How should we read the Gospels? Let Luther teach you because we get this SO wrong:

"The chief article and foundation of the gospel is that before you take Christ as an example, you accept and recognize him as a gift, as a present that God has given you and that is your own. >

"This means that when you see or hear of Christ doing or suffering something, you do not doubt that Christ himself, with his deeds and suffering, belongs to you. On this you may depend as surely as if you had done it yourself; indeed as if you were Christ himself. >

"See this is what it means to have a proper grasp of the gospel, that is, of the overwhelming goodness of God. This is the great fire of the love of God for us whereby the heart and conscience become happy, secure, and content. This is what preaching the Christian faith means.”>

First it’s good news, then it’s good advice.
First Christ is God’s Gift, then he’s your example.
First he’s your Champion, then he’s your coach.

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Now read Matthew 4 — the temptations of Christ. What are you witnessing? First you’re seeing the Spirit-filled Son (3:16) who wills to be numbered among the transgressors (3:13-15; cf Isaiah 53:12). He joins us in our wilderness and is sent to fight our battles. >

David was 1st anointed (1Sam16) then fought the supernatural enemy of God’s people who tested them for 40 days (1Sam17). What is Matt 4? The Anointed King takes on our enemy to bring victory in our name and on our behalf while we, like David’s brothers, can do nothing. >

How to read the Gospels? Just good advice? Just example? Just coaching?

No, written across every story should be Paul’s words from 1 Cor. 15:57: “Thanks be to God who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ.”

This is what preaching the Christian faith means.