Bible Crossword Puzzle: Jesus in the Gospels of Matthew and Mark

Based on Chapter 20 of Discovering the Bible by Alex Varughese

Book cover of Discovering the Bible by Alex Varughese — Discovering the Bible, edited by Alex Varughese

Challenge: Can you solve this puzzle even without having the book by Varughese?

Bible crossword puzzle grid for Jesus in Matthew and Mark

"I really love puzzles and appreciate your creativity in teaching." – Marian D., Nazarene Bible College student

Across

2. The nine opening statements of the Sermon on the Mount that all begin with the word "blessed".
4. The Old Testament prophet quoted by Jewish leaders when King Herod asked where the Messiah was to be born.
5. The disciple who first proclaimed Jesus as the Christ, the long-expected Messiah.
7. The gospel portraying Jesus as a royal Messiah and authoritative Teacher; written by a former tax collector, most Jewish of the gospels.
8. Greek word translated as "church".
9. The Roman governor of Judea who sentenced Jesus to death by crucifixion.

Down

1. Jesus' final words in Matthew's gospel commanding to "go and make disciples of all nations" (Matthew 28:19-20).
3. The Jewish governing body to which Jesus answered "I am" when asked if He was "the Christ, the Son of the Blessed One".
6. The shortest gospel, focusing on Jesus as Son of God amid conflict; written by a companion of Apostle Paul and Barnabas on their first missionary journey.

This crossword puzzle was created for the course Introduction to Biblical Literature. The clues and words are sourced from the textbook Discovering the Bible: Story and Faith of the Biblical Communities, edited by Alex Varughese and published by Beacon Hill Press of Kansas City (now The Foundry).

– Howard Culbertson,

Comparison of the Gospels of Matthew and Mark

The Gospels of Matthew and Mark provide narratives of the life, teachings, and crucifixion of Jesus Christ, each with a unique emphasis. Matthew's Gospel is comprehensive and structured, highlighting Jesus as the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and tracing His genealogy to Abraham. It emphasizes Jesus' role as the Messiah and His teachings on righteousness and the kingdom of God.

Mark's Gospel is shorter and more urgent, focusing on Jesus' actions and miracles, portraying Him as a powerful authority facing opposition. Its fast-paced narrative captures the dynamic energy of Jesus' ministry. Together, these gospels deepen our understanding of Christ's identity and mission.