The order and character of John's gospel (glad tidings) are not the same as in the three synoptic gospels that precede it, in that it carries us back in our minds to before there was any beginning. There seems to be a progression of teaching in the four gospels in their present order. Jesus Christ has annulled death and has brought life and incorruptibility to light by the glad tidings (2 Tim. 1:1010But is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought life and immortality to light through the gospel: (2 Timothy 1:10) JND).
Matthew takes us back to Abraham and David. He teaches about the King and the kingdom of the Old Testament for the nation of Israel and about the kingdom of the heavens, a new order on earth during the absence of the King for the present interval of two thousand years.
Mark sets forth the holy Servant, Son of God who taught His disciples to serve and who appointed to every man his work. Also, we see the prophet character of the Lord Jesus in setting forth a great deal of ministry. The kingdom of God is in view, but man is still under law until the death and resurrection of Christ is accomplished.
Luke calls our attention to Genesis where man's sin began, while setting before us the final character of the kingdom of God-righteousness, peace and joy in the Holy Spirit. It is a vast, moral kingdom with Christ as the Son of man at its head.
John gives us, besides the kingdom of God, the full truth of life and incorruptibility, which is for believers today who receive Jesus by faith. Also, he presents what characterizes the kingdom of God forever, for Jesus says, "I am the way, the truth, and the life."
Thus we have in Matthew, the King; in Mark, the Son of God, the Servant and Prophet; in Luke, the Son of man; and, in John, the Divine Person, the Son of God.
In John, unlike Mark, the itinerary of the Lord is not prominent, but, rather, we see the Lord much alone with souls, entering into their needs while setting forth heavenly things. The first three chapters are introductory. Christ's ministry begins in chapter four, after John is in prison.