When people hear the word "gospel," they typically associate it with the Bible, and for a variety of people this is the extent of their biblical knowledge. Although many people instinctively turn their heads when it comes to religion, their assumption that the Gospels are boring, stuffy commands to obey God is often wrong. Sure, most people would find more excitement and pleasure reading a Harry Potter book instead of the Bible, but they often don't realize that the Gospels contain myriad narrative stories of adventure, suspense, and danger. It almost seems as if the Gospels are the ultimate action stories featuring the typical good versus evil plot and, of course, a heroic figure, Jesus. Translated to “good news,” the Gospels are accounts of Jesus' journey through life and death, and their collective purpose is to express the arrival of the kingdom of God through the birth of Jesus. While people may still express skepticism regarding the validity of Jesus' life, the fact remains that the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke were all written with a purpose. While each of the Gospels contains similarities and differences, they are united by a common desire to share the miraculous story of Jesus and His coming kingdom to all the nations of the world. Although the Gospel of Mark is presented second in the New Testament, scholars typically agree that it was the first Gospel written; therefore, he set an example for other writers. In the other two synoptic Gospels, Matthew and Luke, Mark's influences are easily recognizable in the words, structure and sequence of narrative events. Although Mark is believed to have been recorded first, it is more condensed and simpler than Matthew and Luke; as...... middle of paper...... main discourses of Jesus. After reading the Gospel of Matthew, readers are able to identify Jesus as the crucified Messiah and the exalted Lord of the church. As the first book of a two-work narrative, Luke focuses on presenting Jesus as the universal Savior of the world, and readers are encouraged to spread the message of redemption to people of all nations. As a universally known action story, the Gospels incorporate the drama, suffering, and hope associated with the life of Jesus, the supreme hero. Whether people read this story through the lens of the intended audience or simply to gain understanding and knowledge of Jesus' journey on earth, the purpose of the Gospels is clear. Despite the different elements of the Gospels, their intention to spread the wonderful story of Jesus and the coming of His Kingdom throughout the world will forever remain constant..