The Death and Crucifixion of Jesus

The death of Jesus is the cornerstone on which the Christian faith is founded. Each of the Gospels paints a different picture of Jesus' death. Through the four Gospels we achieve a full and colorful vision of Jesus. By revealing Jesus in diverse views, the Gospel writers enable each of us to find special meaning in the cross.

In Exploring the Gospels of Matthew and John, one can find many differences; however, despite these differences, many similarities can be drawn from the two accounts. Both writers emphasize the fulfillment of scripture; moreover, in both Gospels there is a reference to the sixty-ninth Psalm. In the Matthean version, Jesus is given wine mixed with gall upon arriving at Golgotha, while in the Johannine version He is given wine just before his death. Another instance in which both Gospels show the fulfillment of scripture is in the passage telling of the casting of lots for Jesus' garments. John quotes the nineteenth verse of the twenty-second Psalm and emphasizes the parallelism between event and scripture, where Matthew is brief in his description.

In examining the Gospels of Matthew and John, one can find many points of contrast which give each Gospel its uniqueness and own special meaning. Jesus carries his own cross in John, showing that He is in control of His destiny. Matthew's Jesus, on the other hand, does not carry the cross, as a Cyrenian named Simon is compelled to carry it. The inscription of "Jesus the Nazorean, the King of the Jews" placed on the cross appears in its fullest form in John's Gospel. In addition, John is the only one to mention Pilate's role in keeping the title unchanged. Matthew, again, is very brief in his description of this particular point.

In Matthew, the women who follow Jesus to Golgotha watch from a distance and none of the disciples is present. John, by contrast, has one of Jesus' disciples present at the cross, along with Mary of Magdala and Jesus' mother. Matthew uses this scene to carry out the theme present throughout his Gospel of Jesus being the rejected Messiah, conversely, John uses this scene to symbolize Mary and the mother of Christians, which is personified by the presence of the beloved disciple at the cross. Matthew also differs from John in that he speaks of mockery by those who pass by, as well as mockery of Jesus by the priests, scribes, elders and the revolutionaries who were crucified beside Jesus; thus, emphasizing Jesus as the rejected Messiah.

Matthew's Jesus is in terrible agony, where John portrays a calm Jesus who is in control. Matthew's view that God has not forsaken Jesus despite the anguished prayer of Jesus becomes apparent upon Jesus' death, with reports of the temple curtain tearing, an earthquake, opening of tombs and the dead rising. Matthew also has the Roman centurion confess, "Truly this was God's Son," as a result of these signs.

These two portraits of Jesus' crucifixion and death give us many ways in which we can identify with Jesus. Through the eyes of Matthew we see a Jesus who is in agony, who feels forsaken, and who feels abandoned; moreover, through Matthew's Jesus, we come to know that God is listening and will not abandon us. The Johannine image of Jesus is of a figure who is in control and reigns, even from the cross. His final words before handing over His spirit, "It is finished," are an example of his control; He has decided when to hand over His spirit. In John, the death of Jesus creates life, and John enables us to see that evil has no power over Jesus; furthermore, the same is true of God's children.

Each of these evangelists has painted a portrait of Jesus from the perspective of his own faith and in response to the needs of his own Christian groups. Through the many facets of Jesus depicted in the Gospels, one can identify with Christ and find special meaning and comfort in the cross.