>>5005394
Totally irrelevant.
Each of the Four Gospels has its own special character and design. These are not to be determined by human ingenuity or on modern lines, but to be gathered from the Structure. This shows that they may be regarded as being the completion of the Old Testament, rather than the beginning of the New. In any case they have nothing whatever to do with the founding of "the Church", or with the beginning of "Christianity". They are the four distinct presentations of the Messiah, and together form one perfect whole.
The twofold subject of the Lord's fourfold ministry shows this very clearly; and excludes all modern hypotheses. This being so, only those events, miracles, and discourses of our Lord are selected which are needed for the presentation of our Lord and His ministry, and which bear upon, illustrate, and thus emphasize the special object of each Gospel. This is why certain words and works are peculiar to one Gospel, and are omitted from another; and why certain utterances of the Lord are repeated on other occasions, and with varying words.
Note, first, in which two of the four Gospels they are found, for this is also significant.
• In Matthew God says to us, "Behold thy King" (Zech 9:9).
• In Mark He says, "Behold My Servant" (Isa 40:1).
• In Luke He says, "Behold the Man" (Zech 6:12).
• In John He says, "Behold your God" (Isa 40:9).
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Matthew – The Lord presented as Yahweh’s KING
This was prophecised in the OT:
Zec 9:9 Everyone in Jerusalem, celebrate and shout! Your king has won a victory, and he is coming to you. He is humble and rides on a donkey; he comes on the colt of a donkey.
Hence the royal genealogy is required From Abraham and David downward and this genealogy is given in Matthew. He is presented as what his genealogy shows – as King.
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Mark – The Lord presented as Yahweh’s servant
Isa 42:1 Behold my servant, whom I uphold; mine elect, in whom my soul delighteth; I have put my spirit upon him: he shall bring forth judgment to the Gentiles.
Zec 3:8 Hear now, O Joshua the high priest, thou, and thy fellows that sit before thee: for they are men wondered at: for, behold, I will bring forth my servant the BRANCH.
Hence NO genealogy is required. He is presented also as what he was, the lowest earthly position, the ideal servant.
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Luke – The Lord presented as Yahweh’s man
Zec 6:12 And speak unto him, saying, Thus speaketh the LORD of hosts, saying, Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the LORD:
Hence the genealogy is required upward to Adam. He is presented as the ideal Man.
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John – The Lord presented as Yahweh himself
Isa 40:9 O Zion, that bringest good tidings, get thee up into the high mountain; O Jerusalem, that bringest good tidings, lift up thy voice with strength; lift it up, be not afraid; say unto the cities of Judah, Behold your God!
Hence no genealogy is required. He was presented as what he is – Divine.
The four gospels are required to set forth the 4 aspects of the Life of Christ just as they show 4 aspects of his death. No one view could give a true view of such an event.