The four Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—provide unique perspectives on the life and ministry of Jesus Christ. Each was written for a specific audience and purpose, highlighting different aspects of His character, mission, and work. Yet, certain events and teachings are recorded in all four Gospels, underscoring their exceptional importance. These shared elements are foundational to understanding who Jesus is and what He accomplished.
This essay combines the events and teachings that appear in all four Gospels into a cohesive exploration of their significance. These narratives and themes, united across the Gospels, reveal core truths about Jesus’ divine identity, His mission of redemption, and His call to humanity.
Words: 2038 / Time to read: 11 minutes
Shared Events in the Four Gospels
1. John the Baptist’s Ministry
John the Baptist’s ministry as the forerunner of Christ is detailed in all four Gospels (Matthew 3:1-12; Mark 1:1-8; Luke 3:1-20; John 1:19-34). Fulfilling Isaiah’s prophecy, he prepared the way for the Messiah, calling people to repentance and baptizing them as a sign of spiritual renewal. His declaration, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29), identified Jesus as the long-awaited Savior.
John’s ministry underscores the necessity of repentance and the critical role of preparing one’s heart for God’s work.
2. The Baptism of Jesus
The baptism of Jesus marks the beginning of His public ministry and is recorded in all four Gospels (Matthew 3:13-17; Mark 1:9-11; Luke 3:21-22; John 1:29-34). At His baptism, the heavens opened, the Holy Spirit descended like a dove, and the Father declared, “This is my Son, whom I love; with Him I am well pleased” (Matthew 3:17).
This event confirmed Jesus’ divine identity and mission. It also demonstrated His humility as He identified with sinners, even though He was sinless.
3. The Feeding of the 5,000
The feeding of the 5,000 is the only miracle recorded in all four Gospels (Matthew 14:13-21; Mark 6:30-44; Luke 9:10-17; John 6:1-15). Using five loaves and two fish, Jesus fed a massive crowd, with twelve baskets of leftovers remaining.
This miracle reveals Jesus’ compassion for the physical and spiritual needs of people, emphasizing God’s provision and pointing to Jesus as the Bread of Life (John 6:35).
4. The Triumphal Entry
All four Gospels recount Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem on a donkey, fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy (Zechariah 9:9). The crowds welcomed Him with palm branches, shouting, “Hosanna! Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord!” (John 12:13; see Matthew 21:1-11; Mark 11:1-11; Luke 19:28-40).
This event highlights Jesus’ role as the Messianic King, whose kingdom is marked by humility and peace.
5. The Cleansing of the Temple
Jesus’ cleansing of the Temple is recorded in all four Gospels (Matthew 21:12-13; Mark 11:15-18; Luke 19:45-48; John 2:13-17). He drove out the money changers and rebuked their corruption, declaring, “My house will be called a house of prayer, but you are making it a den of robbers” (Matthew 21:13).
This act reveals Jesus’ zeal for pure worship and His authority over the Temple, calling believers to reverence in worship.
6. The Last Supper
The Last Supper, where Jesus instituted the Lord’s Supper, is detailed in all four Gospels (Matthew 26:17-30; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-20; John 13:1-17). Sharing bread and wine with His disciples, He said, “This is my body given for you; do this in remembrance of me” (Luke 22:19).
This event symbolizes Jesus’ impending sacrifice and establishes the New Covenant, remaining central to Christian worship.
7. Jesus’ Arrest
Jesus’ betrayal and arrest in the Garden of Gethsemane are described in all four Gospels (Matthew 26:47-56; Mark 14:43-52; Luke 22:47-53; John 18:1-11). Judas led the mob to Jesus, who willingly submitted, saying, “Shall I not drink the cup the Father has given me?” (John 18:11).
This event demonstrates Jesus’ obedience to the Father and His willingness to endure suffering for humanity’s redemption.
8. Peter’s Denial
Peter’s denial of Jesus is recorded in all four Gospels (Matthew 26:69-75; Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:54-62; John 18:15-27). After the rooster crowed, Peter wept bitterly, symbolizing human frailty and the need for restoration.
