As an Iranian-American Christian Conservative LDS Priest with a complex past that includes being an ex-Muslim, former socialist, and even a former pagan, I’ve spent much of my life exploring the profound questions of faith and scripture. One of the most curious questions for Christians, and even skeptics, is this: Why is there no Gospel written directly by Jesus Christ Himself? Instead, the Gospels are written by His disciples, offering accounts of His life and teachings. This absence is not a flaw but a divine strategy that enriches our faith and understanding of God’s eternal plan.
The Purpose of the Gospels
The Gospels—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—are not merely historical accounts; they are inspired testimonies of those who followed Jesus and witnessed His ministry firsthand. Jesus’ mission was not to author a book but to fulfill His role as the Savior of humanity. He lived, taught, performed miracles, died for our sins, and was resurrected to demonstrate the ultimate truth of God’s plan. His disciples were entrusted to carry forward His teachings through oral tradition and written scripture.
By delegating the task of documenting His life and message to His disciples, Jesus ensured that the message would be spread by multiple voices, enhancing its reach and authenticity. This approach aligns with the principle of divine delegation seen throughout scripture, where God empowers His followers to participate in His work.
Oral Tradition and the Preservation of His Teachings
In the ancient Near East, oral tradition was a primary means of preserving and transmitting knowledge. Jesus, as a master teacher, likely chose to teach through parables and sermons because He understood the power of spoken word to captivate and transform hearts. His disciples, deeply immersed in His teachings, were inspired by the Holy Spirit to document them after His ascension. As recorded in John 14:26, Jesus promised His disciples that the Holy Spirit would teach them all things and remind them of everything He had said to them.
This process was not haphazard but divinely guided. The synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, and Luke) and John’s Gospel provide complementary perspectives, painting a fuller picture of Christ’s mission. Their distinct approaches serve to address the diverse audiences of early Christianity, from Jewish believers to Gentiles.
A Testament to Faith, Not Dictation
If Jesus had authored a Gospel, skeptics might argue that His divinity would overshadow the message, reducing faith to mere intellectual assent. By inspiring His disciples to write the Gospels, God preserved the essence of free will in the act of believing. The testimonies of fallible humans like Peter, who denied Christ three times, or Paul, a former persecutor of Christians, demonstrate the transformative power of Jesus’ message.
As Christians, we see parallels between this and other instances where God uses imperfect vessels to accomplish His perfect will. Moses, for instance, did not enter the Promised Land but delivered the Law to Israel. Similarly, Jesus’ disciples carried forth His teachings, imperfect as they were, showing that faith and divine inspiration transcend human limitations.
Counterarguments and the Christian Response
Critics often ask why Jesus did not write His own Gospel as proof of His divinity. The answer lies in the purpose of scripture and the nature of Christ’s mission. Jesus’ life, death, and resurrection are themselves the ultimate testimony. The disciples’ accounts demonstrate the humility and relational nature of God, who invites His creation to participate in His work rather than dominating them with overwhelming proof.
Conclusion
The absence of a Gospel written directly by Jesus is not a gap in Christian scripture but a profound testament to God’s plan. It highlights the collaborative nature of His mission, the power of inspired testimony, and the necessity of faith. Jesus lived and taught so that His followers would carry forward His message, not merely as scribes but as living witnesses transformed by His grace.
For me, as a former Muslim and socialist turned Christian LDS Priest, this divine strategy resonates deeply. It demonstrates that God does not force belief but invites it, empowering His children to become co-laborers in His work. The Gospels, written by Jesus’ disciples, are a testament to this beautiful truth.
Citations
- Holy Bible, John 14:26 (New International Version)
- Bauckham, R. (2006). Jesus and the Eyewitnesses: The Gospels as Eyewitness Testimony. Eerdmans Publishing.
- Ehrman, B. D. (2005). Misquoting Jesus: The Story Behind Who Changed the Bible and Why. HarperCollins.
- Wright, N. T. (1996). Jesus and the Victory of God. Fortress Press.
- Hengel, M. (1985). Studies in the Gospel of Mark. SCM Press.
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