This year I am reading through the four Gospels! In January I read all four. This month I am just reading Mark and making some light notes. I will do the same with the remaining three over the next three months - and then start over again reading each book through in a commentary! and so on!
I have been blessed beyond measure already! Spending a year reading the Gospels is to spend a year studying the life of Christ! It is very worthwhile. Just a few thoughts thus far:
1. Busy! Jesus had days that at times, just never ended! Healing, teaching, discussing, defending, and at times - running for his life!
2. Prayerful! Jesus was never far from prayer!
3. Repetitive! Jesus taught important principles and realities over and over to His disciples! Not unlike folks today - the disciples did not always get it!
4. The Disciples did "get it" when they were filled with the Holy Spirit and focusing on Christ!
5. Parallels! This is my favorite! Reading the Gospels helps you see the truthfulness of this verse in
Hebrews 4:15 For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Jesus lived a life that in some ways was not so different than ours! He was challenged for living
to a higher standard! He was criticized for "new methods!" He was run out of town for telling
the truth! He was assualted regularly by the devil for being who He was! He got weary and
tired! He expressed feelings of astonishment, amazement, and disappointment - usually in
response to people and their unbelief or great faith - their dull hearts or receptive ones!
I could say much more on that one - but studying the life of Christ is a great encouragement because He was the pioneer example of living "Christ" in and to this world! And He did it without sin - without giving up!
6. There are endless short phrases in the Gospels worthy of great sermons!
7. Spending a year of your life reading the Bible is never a bad thing! Last year I read the Bible through Chronologically! I wanted a more narrow focus this year - and I know no better one than
the life of Christ in the Gospels!