Read a Gospel

Select one Gospel to read using the knowledge you have gained from this module. Use the graphic overview handout from Activity Two: Part 2 (found in your Downloadable Guide, pages 10 – 13) as a guide for your reading. An easy way to read a Gospel is to read a chapter each day: Matthew has 28 chapters, Mark has 16 (it’s the shortest Gospel), Luke has 24, and John has 21. Keep a journal to record your reflections as you read the Gospel and apply the insights you gained from this module.

You might want to select the Gospel which is the focus of the current or upcoming liturgical year which begins on the first Sunday of Advent. The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke form a three-year cycle. For example:

• 2023 Year (beginning December 2022): Gospel of Matthew
• 2024 Year (beginning December 2023); Gospel of Mark
• 2025 Year (beginning December 2024): Gospel of Luke

And the cycle continues. 

Readings from the Gospel of John are included in the Sunday readings throughout the year, but you may want to read the entire Gospel of John which has many unique stories and events in Jesus’ life that do not appear in the three other Gospels – Mark, Matthew, and Luke. 

Reflect on Your Gospel Reading Experience

After you have finished reading one Gospel, use the following questions to reflect on how learning more about the structure, content, and presentation of Jesus enriches your ability engage with the Gospels.

• How does understanding the three stages of Gospel development help you read and understand the Gospels?
• How does understanding the unique approach each Gospel author took to the life of Jesus help you read and understand the Gospels?
• How does what you learned help you to appreciate the Gospels and the genius of the four Gospel authors?
• How can you use what you are learning in teaching or working with children, adolescents, or adults?