[Power of the Word] What's Next
Daniel Brady
For some time, now, in anticipation of ending our series on Ephesians, I have been considering what to focus on next. As I explained previously, I have come to realize that a passage-by-passage approach to the Word of God would be better (for the purpose of this devotional) than a verse-by-verse study.
But then, as I thought of which book to focus on, I have felt a need to do a study, on the life of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is the central figure of the Bible. Jesus Christ is the One who saved us. Jesus Christ is the One we trust, love, and follow. And so I have felt it would be good to do a study on the life of Christ.
As I embark on this new endeavor, my purpose will not be to work my way through one particular gospel. Rather, I will be presenting the life of Jesus Christ as it is presented within the Gospels as a collective whole—a synopsis of the gospels.
What this means, first of all, is that this will require a different writing style than I am accustomed to. For a long time, one of my strengths has been studying a passage verse-by-verse, focusing on the meaning of each verse within the passage. Paul’s epistles almost necessitate this kind of approach because, in them, Paul is giving us straight forward doctrine. Sometimes his writing is very in-depth, not unlike a textbook for a college course. A good deal of in-depth study can be required for understanding what Paul is truly talking about.
But the Gospels were not written to provide doctrinal instruction. They were written to tell a story. Rather than being an instructional text to be studied, each of the four Gospels is a narrative. And so much of my writing as I lead you on this adventure will have to take on more of a narrative style, as well—not fictitious, but narrative.
What this also means is that it we will be in the gospels for quite some time. If it took me three years to cover six chapters in Ephesians, I almost shudder to think of how long it will take to cover a total of 89 chapters found in the four Gospels, even with a passage-by passage, narrative approach.
In writing this series, I will not comment on each and every passage within the
Gospels. As we all know, several events in the life of Jesus are mentioned in two or more of the Gospels. In such instances, it is not necessary to comment on parallel passages.
To explain this approach a little further, if necessary. Let me point out that the four Gospels are not biographies of Jesus Christ. They are portraits. Each Gospel writer has painted for us a picture of Jesus Christ. and paintings are not meant to be studied in detail. They are meant to be appreciated.
So, in a manner of speaking, I will present my own portrait of Jesus Christ. Of course, mine will not be at the masterpiece level these four are. By comparison, my will be nothing more than a kindergartener’s finger painting.
But again, Jesus is the central figure of the Bible. In fact, He is the central figure of all human history. He is our Redeemer. He is our Savior. He is our Lord. We worship Him. We love Him. We trust in Him. We serve Him. And we follow Him, seeking to become more like Him. Therefore, it is good for us to get to know Him better by looking at what the Gospels tell us about Him.
So hang on! We’re in for quite a ride. In the meantime, I need to go dig out my paints and easel.
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