Image of Jesus in the Gospels

Teacher Background
Jesus of the Gospels
Each of the gospels presents a particular theological image on the person of Jesus. Each gospel
writer operates from a particular hermeneutic (position and interpretation). The following table is a
short summary of the type of Jesus presented in each of the four gospels.
Gospel
Matthew

Date written
Approx CE 85

Audience
Christian Jews

Mark

Approx CE 65 -70

Luke

Approx CE 80 - 85

Non-Jewish Christians
(Rome?) who were
experiencing
persecution because of
their belief in Jesus
Gentile (Greek)
Christians

John

Approx CE 90 - 100

All the Christians of the

world

Image of Jesus
The greatest prophet
who brings the New
Law
A healer and miracle
worker who accepts
suffering as the cost
for following Gods
will
A merciful,
compassionate man
with a special concern
for poor people,
women and non-Jews
Noble, powerful and
divine; fully in control
of his destiny