GOD has given us in the four gospels four distinct records of His Son.
If the life of a great ruler were written, one biographer might describe him in his character of King, a second might treat of his Service for his people, a third might present him in his character of a Man, a fourth might unfold his heart and record his words. The four biographies would present a complete whole. We may call to mind certain familiar pictures of our Queen: One artist has painted her in her Royal robes, standing near the throne; another has pictured her sitting beside the bed of a sick woman, and serving the poor; again, a third artist has painted her as a mother, a Woman surrounded by her children. It would not render these three different pictures the more beautiful if someone were to try to make them into one in order to harmonize them.
In reading the four gospels it is important to bear in. mind their individuality. Attempts to force them into one gospel only produce discord.
The three gospels—Matthew, Mark, and Luke—have a strong similarity; that of John is distinctive. Matthew was given by God to speak of His Son as the King of the Jews; Mark, as the Servant of God and of man; Luke, as the Man; but John speaks of Him as the Son of God.
There is no sweeter occupation for the soul than studying these divine pictures of Jesus. They do not give us many incidents in His holy life on earth, nor do they tell us many of the words He uttered. But we may study for a lifetime what is written, and yet be only ready to begin the study afresh. The depths of the stories of the life of the Lord will never be fully understood by man below. H. F. W.