Genesis 2:8-14

Just as God provided life for the world through one river, he provides life for man through one offering. Four veins run from that river that support all mankind.

Find not only are they directed, but they are progressive.

I.      Favored Men

1. Matthew/Levi – publican/tax collector; jewish
   “But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stublingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness” – 1 Cor. 23
   Matthew found in Christ his King
   “Kingdom of Heaven” – Matt. 13:19, 24, 31, 33, 44, 45, 47; used 33x in 32 verses
2. John Mark – John was his Jewish name; Mark was Roman name. Possibly converted by Peter, adopted by Barnabas, rejected by Paul, and later reconciled. John Mark was taught to serve, and therefore found in Christ Jehovah’s servant.
   Mark found in Christ a Servant
   No lineage, only brief discourses of the Lord. Focused on His work
   “straightway” used over 40 times in Mark; Mark 1:10, 20, 21, 29, 30, 31, 42, 43
3. Luke – Greek physician converted possibly by Paul
   Stayed with Paul for much of his journey; God provided
   Luke found the humanity of Christ
   parents of Christ; birth of Christ; stay in the temple at 12
4. John – Young
   John found the deity in the Lord Jesus Christ
   “Now there was leaning on Jesus’ bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved.” – John 13:23

II.    First Mention

1. Matthew – Lineage
   Christ is born a natural King
2. Mark – begins with the gospel and by vs. 9 is working through the ministry of Christ. Jesus came to work out our salvation as a servant of God.
3. Luke – begins with a testament of the FACTS beginning with the birth of Christ … He was 100% human.
4. John – Establishes that Christ was God.

III.   First Mircacle

1. Matthew – The cleansing of the lepper; Matt. 8:1-4
   His dealing with a leper was an immediate interest to the Jew.
2. Mark/Luke – Man with unclean spirit; Mark 1:23-27; Luke 4:33-37
   Addressed the interest of the Romans/Greeks at that time of demonic worship. Even the spirits were subject to Him.
3. John – Hard to cite. Perhaps 1:3 (all things were made by him) or 1:48 (saw Nathanael under the fig tree).
   Undisputable to settle on the marriage in Cana of Galilee; 2:1-11
   “manifested forth his glory” and “believed on him”
   How fitting for the writer of divinity to start with the cup and end with the cup.

IV.  Final Mention

1. Matthew – Ends with the Resurrection … the crowning act showing that Christ is the King of the ages! (chapter 28)
2. Mark – ends with His Ascension (Mark 16:19)
   Crowns the servant with lofty honor
3. Luke – ends with His promise of the Spirit (24:49)
   The God-Man would now send the God-Spirit in power
   Note that Acts is an extension of Luke, but divinely has been separated from it in canon order
4. John – ends with promise of His second coming (21:21-22)
   To the church, in divine power, He is coming again!