9. The Trial Before Pilate
Jesus’ trial before Pilate is a pivotal moment in all four Gospels (Matthew 27:11-26; Mark 15:1-15; Luke 23:1-25; John 18:28-19:16). Though Pilate declared Jesus innocent, he succumbed to public pressure and sentenced Him to crucifixion.
This event highlights Jesus’ innocence and the injustice of His trial, fulfilling God’s redemptive plan.
10. The Crucifixion
The crucifixion of Jesus is the climax of the Gospel accounts (Matthew 27:32-56; Mark 15:21-41; Luke 23:26-49; John 19:16-37). On the cross, Jesus bore the sins of the world, declaring, “It is finished” (John 19:30).
11. The Burial
All four Gospels record Jesus’ burial in the tomb provided by Joseph of Arimathea (Matthew 27:57-61; Mark 15:42-47; Luke 23:50-56; John 19:38-42). This event affirms the reality of His death.
12. The Resurrection
Jesus’ resurrection, the cornerstone of the Christian faith, is recorded in all four Gospels (Matthew 28:1-10; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-18). It confirms His victory over sin and death and offers hope to all who believe.
13. The Women at the Tomb
Women, including Mary Magdalene, were the first to discover the empty tomb (Matthew 28:1-8; Mark 16:1-8; Luke 24:1-12; John 20:1-10). Their role highlights God’s inclusivity and the transformative power of the resurrection.
Shared Teachings Across All Four Gospels
1. Jesus as the Son of God
All four Gospels affirm Jesus as the Son of God: the Father’s declaration at His baptism (Matthew 3:17; Mark 1:11; Luke 3:22), Peter’s confession (Matthew 16:16), angelic announcements (Luke 1:35), and Jesus’ own words (John 10:36). John’s Gospel explicitly states this as its purpose (John 20:31). This central teaching establishes Jesus’ divine authority, unique relationship with the Father, and role as Savior of humanity.
2. Jesus as the Lamb of God
All four Gospels affirm Jesus as the Lamb of God through John the Baptist’s declaration (John 1:29), the institution of the Last Supper (Matthew 26:28; Mark 14:24; Luke 22:19-20), and Jesus’ sacrificial death (John 19:36, fulfilling Exodus 12:46). This teaching highlights Jesus as the ultimate sacrifice for sin, fulfilling the Old Testament Passover and providing redemption for humanity.
3. The Call to Repentance
All four Gospels emphasize the call to repentance: John the Baptist prepared the way with a message of repentance (Matthew 3:2; Mark 1:4; Luke 3:4-6; John 1:23), and Jesus proclaimed, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven has come near” (Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15). Repentance is presented as essential for aligning with God’s will and entering His Kingdom.
4. The Kingdom of God
All four Gospels emphasize the Kingdom of God as central to Jesus’ ministry: He proclaimed its arrival (Matthew 4:17; Mark 1:15), described its spiritual nature (Luke 17:20-21), and taught that entrance requires being born again (John 3:3-5). The Kingdom represents God’s sovereign rule, inviting believers to live under His authority and experience His blessings.
5. Miracles as Signs of Authority
All four Gospels present Jesus’ miracles as signs of His divine authority and identity: calming storms (Matthew 8:23-27; Mark 4:35-41; Luke 8:22-25) and feeding the 5,000 (John 6:1-15). These miracles demonstrated His power over nature, disease, and death, affirming Him as the Messiah and inviting faith in His authority.
6. Compassion for the Marginalized
All four Gospels highlight Jesus’ compassion for the marginalized: He healed the sick (Matthew 9:36; Mark 6:34; Luke 7:13), welcomed sinners (Luke 15:1-2), and ministered to outcasts like the Samaritan woman (John 4:7-29). His actions reflect God’s love and inclusivity, offering grace and hope to all.
7. The Call to Discipleship
All four Gospels emphasize the call to discipleship: Jesus invited individuals to follow Him, such as Peter, Andrew, James, and John, who left their nets immediately (Matthew 4:19; Mark 1:16-20; Luke 5:1-11; John 1:35-51). This call requires total commitment, transforming lives and aligning them with His mission.
