The four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, each tell the thrilling story of the life of Jesus Christ for all men everywhere. Just who was this man who captivated so much attention as He walked the shores of Galilee, healing the sick, preaching in the villages, and teaching about a kingdom that was to come? How fortunate that we know Jesus was "God manifested in the flesh." 1 Timothy 3:16. How wonderful to know the real reason for the remarkable power to do miracles.

In the Gospels you can read to find out how Jesus called His disciples and how they left all to follow Him. You can also realize that Jesus expects us to be led by His Spirit and follow His examples and teachings.

As you read, you will understand the real reason Jesus came to earth, which was to call sinners to repentance. (Mark 2:17) God expects us to share in His ministry by loving others and helping them to find reality in serving Jesus Christ. We can help others understand that the One True God can and will help them as they help others. This is a sharing ministry. There is no room for selfishness.

Do you understand the true nature of Jesus Christ? How did He do the healings and miracles that He did? Because God was in Christ, reconciling the world unto Himself. (2 Corinthians 5:19) When Jesus was questioning His followers, asking, "Whom do men say that I, the Son of man am?" They answered in many ways, such as, "Some say you are John the Baptist; some, Elijah; and others, Jeremiah, or one of the prophets." But Jesus was much more specific. He said, "But whom do you say that I am?"

Simon Peter answered and said, "Thou art the Christ, the Son of the living God." (Matthew 16:16) Jesus answered and said, "Blessed art thou, Simon Barjona; for flesh and blood hath not revealed it unto thee, but my Father, which is in heaven." (Matthew 16:17)

Then Jesus gave Peter the keys to the kingdom of heaven. From that time, He told His disciples of the things that were to happen to Him in the near future. Peter was later to use the keys or authority given him on that day by Jesus Christ as he preached on the Day of Pentecost and established the Church of the living God.

Who was Jesus Christ? What did Isaiah say about Him? Isaiah did not know God's real name, but he prophesied and said, "His name shall be called Wonderful, Counselor, the mighty God, the everlasting Father, the Prince of Peace." Isaiah also pointed out that His name would be called Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us. Jesus was really God, clothed in human flesh and dwelling among us. He who knew no sin found it necessary to share our grief and sorrow, so that He might pay the debt we owed for our sins. Only then, through a sinless sacrifice, could we be brought back into perfect fellowship and harmony with God. All mortals had their sin debt "paid in full" once and for all by Jesus' death on the cross. This great and tragic event marked the end of an era in history. No more must we offer sacrifices once a year for our sins. Jesus paid the supreme sacrifice, and He did it willingly.