Look for evidence of progressive doctrinal understanding: Difference between revisions

To trace progressive doctrinal understanding through the Gospels, we should identify how each Gospel expands upon the themes introduced by its predecessor, especially in terms of Christology, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecy, and doctrinal development. The key idea is that each Gospel builds upon the previous one, showing deeper insights into the identity of Jesus and the theological significance of His life, death, and resurrection. Here’s how progressive doctrinal understanding unfolds across the Gospels:

Key Doctrinal Insights:

:Mark lays the foundation by presenting Jesus as the suffering Messiah, but the theological insights are still relatively basic. Mark's portrayal of Jesus focuses more on His deeds and actions than a fully developed doctrine of His identity. Mark's Gospel highlights Jesus' humanity and suffering but doesn't yet fully unpack the theological significance of His death and resurrection.

Key Doctrinal Insights:

:Typology and Old Testament fulfillment are emphasized more deeply, with Matthew showing Jesus as the new Moses, Son of David, and Emmanuel (God with us), drawing directly from Jewish scriptures.

Key Doctrinal Insights:

:Luke also develops a more comprehensive understanding of the Holy Spirit's role in God’s plan of salvation, suggesting a deeper engagement with the workings of the Spirit in both the life of Jesus and the early Church.

Key Doctrinal Insights:

:The Logos theology connects Jesus to the Old Testament creation narrative, showing that He is not only the fulfillment of prophecy but also the divine Word through whom the universe was created. This is a significant theological leap from Mark’s more earthly, suffering Messiah.

:Mark introduces Jesus as the suffering Messiah but does not yet fully articulate the implications of His divinity or His role in fulfilling the Old Testament.