The Four Gospels
with Dr. Hank Smith
Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John are four of the most read books of all scripture because of how they catalog the life and teachings of the Savior, Jesus Christ. But why does each of their accounts tell such a different story? Dr. Hank Smith looks at the four gospels through an academic lens and will help you see the beautiful tapestry of understanding these four books give us about the life of Jesus Christ.
"The Savior can convert trials into blessings, and he can give you beauty in place of ashes." Join Hank Smith as he shares an overview and introduction for this deep dive into Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.
"The path to eternal happiness the peace of understanding God's kingdom." But what if you can't even understand God's plan...because you can't read? Today Hank dives into an A-to-Z history of the English Bible.
When you understand the world the Savior lived in, you're going to start having so much more perspective from each chapter you read! Today take a look at the history of Israel and the world the Savior lived in.
Isn't it interesting how individualized the Savior teaches? Today Hank shares the history of the book of Mark – one of most individually unique books in the four gospels.
Matthew is a talented writer who does a fantastic job of shaping the stories he shares, and the way he writes to make them more interesting to his readers. Sometimes he writes in a very subtle way. Other times, he's much "less subtle." Join Hank as he talks about the history of the book of Matthew.
For two thousand years, readers have speculated about the Magi of the New Testament. Additionally, the tempatations Christ encountered after His time in the wilderness leave much to ponder about. Get a "birds eye view" of these chapters as Hank gives historical insight into the stories we wish we knew...
The Beatitudes are labeled the greatest sermon ever given. These verses are still studied 2000 years after they were delivered. Hank helps us connect the message of the Sermon on the Mount to the timing of His recorded miracles and how to apply both into our lives.
The Savior used parables throughout His ministry, but He never explained any of them. Hank teaches us why this is and how to apply these sacred stories into each of our individual lives.
The act of forgiveness might very well be one of the most difficult commandments we are asked to obey. And what about those who choose not to forgive us? As we study the parable of the unforgiving servant, Hank assures us that if we but desire to forgive, it is enough for the Lord.
Where do you fit into the parable of the workers in the vineyard? And how do each of the characters apply to you? Hank dives in deep, teaching us a higher level of compassion and empathy while supporting the success of others.
The book of Luke is a much more intimate look into the events throughout Christ's life. Hank helps us understand how this softer, more gentle approach helps us connect more with the characters throughout the Savior's story.
The story of the good Samaritan has a familiar theme of Christlike love and neighborly kindness. In this episode, Hank offers a potential suggestion that perhaps the story is also a symbollic representation of the plan of redemption.
The Savior showed the perfect example of how to treat the selfish and the lost. Hank explains that regardless of these character's intentions, their value is still always the same in Christ's eyes.
Do we see ourselves in the parables of the unjust steward, the nine lepers, or the rich man? Hank helps us apply these parables into our everyday lives and helps us rethink our current level of gratitude.
The gospel of John gives us insight into the personality of Christ and allows us to get to know Christ, not just about Him. Hank helps us identify some of the key players and their characteristics in the book of John as well as the roles they play throughout Christ's ministry.
Water holds great symbollic meaning throughout the scriptures, especially in the book of John. Hank shows us the importance of how Christ is the Living Water and how He is able to turn Himself into exactly what we need.
What does waiting by the waters of Bethsesda and feeding the multitude with a small amount of bread have in common? Hank shows us how to show our dedication through our waiting and how, through the Savior, we can become more.
While many followed Christ as believers, many still followed as skeptics. Throughout the Feast of the Tabernacles, we see both. Hank helps us see the various ways Jesus faced the opposition, how He addressed the opposers, and how following His example can increase our own strength and testimony.
The testimony of the blind man and the parable of the lost sheep deeply reflect truth that the Shepherd's love for His sheep is more than the love for Himself. Hank helps us see the value of "the one" in each of us.
From the Triumphal Entry to the Last Supper, the last week of Jesus' life was filled with humble and miraculous events. Hank fills this episode with powerful insight into the first few events of the Lord's final days.
The Lord is aware of our hearts, our circumstances, and our offerings. He calculates our offerings using the arithmetic of heaven. Hank uses the stories of the widows and the Pharisees to help us check our hearts in order to see that our sacrifices are enough.
What do the parables of the ten virgins, the talents, and the sheep and goats have in common? Explore Matthew 25 with Hank as he connects all the teachings together.
As we learn more about the history and culture behind the Last Supper, our reverence for the event will deepen. Hank helps us see ourselves in the circumstances that unfolded during the Last Supper and the significance of the symbolism that occured.
Christ's agonies in the Garden are difficult to imagine in the finite mind. The act of taking upon Him the sins of the entire world is far more than we are capable of comprehending. Hank opens our minds to a new understanding of the infinite atonement and what truly happened in the Garden of Gethsem...
From the disciples to the onlookers, from Pilate to Herod, understanding the characters of the trial and crucifixion brings a new light into the ultimate sacrifice of Christ.
When we recognize the symbolic connections between the temple veil and the resurrection, we can find ourselves make a deeper connection with the Savior. Hank dives into the miraculous event and helps us see new symbols as we participate in temple worship.
The disciples who saw the resurrected Lord developed a deeper relationship with their Savior. How can you do the same? Hank helps us see ourselves in the lives of the disciples and shows us how to deepen our relationship with the Living Christ.