How to Read the Gospels to Grow Closer to Jesus
Is your heart longing to be closer to Jesus?
Mine too!
I love studying God’s word. Every single book points to Jesus. But there are times when I feel my heart starting to drift. In the midst of my personal Bible study times, I get side tracked with the history of the Old Testament or the wisdom in Proverbs. I begin thinking more about my own daily life and problems than about Jesus.
When I feel that drift coming on, I know that I need some time in the Gospels with Jesus.
🧐 What are the Gospels?
And How are they different
from each other?
📖 The Gospels are the first four books of the New Testament in the Bible. They focus on the life, teachings, death, and resurrection of Jesus Christ.
1. Matthew
Written by the apostle Matthew, this Gospel emphasizes Jesus as the promised Messiah and King. He writes about how Jesus fulfilled the Old Testament prophecies. All of the gospel writers quote the Old Testament but Matthew includes 9 unique Old Testament proof texts. This gospel highlights Jesus’ teachings, especially the Sermon on the Mount, and traces His lineage back to King David.
2. Mark
The shortest and earliest Gospel, attributed to John Mark, it focuses on the actions and miracles of Jesus, focusing more on what Jesus did and less on what he said. Mark presents Jesus as the powerful Son of God and the suffering servant, serving and eventually giving his life as the ultimate sacrifice, for our sins.
3. Luke
Written by the physician Luke, this Gospel presents a detailed and compassionate account of Jesus’ life. Luke features over 25 of Jesus’ parables, 20 of his miracles and more than any other gospel – he focuses on the compassion of Jesus. He shows Jesus’ love for women, children, the poor, the outcasts and sinners, showing Jesus as the Savior for all people. Also, the book of Luke records more prayers of Jesus, than any other book.
4. John
The most theologically focused Gospel, written by the apostle John. It highlights the divinity of Jesus, emphasizing His role as the Word of God made flesh and His relationship with the Father. The book of John shows 7 signs and miracles. 6 of these miracles are not mentioned in the other gospels. Also, there are almost no parables in John but it includes the seven “I AM” statements. These statements are not included in the other gospels.
Together, the Gospels provide different perspectives on Jesus’ life and teachings, giving a rich and complete picture of who He is – and when we read them word for word we cannot help but to feel closer to Him! ❤️
How to Read the Gospels to Grow Closer to Jesus
1. Start with a Heart Ready to Receive
- Pray before you begin, asking the Holy Spirit to open your heart and mind.
- Approach the Gospels not just for knowledge, but to know Jesus personally.
- Read with a humble, teachable spirit, ready to be transformed.
2. Choose a Reading Plan
- Chronological Order: Read the events of Jesus’ life as they happened.
- One Gospel at a Time: Start with Mark (the shortest), then move to Matthew, Luke, and John.
- Parallel Reading: Compare how different Gospels record the same events using a harmony of the Gospels.
- A Chapter a Day: Read one chapter daily, meditating on its meaning and application.
3. Observe Jesus’ Actions and Words
- Pay close attention to how Jesus interacts with people—His compassion, wisdom, and authority.
- Notice the words He speaks. What do they reveal about His character and His heart for you?
- Ask: How does this passage reveal more about who Jesus is?
4. Reflect & Apply What You Read
- Ask Yourself Questions:
- What is Jesus teaching me in this passage?
- How does this challenge my faith or way of living?
- What do I need to obey or surrender in response?
- Journal Your Insights: Write down key verses, lessons, or prayers inspired by your reading.
- Live It Out: Let Jesus’ example shape your actions, attitudes, and relationships.
5. Read with Fresh Eyes
- If you’ve read the Gospels before, slow down and read them as if for the first time.
- Imagine yourself in the story—walking with Jesus, hearing His voice, seeing His miracles.
- Ask: How would I have responded if I were there?
6. Pray Through the Gospels
- Turn Jesus’ words into personal prayers.
- Thank Him for His love, grace, and sacrifice.
- Ask for strength to follow His example and obey His teachings.
7. SOAK Through the Gospels
Use the SOAK method to deepen your study and reflection. Here’s how it works:
- S – Scripture: Write out a key verse from the passage that stands out to you.
- O – Observation: Note what is happening in the passage. What is the context? What stands out?
- A – Application: Consider how this passage applies to your life. What is God teaching you? How can you live this out?
- K – Kneeling in Prayer: Spend time in prayer, responding to what you’ve read. Ask God to help you apply His Word to your life.
8. Keep Your Eyes on the Cross
- As you read, remember that everything in the Gospels points to Jesus as our Savior. He is the Way, the truth, and the life! (John 14:6)
- Reflect on how His sacrifice changes your life today.
- Let the hope of the resurrection fill you with joy and confidence in Him.
By reading the Gospels intentionally, prayerfully, and with a heart open to transformation, you will grow in love for Jesus and deepen your walk with Him. ❤️
If you are looking for a way to grow closer to Jesus
in these weeks leading up to Easter, I have created
Hosanna in the Highest—a four-week Easter journal
designed to guide you THROUGH THE GOSPEL OF MATTHEW,
from Jesus’ birth to His resurrection.
Here is the Reading Plan
through the Gospel of Matthew
Hosanna in the Highest
is available exclusively on Amazon HERE
If you’d like to purchase a printable-digital copy
(so you have it right away) at half the price
Go HERE.
Each day includes a Bible reading, a devotional, a reflection question, and space for prayer, helping you draw closer to the Lord in a meaningful and intentional way.
You can do this on your own at your own pace or I’d love for you to join me on this journey as we begin reading together on Monday, March 24th!
For more details about how we will do this together –> GO HERE.
Let’s prepare together to celebrate our Risen King!
Walk with the King!
Courtney
📚 If you want a resource to help you SOAK through Mark, Luke or John, I have journals available on Amazon that will guide you through these gospels (using the SOAK Method) – one chapter a day:
the book of Mark
the book of Luke
the book of John
If you would like to save or print this post – just CLICK HERE to download the pdf!
this post contains an affiliate links