8. The Authority of Jesus
All four Gospels affirm Jesus’ authority through His teachings that astonished crowds (Matthew 7:28-29; Mark 1:22; Luke 4:32), His miracles over nature and demons (Mark 1:27; Luke 8:24), and His declarations of judgment (John 5:27). His authority confirms His divine identity and mission as the Messiah and Son of God.
9. Love and Forgiveness
All four Gospels emphasize love and forgiveness as central to Jesus’ teachings: He declared love for God and neighbor as the greatest commandments (Matthew 22:37-40; Mark 12:30-31; Luke 10:27) and gave a new command to “love one another” (John 13:34). These principles form the foundation of His message and model God’s grace toward humanity.
10. Judgment and Accountability
All four Gospels include Jesus’ warnings about judgment and accountability: He described the final judgment, separating the righteous from the wicked (Matthew 25:31-46; Luke 12:35-48), and declared that His words would judge those who reject Him (John 12:48; Mark 13:32-37). These teachings urge believers to live faithfully and remain prepared for His return.
11. The Role of Faith
All four Gospels highlight the essential role of faith: Jesus taught that faith as small as a mustard seed could move mountains (Matthew 17:20; Luke 17:6), healed those who believed (Mark 5:34), and declared that “whoever believes in Him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16). Faith is presented as the foundation for salvation and the key to experiencing God’s power.
12. Jesus as the Good Shepherd
All four Gospels present Jesus as the Good Shepherd: He described Himself as the one who lays down His life for His sheep (John 10:11), had compassion on the crowds as sheep without a shepherd (Matthew 9:36; Mark 6:34), and sought the lost like a shepherd finding a strayed lamb (Luke 15:4-7). This imagery underscores His care, guidance, and sacrificial love for His followers.
13. The Greatest Commandments
All four Gospels emphasize the greatest commandments: Jesus taught that loving God with all one’s heart and loving one’s neighbor as oneself are the foundation of the Law (Matthew 22:37-40; Mark 12:30-31; Luke 10:27), and He reinforced this with a new command to love one another as He has loved us (John 13:34). These teachings encapsulate the heart of His message and model for living.
Conclusion
The four Gospels each offer a unique perspective on Jesus and His ministry, tailored to distinct audiences and purposes. Matthew presents Jesus as the promised Messiah, deeply rooted in Jewish prophecy and tradition. Mark emphasizes the servanthood of Christ, highlighting His actions and authority in a fast-paced narrative. Luke portrays Jesus as the compassionate Savior of all people, with a special focus on the marginalized and outcasts. John, the most theological, emphasizes Jesus’ divine identity as the Son of God, offering a profound reflection on His eternal nature and mission. Together, these accounts provide a multifaceted portrait of Jesus, revealing His mission, character, and message in unparalleled depth.
The fact that specific events and teachings are recorded in all four Gospels underscores their extraordinary importance. These shared elements transcend the unique focus of each Gospel writer, emphasizing truths that are foundational to understanding Jesus’ identity and the purpose of His ministry. From His divine authority as the Son of God to His call to repentance, discipleship, and love, these commonalities highlight essential aspects of the Gospel message. Their inclusion in all four accounts encourages us to recognize their significance and invites us to explore them further.
By listing the references alongside these events and teachings, we have provided a convenient starting point for comparing and studying these commonalities. I encourage readers to take the time to delve into the Scriptures, examining why these particular aspects of Jesus’ life and ministry were deemed so vital by all four Gospel writers. Through study and reflection, we can deepen our understanding of the unified message of the Gospels and the centrality of Christ in God’s redemptive plan.
As we meditate on these truths, let us hold fast to the words of Jesus Himself: “Heaven and earth will pass away, but my words will never pass away” (Matthew 24:35). These shared accounts remind us of the enduring power and relevance of His message, calling us to respond with faith, obedience, and devotion.
All Scripture quoted from:
New International Version (NIV)
Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV® Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
