about the fact that there are four Gospels, not just one?
2. How does Mark’s “Jesus happened… Jesus still happens” theme connect with your own story?
3. Which Gospel voice (Matthew’s teacher, Mark’s storyteller, Luke’s human Jesus, John’s divine Word) resonates most with you right now — and why?
4. The cross reframes success, power, and love. What might it look like for you to re-center your life on this “axis of forgiveness and love”?
4. Closing Prayer
Lord Jesus,
You are the good news we most need.
Where the world is built on fear and competition,
You call us into forgiveness and love.
As we hear Your story again,
let it shape our story.
As we come to Your table,
reorient our lives around Your cross.
Amen.
5. Practice to Try
Read a Gospel this week. Not all four — just one. Pick Matthew, Mark, Luke, or John, and read it in a few sittings. Notice what it emphasizes about Jesus. Ask: What does this Gospel want me to see about Him? Then, jot down one way that image of Jesus could shape your week.