The four Gospels — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — present the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ. Although they are all foundational to Christianity, each Gospel is distinct in its approach, audience, and emphasis. Understanding the differences between these Gospels provides greater insight into the multifaceted nature of Jesus Christ and the unique ways each Gospel writer invites readers to faith in Him.

1. Not Primarily Biographies

While the Gospels contain biographical elements, they are not primarily meant to be biographies in the modern sense. Instead, each Gospel is a carefully constructed narrative. The goal of each Gospel is to inspire belief and to communicate the identity and mission of Jesus, rather than to provide a complete historical record of His life. Each writer highlights specific aspects of Jesus’ life and ministry to guide the reader’s understanding of who Jesus is.

2. Four Independent Evangelists

The four Gospels are written by four different Evangelists — Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John — each with a unique perspective and emphasis. While their accounts of Jesus’ life harmonize in many ways, they are not identical. Each writer selects different details and organizes the narrative to emphasize the themes and messages they intend to communicate. Together, they provide a more complete picture of the person and work of Jesus Christ.

3. The Four Faces of the Cherubim

Many scholars have noted a striking resemblance between the four Gospels and the four faces of the cherubim in Ezekiel 1:10. The cherubim are described as having the faces of a man, lion, ox, and eagle, which has been interpreted as symbolic representations of the four Gospels. This analogy offers insight into the unique qualities of each Gospel:

• Lion: Matthew
• Ox: Mark
• Man: Luke
• Eagle: John

Each face represents a different aspect of Christ’s identity and mission, which the Gospels focus on in their narratives.

4. Different Aspects of Christ in Each Gospel

a. Matthew: The Gospel to the Jews (Lion)

Matthew, a former tax collector (Matthew 9:9), wrote his Gospel primarily for a Jewish audience. His main purpose was to present Jesus as the Messiah-Kingpromised in the Old Testament. Throughout his Gospel, Matthew emphasizes Jesus’ fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, demonstrating that He is the long-awaited King of Israel, the descendant of David, and the fulfillment of God’s promises to the Jewish people. The Lion represents Jesus as the powerful, regal King.

Key Characteristics:

• Human Author: Matthew (Levi the Publican)
• Date of Writing: Around AD 60
• Audience: Greek-speaking Jews
• Big Idea: Jesus is the Jewish Messiah (Christ) who fulfills Old Testament prophecies. He is the Savior of the world, and His death and resurrection offer salvation for all.

b. Mark: The Gospel to the Romans (Ox)

Mark, traditionally believed to be the companion of Peter (1 Peter 5:13), wrote his Gospel with the Roman believers in mind. Mark’s emphasis is on presenting Jesus as the servant of the Lord — one who came to serve and sacrifice for others. This is reflected in the brevity and immediacy of Mark’s narrative, focusing on action and Jesus’ powerful works. The Ox symbolizes the sacrificial servant who serves the will of God.

Key Characteristics:

• Human Author: John Mark
• Date of Writing: AD 50–55
• Audience: Roman believers (and unbelievers)
• Big Idea: Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, who came to serve by giving His life for the sins of mankind.

c. Luke: The Gospel to the Greeks (Man)

Luke, a Greek physician and companion of Paul (Colossians 4:14), wrote his Gospel primarily for a Greek-speaking audience, particularly for a man named Theophilus (Luke 1:3–4). Luke presents Jesus as the Son of Man, emphasizing His humanity and compassion for all people. Luke highlights the universal nature of Jesus’ mission, showing that Jesus came not just for the Jews, but for all of humanity, offering salvation to every person. The Man symbolizes the fullness of Jesus’ humanity.

Key Characteristics:

• Human Author: Luke (Greek physician and Paul’s companion)
• Date of Writing: Around AD 60
• Audience: Greeks, particularly Theophilus
• Big Idea: Jesus is the Son of Man and the Savior of all people, offering redemption to the entire world.

d. John: The Gospel for All (Eagle)

John, the beloved disciple of Jesus and the son of Zebedee, wrote his Gospel with a focus on Jesus as the eternal Son of God who took on human flesh. John emphasizes the divinity of Jesus, presenting Him as the Word (Logos) who existed from the beginning with God and was God (John 1:1). The Eaglesymbolizes the soaring, heavenly perspective on Jesus’ divine nature and eternal pre-existence.

Key Characteristics:

• Human Author: John, son of Zebedee
• Date of Writing: Around AD 90
• Audience: Believers and unbelievers everywhere
• Big Idea: Jesus is both fully man and fully God, and belief in Him as the Son of God brings eternal life.

Conclusion

Each of the four Gospels reveals a distinct aspect of the person and work of Jesus Christ. Matthew presents Jesus as the King and Messiah, Mark emphasizes Jesus’ servanthood, Luke highlights His humanity and universal salvation, and John focuses on His divinity and eternal nature. By understanding these differences, readers can gain a fuller appreciation of who Jesus is and why He is central to the Christian faith. Lastly, each Gospel invites readers into a relationship with Jesus, calling them to believe in Him as the Savior of the world.