Matthew begins his Gospel with the genealogy of Jesus Christ, followed by the birth narrative.  Mark begins his Gospel with the ministry of John the Baptist in the wilderness – and Jesus’ baptism by John – not mentioning anything about the first 30 years of Jesus’ life.  Luke begins his Gospel with the birth narrative, but begins before Matthew does, with the angel’s announcement to Zechariah that his wife, though barren and advanced in years, would bear a son – namely, John the Baptist.  John begins his Gospel way before Matthew or Mark or Luke – at the very beginning of time.