The main source for knowing about Jesus are the four books in the Bible known as the 'Gospels'. 'Gospel' means 'good news'. In writing their accounts of Jesus, the four Gospel writers, Matthew, Mark, Luke and John wanted their readers to know that the story of Jesus was the good news story for the world. Each of the Gospels tells the story of Jesus in different ways.

Matthew Matthew wrote his Gospel for Jewish readers. He quotes the prophets 41 times to prove that Jesus is the Messiah, the promised saviour of the Jews. But Matthew shows how Jesus was rejected by the Jewish religious leaders. The symbol of Matthew's Gospel is called the Divine Man because Matthew wanted his readers to know Jesus was both God and man.
Mark Bible experts believe that Mark's gospel was written before the other three and that it is based on the memories of the apostle, Peter. In Mark's Gospel, Jesus is the Messiah, but he is also a man of flesh and blood. He works as a carpenter, teaches little children, and can be sometimes angry or full of pity. Most of Mark's gospel concerns Jesus' death. The symbol of Mark's Gospel is a lion to show that Jesus was a king.
Luke Luke was a doctor. He wrote his Gospel for one of his patients who wanted to know the truth about Jesus. Luke includes many stories showing Jesus' pity for people who were hated by everyone else. The symbol of Luke's Gospel is the bull. Bulls were sacrificed in the Temple in Jerusalem. Luke wanted his readers to know that Jesus' death was a sacrifice.
John John's Gospel is very different from the other three. In John's Gospel, Jesus makes very long speeches and talks a lot about about himself. Amongst other things, Jesus describes himself as the light of the world, the bread of life and the good shepherd. Each of Jesus' claims about himself is backed up with a miracle story. The symbol of John's Gospel is the eagle because John 'flies over' the details of Jesus' life and concentrates on His power and mystery.