Session 2 · Revelation 4:6-8
Four portraits of Jesus
Hear the Gospels together as distinct witnesses to one Lord.
Book reading: The Four Evangelists: Matthew, Mark, Luke, John
Read the four Evangelist sonnets, then read Revelation’s vision of the four living creatures. Malcolm Guite draws on an old Christian tradition that pairs Matthew with a human figure, Mark with a lion, Luke with an ox, and John with an eagle. His poems use these images to invite comparison among the Gospel portraits. The symbols do not replace the Gospels, and no single image can contain the whole of Jesus.
Revelation places the creatures around God’s throne. Their many eyes and ceaseless praise present a picture of alert worship before the Holy One. In the vision, their differences do not divide their praise. They proclaim God’s holiness together. That can guide how we approach four accounts of Jesus: attend closely to each one, and let their different emphases lead us toward the same Lord.
Matthew begins with a genealogy and presents Jesus in relation to Israel’s story. Guite’s framing notices the fulfillment of law in grace, reversals of status, and Christ’s promised presence. As you read Matthew, notice how Jesus’ teaching and actions fulfill God’s purposes while welcoming people who need mercy. Ask where you need to trust that his presence holds through a change in your circumstances.
Mark moves quickly through scenes of action and suffering. Guite connects the lion image with a Gospel in which the strong Messiah enters suffering, and where the women at the tomb leave afraid. This portrait makes room for the hard truth that following Jesus does not mean avoiding fear or pain. Read the ending carefully and ask what the disciples’ fear reveals about the cost and mystery of the good news.
Luke shows Jesus healing, welcoming the poor, and offering pardon to the lost. The ox image suggests service, and Guite also draws attention to Mary’s voice. Look for who receives attention in Luke’s account. Whose need might you overlook if you measure people by status or usefulness?
John opens with the Word and light, then shows signs that transform water, bread, sight, and life. Guite highlights the beloved friend and themes of light, life, love, and glory. Read John’s signs as invitations to ask who Jesus is and what kind of life he gives.
Try not to choose a favorite Gospel and ignore the others. A portrait that unsettles you may reveal something you need to see, while a familiar one may offer strength for today. Read the four sonnets aloud, then open the Gospel each one points toward. Let the creature images prompt attention, but let the actual Gospel text shape your understanding. Ask God to widen your view of Jesus and to form in you the trust and love that each account calls forth.
Key idea
Guite’s four creature images invite readers to compare distinct Gospel portraits of Jesus and receive them together as witnesses to one Lord.
Questions to consider
- Which Gospel portrait of Jesus do you most need to hear right now, and what does its distinctive emphasis show you?
- Which Gospel do you tend to skip or find difficult, and what might you learn by reading one scene from it slowly?
Journal prompt
Write four short notes, one for each Gospel: what distinctive feature of Jesus do you notice, and what response does it invite from you?
Practice
1. Read the four assigned sonnets aloud. 2. Read one short scene from each Gospel. 3. Write one distinct portrait of Jesus you noticed in each, then name one you want to revisit.