Welcome to Introduction to the Gospels module. In this module you will explore how each Gospel presents the life, teachings, death and resurrection of Jesus in a unique way. The Gospel according to Mark introduces Jesus as a leader who suffers to save his people. The Gospel according to Matthew tells the story of Jesus’ birth, life, death, and resurrection as a fulfillment of the whole biblical story. The Gospel according to Luke emphasizes the upside-down nature of God’s Kingdom – a place where all are welcome and power structures are reversed. The Gospel according to John emphasizes Jesus’ identity as the Messiah and Son of God, one who performs miracles and gives eternal life to all who believe in him.

Before You Begin

• We have created Downloadable Guide to the Gospels with all of the articles and worksheets you will need for this program. We also provide worksheets in Word files to make them easy for you to write-on during the program.
•  You will need a Bible in a print or digital version.
  • Print: New American Bible (Revised Edition) or New Revised Standard Version (Catholic Edition). Both Bibles are available from a variety of publishers. There are several excellent Catholic study bibles which provide articles, maps, and commentaries to assist you in reading the Bible. Consider the following: Little Rock Catholic Study Bible and The Catholic Bible, Third Edition (from Oxford University Press)
  • Online: Bible Gateway: https://www.biblegateway.com. Type in the Bible passage you want to read and then select which edition of the Bible from the dropdown list. Select New American Bible (Revised Edition) (NABRE) or New Revised Standard Version Catholic Edition (NRSVCE).
• Print this checklist to help you monitor your progress as you work through this module.
• It will be helpful to have a journal to record any reflections you make as your work your way through this module.

To learn more about the Gospels the following book provides an easy-to-read introduction.

•  A Walk Through the New Testament: An Introduction for Catholics – Margaret Nutting Ralph, Paulist Press, 2009.