The synoptic Gospels, especially Matthew, begin and end with the Spirit. They are centered on Jesus, but the Spirit nonetheless permeates their narratives.
The Spirit conceives Jesus. The Spirit inspires prophets to glorify God in announcing the birth of the Savior. The Spirit descends on the baptized Jesus to demonstrate God’s anointing.
The Spirit leads Jesus into the wilderness to be tempted, and the Spirit empowers Jesus to do miracles. Jesus declares that the Spirit’s role is such that blasphemy against the Spirit cannot be forgiven.
The Spirit empowers the missionaries sent by Jesus, and the Spirit gives joy in their successes.
Jesus concludes his ministry by telling his disciple to baptize in the name of the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
The Gospels are about Jesus, but much of the narrative is driven by the Spirit, because the Spirit’s role is to bring glory to Jesus.
