JESUS IN THE GOSPELS invites believers to look at Jesus in each of the four Gospels and ask the question, “Who is the Jesus that you see?” This study will deepen discipleship through better understanding of the biblical texts and their message.

Two questions frame this study: “Who is the Jesus you bring with you to this study?” and “Who is the Jesus you take with you from this study?” JESUS IN THE GOSPELS takes participants on a journey from one question to the other.

While distinct in format and approach, this Bible study builds on the foundation and carries forward the philosophy and ideals that shaped DISCIPLE—high-commitment, long-term, disciplined study that fosters community and builds toward transformation.

JESUS IN THE GOSPELS is different from DISCIPLE Bible study in its approach to Scripture; it looks more closely at the Gospel texts, in the kind of daily preparation and study required of the participants, in lesson layout and design, and in the nature of the study and discussion that takes place in the weekly group meeting.

JESUS IN THE GOSPELS focuses on the portraits of Jesus found in the four Gospels–Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. The word in used in the title signals that this study takes an approach different from the familiar “life and teaching of Jesus” approach of reading stories and accounts of what Jesus said and did in order to draw conclusions about their meaning and about who Jesus was. This study looks at the way each Gospel writer presents events and teachings and at the picture of Jesus that emerges in each of the Gospels.

Lessons 1-22 concentrate on Matthew, Mark, and Luke with some related passages from John. Lessons 23-30 concentrate on the Gospel of John with supporting passages from other parts of the New and Old Testament. In the course of the thirty weeks, participants will read the four Gospels and considerable amounts of Scripture from other parts of the Bible.