There are four roads that lead to the same destination

The first road is the Highway of Matthew, mostly occupied by Jews, who travel it to learn about Jesus of Nazareth, the Jew, born King of the Jews, descended from King David through the lineage of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

The second road is the Highway of Mark, mostly occupied by Romans. This one is a little shorter than the previous, and doesn’t have as many Jewish markers to spot. Instead, it has a lot of sharp twists and turns that keep the tension up, the excitement high, and the energy fast-paced.

The third road is the Highway of Luke, mostly occupied by common folk, everyday people, dealing with all the ups and downs of life that we all contend with. This road is a little slower paced, a little more broad, but nonetheless has a ton of interesting, and sometimes heart-stirring, sights to see.

The final road is the Highway of John, which was paved later than the others, in a time when a lot of people had already treaded the former three roads. This one is a very different sort of journey, hitting only the highlights, while also bringing the traveler to sights and spectacles never before witnessed.

The Gospel record of Jesus’ Ministry contains four very different accounts, each focusing on different aspects of Jesus’ character, work, or audience. Some spend a lot of time transcribing sermons and speeches of the Lord. Another focuses on the reaction of the people to His works. One delves into the tenderness with which He performed His miracles. Still another hammers home the truth of His Divine nature. Each is different, and yet, despite their differences, they all end in the same place. They all reach the same destination: The death and resurrection of Jesus.

For the Jews reading Matthew’s account, the passion of the Lord is the fulfilment of thousands of years of history. For the Romans reading Mark, it’s a picture of the brutality their people inflicted on the willing Son of God. For the Greeks reading Luke, it’s a window into the humanity of the Lord, which He offered on the altar of the cross. For the late-century Christians reading John, Jesus’ passion is about witnessing how God became flesh in order to do what God otherwise could not (die), in fulfilment of His “love for the world” (John 3:16).

I know some people like to say there are many different roads/theologies that all end in Heaven, but in truth there is just Jesus, His death and resurrection, and the Kingdom over which He reigns. Through His passion, salvation has been brought down for all to enjoy.

~Matthew