Page 18 - The Messiah Beyond a Shadow of Doubt

The Messiah: Beyond a Shadow of Doubt

Quick Facts about Each Appointed Time

Each Appointed Time chapter references a Quick Facts table that lists the high-level
details of the event. This information gives a bird’s-eye view of the Appointed Time and helps
the reader relate it to the bigger picture of God’s plan.

The Synoptic Gospels

As you read this book, you should be aware of the phenomenon that the look and
feel of the first three gospels, Matthew, Mark and Luke, differ from that of the gospel of John.
Matthew, Mark, and Luke are referred to as the synoptic gospels, since they appear to be very
similar to each other in their verbiage, content, and perspectives, they are said to look alike.
Thus, they are referred to as the syn (i.e., same or similar) optic (i.e., look) gospels.
For example, the synoptic gospels contain many parables that Jesus taught—some are
even recorded in all three synoptic gospels. On the other hand, none of the parables from the
synoptic gospels are recorded in John. One of the more challenging differences is found in the
way that all four gospels describe the timing of the events that occurred during the week of
Jesus’ crucifixion.
A superficial study of the four gospels could lead a person to conclude that
contradictions exist between accounts of the synoptic gospels versus that of John. Thus, it is
very important to be aware that this apparent discrepancy exists, since it could otherwise cloud
our understanding of Jesus’ fulfillment of the Appointed Times. In Chapter 10 – Abib 14 – The
Lord’s Passover, we spend a fair amount of time exploring how the differences between the
synoptic gospels and John should be understood in order to see how all four gospels harmonize
beautifully with each other.

The Genuine Article

Finally, you will notice that I focus on the original words of Moses regarding the
Appointed Times. Indeed, the observances of the various festivals and holy days were changed
throughout the centuries by kings and by the Jewish oral law. But the mysteries of the Messiah
are most clearly seen in the Lord’s original words to Moses—the shadows of the festivals,
new moon, and Sabbath days. You will find, therefore, that this book does not focus on the
subsequent changes to the Appointed Times that evolved in the years that followed the death of
Moses—we will focus only on the Appointed Times as they were originally conveyed to him.
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