Understanding the Gospels: Key Concepts

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One of the four Gospels in the New Testament.

A group of Catholic couples who meet for a meal and spiritual discussions.

A meal where each participant brings a dish to share.

A meeting or conversation focusing on religious or spiritual matters.

Each Gospel tells a part of Jesus's story, with different perspectives and unique details.

Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are the four books of the New Testament that tell the story of Jesus.

Understanding Jesus's life and teachings requires considering all four Gospels together, because they each have special information not found in the others.

Combining all four Gospel accounts into a single narrative.

Ancient attempts to combine the accounts of the four Gospels.

The central figure in Christianity, believed by Christians to be the Son of God.

In John's Gospel, a term referring to Jesus, representing the divine plan and the source of creation.

A prophet who prepared the way for Jesus' ministry, baptizing and bearing witness to Jesus.

A metaphor for Jesus Christ, signifying truth, righteousness, and spiritual illumination.

John's gospel states that everything was created through Jesus.

Elizabeth gave birth to her son, John, soon after Mary returned to Nazareth.

Despite Zechariah's initial desire for the baby to be named after him, Elizabeth insisted on the name John.

Zechariah, filled with the Holy Spirit, foretold a savior, recalling promises of God's deliverance and restoration of the covenant.

Zechariah declared that God had raised a saviour, fulfilling Old Testament promises and calling John a prophet of the Most High.

Zechariah's prophecy emphasized God's deliverance of his people and the restoration of the Abrahamic covenant; enabling people to serve God in holiness and righteousness.

Mary, facing a divine request, responded with profound humility and obedience: "I am the handmaid of the Lord; let it be to me according to your word."

Mary's journey to visit Elizabeth, her cousin, who was pregnant with John the Baptist, signifying a pivotal moment in the unfolding of God's plan.

Elizabeth, inspired by the Holy Spirit, proclaimed Mary blessed for conceiving Jesus, recognizing her role as the mother of God.

Mary's hymn of praise, drawing upon Israel's sacred texts, expressing her gratitude for God's favor upon her, and her conviction of God’s plan.

Mary's journey to visit Elizabeth, likely taking several days and possibly with others; highlighting its significance in God's plan.

To help readers understand the story of Jesus from the four Gospels, providing context and organization.

Requires more than just reading about Jesus; it involves prayer, reflection, and worship to truly understand the mystery of Jesus.

Multiple perspectives on Jesus's life and teachings, offering a rich understanding.

To present a summarized, interpretive view of Jesus's story based on Gospel accounts, focusing on core concepts.

The book's approach considers relevant perspectives from modern studies in understanding Jesus's journey.

The angel Gabriel's announcement to Mary of her role in conceiving Jesus.

Angel Gabriel's detailed account of Jesus, kingship, lineage, and eternity.

Mary's initial reaction of astonishment and questioning during the Annunciation.

How the Holy Spirit enabled the miraculous conception of Jesus.

The angel revealing Elizabeth's pregnancy, emphasizing divine intervention and confirming God's power.

Matthew, Mark, and Luke. They share similar stories about Jesus, but with different details.

Matthew and Luke trace Jesus' family tree back through important people in the Old Testament.

Old Testament predictions about a savior figure who would come and save God's people.

A devout Jewish couple who, after many years of marriage, were childless, highlighting their faith despite their disappointment.

The promised king from the Davidic line, fulfilling Old Testament prophecies.

Mary lived in Nazareth, a less important town in Galilee, known for diverse interactions and a proverb questioning its auspiciousness.

Mary was likely 15, considered marriageable in her time, yet had a special role in God's plan.

Six months pregnant, Elizabeth received a message from God about a momentous event.

Gabriel, dispatched by God, delivered a message to Mary about her future role.

Mary humbly accepted God's request, demonstrating obedience.

Zechariah, a temple servant, is visited by the angel Gabriel who announces the birth of his son, John.

Gabriel, a messenger of God, delivered a prophecy of John the Baptist's birth to Zechariah and foreshadowed a message of repentance.

Zechariah questioned the angel about the prophecy's fulfillment, seeking a sign to confirm the message.

Gabriel, displeased with Zechariah's inquiry, explained that God's signs are not always as Zechariah expected.

John would be a prophet, preparing the way for the Messiah by preaching repentance and conversion.