Welcome to Your Study of the Crucifixion and Burial
In this chapter, we explore the final moments of Jesus’ earthly life. This is the heart of Paper 1: The Four Gospels. Understanding this section is vital because it brings together themes of prophecy, the nature of Jesus, and the different perspectives of the Gospel writers. For your exam, the "depth boundary" means we focus mostly on Mark and John, while highlighting key unique details from Matthew and Luke.
Quick Tip: Don't worry about memorizing every single verse number. Instead, focus on who says what and why the different writers emphasize different things. This is the key to moving from a "good" grade to an "excellent" one!
1. The Journey to the Cross (Golgotha)
The journey from the trial to the place of execution is a short but significant part of the narrative.
The Synoptic View (Mark 15:21-22): Mark tells us about Simon of Cyrene, who was forced to carry the cross for Jesus. This suggests Jesus was physically exhausted after the trials and flogging.
The Johannine View (John 19:16-17): John emphasizes Jesus’ strength and divinity. In John’s account, Jesus carries his own cross. There is no mention of Simon. John wants to show that Jesus is in total control of his destiny.
2. The Crucifixion: Mark vs. John
The syllabus asks you to focus specifically on the differences between Mark and John. Think of Mark’s Jesus as the Suffering Servant and John’s Jesus as the Victorious King.
Mark’s Narrative (The Suffering Messiah)
• Timing: It is the "third hour" (9:00 AM).
• The Inscription: The charge against him is written as "The King of the Jews." Mark uses this ironically; the Romans are mocking him, but for the reader, it is the truth.
• The Atmosphere: It is dark and lonely. From the sixth to the ninth hour (noon to 3:00 PM), darkness covers the land. This symbolizes judgment or cosmic mourning.
• The Cry of Dereliction: Jesus cries out in Aramaic: "Eloi, Eloi, lema sabachthani?" ("My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?"). This shows Jesus’ true human suffering and his identification with the suffering of humanity.
• The Centurion: When Jesus dies, a Roman Centurion says, "Truly this man was God’s Son!" This is a major turning point—a Gentile (non-Jew) is the first to recognize Jesus’ identity after his death.
John’s Narrative (The Exalted King)
• Timing: John links the crucifixion to the Passover. Jesus is being prepared for the cross at the same time the Passover lambs are being slaughtered.
• The Inscription: Pilate writes "Jesus of Nazareth, the King of the Jews" in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek. Despite the Jewish leaders' protests, Pilate refuses to change it ("What I have written, I have written").
• The Seamless Tunic: Soldiers gamble for his clothing, fulfilling Old Testament prophecy (Psalm 22).
• Provision for Mary: Jesus looks down and tells the "beloved disciple" to take care of his mother. Even on the cross, Jesus is providing for his followers.
• The Final Word: Instead of a cry of abandonment, Jesus says, "It is finished." This is a shout of victory, not a whimper of defeat. He has completed his mission.
• Blood and Water: When a soldier pierces Jesus’ side, blood and water flow out. This proves Jesus was truly dead and carries symbolic meaning (possibly representing the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist).
3. Key Differences in Matthew and Luke
While you focus on Mark and John, you must be aware of these specific "key differences" found in the other gospels for AO1 marks:
Matthew 27:51-54 (Cosmic Signs): Matthew adds dramatic details like an earthquake, rocks splitting, and tombs opening where saints were raised. This emphasizes the earth-shattering importance of Jesus’ death.
Luke 23:34-43 (The Compassionate Savior): Luke focuses on Jesus’ forgiveness. He records Jesus saying, "Father, forgive them; for they do not know what they are doing." Luke also includes the story of the "Penitent Thief" (the criminal who asks Jesus to remember him), to whom Jesus promises, "Today you will be with me in Paradise."
4. The Burial of Jesus
The burial is a crucial transition because it proves that Jesus was legally and physically dead, setting the stage for the Resurrection.
The Role of Joseph of Arimathea: In all four Gospels, Joseph (a member of the Council/Sanhedrin) asks Pilate for Jesus’ body. He is described as a "secret" disciple or a "righteous" man looking for the Kingdom of God.
Mark’s Account: Pilate is surprised Jesus is already dead and checks with a centurion before releasing the body.
John’s Account: John introduces Nicodemus (who first appeared in John 3). Nicodemus brings an enormous amount of spices (myrrh and aloes)—about 75 pounds! This is a burial fit for a king.
Matthew’s Account: Matthew is the only one to mention that the tomb was guarded by Roman soldiers. This detail is important because it answers later arguments that the disciples might have stolen the body.
Key Takeaway: The burial had to happen quickly because the Sabbath (a day of rest where no work could be done) was about to begin at sunset on Friday.
5. AO2 Analysis: Evaluating the Perspectives
In your exam, you might be asked to evaluate or discuss why these accounts differ. Here are some points to consider:
Historical vs. Theological: Are the differences "errors," or are they intentional theological choices? For example, John omits Simon of Cyrene because he wants to emphasize Jesus' sovereignty (authority). Mark includes him to emphasize the physicality of suffering.
Old Testament Influence: All Gospel writers use the crucifixion to show how Jesus fulfills prophecy. Mentioning the divided clothes or the lack of broken bones (John 19:36) connects Jesus to the Passover Lamb and the Suffering Servant of Isaiah.
The Identity of Jesus: Each writer uses the death of Jesus to answer the question: "Who is this man?" For Mark, he is the Son of God recognized by a centurion. For John, he is the Word (Logos) returning to the Father.
Quick Review Box
• Mark’s Focus: Suffering, darkness, human agony ("Why have you forsaken me?").
• John’s Focus: Sovereignty, kingship, fulfilling the plan ("It is finished").
• Luke’s Unique Detail: The Penitent Thief and forgiveness.
• Matthew’s Unique Detail: Earthquake and the guard at the tomb.
• Common Figure: Joseph of Arimathea (provides the tomb).
• Common Location: Golgotha (The Place of the Skull).
Next Steps: To complete this section of Paper 1, move on to the "Resurrection narratives" to see how these burial details provide the evidence for the empty tomb!