1.  It is not a Chronological but a Systematic and Topical Gospel.  There is order in the arrangement of materials so that a definite result may be produced.  Materials are treated in groups, as the miracles in chapters eight and nine and the parables of chapter thirteen.  There is order and purpose also in the arrangement of these groups of miracles and parables.  The first miracle is the cure of leprosy, and is a type of sin; while the last one is the withering of the fig tree, which is a symbol of judgment.  The first parable is that of the seed of the kingdom, which is a symbol of the beginning or planting of the kingdom; the last is that of the talents and prophesies the final adjudication at the last day.  This same orderly arrangement is also observed in the two great sections of the book.  The first great section 4:17-16:20, especially sets forth the person and nature of Jesus, while the second section, 16:20 end, narrates his great work for others as seen in his death and resurrection.

2.  It Is a Didactic or Teaching Gospel.  While giving the account of a number of miracles, the book is marked by several discourses of considerable length, as The sermon on the Mount, chapters 3-7, the denunciation of the Pharisees, chapter 23, the prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem and the end of the world, chapters 24-25, the address to the apostles, chapter 10; and the doctrines of the kingdom, 17:24-20:16.  These portions and the parables noted above will indicate how large a portion of the book is taken up in discourses.  The student can make lists of other and shorter sections of teaching.

3.  It Is a Gospel of Gloom and Despondency.  There are no songs of joy like those of Zacharias, Elizabeth, Mary, Simeon, Anna and the Angels, recorded in Luke.  Nor do we see him popular and wise at the age of twelve.  Instead, we have his mother almost repudiated and left in disgrace by Joseph and only saved by divine intervention.  Jerusalem is in trouble, the male children are killed and mothers are weeping for them.  The child Jesus is saved only by the flight into Egypt, his whole life after the return from Egypt is covered in oblivion and he is a despised Nazarite.  The cross is one of desolation with no penitent thief nor sympathy from any one, with his enemies reviling, smiting their breasts and passing by.  Nor is there much optimism or expectation of success.  The disciples are to be rejected and persecuted even as their Lord; many are to be called and but few are chosen; only a few are to find the narrow way; many are to claim entrance into the Kingdom because they have prophesied in His name and be denied.  Even Matthew himself is a despised and rejected publican.