The crucifixion and burial

Introduction: The Heart of the Story

Welcome! We are now at the most pivotal moment in the New Testament: The crucifixion and burial of Jesus. While this part of the story is somber, it is essential for your Paper 1 exam. This chapter looks at how Jesus died and how he was buried.

For your exam, you need to know the story well (AO1), but you also need to understand why the Gospel writers tell the story in different ways (AO2). Don't worry if it seems like a lot of detail—we will break it down gospel by gospel, focusing especially on Mark and John as required by the syllabus.

Note: We’ve already looked at the trials; if you missed that, remember that Jesus has just been handed over by Pilate to be crucified.

1. The Road to Golgotha

The journey to the execution site is the first part of the narrative. There are some interesting differences here between the gospels.

Simon of Cyrene (Synoptic Gospels)

In Mark 15:21, Matthew 27:32, and Luke 23:26, the Roman soldiers force a man named Simon of Cyrene to carry Jesus’ cross. This suggests that Jesus was physically weakened by the previous beatings and could no longer carry the heavy wooden beam himself.

Jesus the King (John’s Gospel)

In John 19:17, there is no mention of Simon. John writes that Jesus carried the cross himself. This is a great example of John’s "high Christology"—he wants to show that Jesus is a powerful King who is in total control of his own destiny, even on the way to his death.

Quick Tip: If a question asks about the differences between Mark and John, this is a perfect point to mention! Mark shows Jesus’ humanity and suffering, while John shows Jesus’ divinity and strength.

2. The Crucifixion: Events at the Cross

The execution took place at a spot called Golgotha, which means "The Place of the Skull."

The Inscription (The Titulus)

A sign was placed above Jesus’ head stating the charge against him. In all four Gospels, it identifies him as the "King of the Jews". In John 19:19-22, we are told the sign was written in three languages (Hebrew, Latin, and Greek) and that the Jewish leaders complained about it, but Pilate refused to change it.

The Soldiers and the Garments

All four Gospels mention that the soldiers gambled (cast lots) for Jesus’ clothing. This is a clear Old Testament fulfillment of Psalm 22:18. Matthew and John especially like to show how Jesus’ life fulfills ancient prophecies to prove he is the Messiah.

The Two Thieves

Jesus was crucified between two criminals.
• Mark and Matthew mention that they taunted Jesus.
• Luke 23:39-43 provides the unique story of the "Penitent Thief" who asks Jesus to remember him, and Jesus promises him a place in Paradise. This fits Luke’s theme of Jesus’ ministry to marginalised people.

3. The Death of Jesus: Comparing Mark and John

The way Jesus dies is described very differently in our two focus Gospels. This is high-level material, so pay close attention!

Mark’s Account: The Suffering Son of God (Mark 15:33-41)

Mark portrays a scene of darkness and abandonment:
• The Cry of Dereliction: Jesus cries out, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" This shows his intense human suffering.
• The Temple Veil: At the moment of death, the curtain in the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom. This symbolises that the barrier between God and humanity is gone.
• The Centurion’s Confession: A Roman soldier sees how Jesus dies and says, "Truly this man was God’s Son!" This is ironic because a Gentile (non-Jew) recognises Jesus when his own people did not.

John’s Account: The Glorious Victory (John 19:28-37)

John portrays a scene of completion and purpose:
• "It is finished": These are Jesus’ final words in John. It isn't a cry of defeat, but a shout of triumph. He has completed the work God gave him to do.
• Blood and Water: When a soldier pierces Jesus’ side, blood and water flow out. Scholars often see this as representing the Logos (the Word) giving life, or referencing the sacraments of Baptism and Eucharist.
• No Broken Bones: John notes that Jesus' legs were not broken, fulfilling the requirement for the Passover Lamb (Exodus 12:46).

Key Takeaway: Mark focuses on the pathos (suffering), while John focuses on the theology (the meaning of the sacrifice).

4. The Burial of Jesus

Jesus died on the afternoon of "Preparation Day" (the day before the Sabbath). Because the Sabbath was about to begin, the burial had to be done quickly.

Joseph of Arimathea

In all four Gospels, Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the council (Sanhedrin), asks Pilate for Jesus’ body.
• Mark describes him as someone looking for the Kingdom of God.
• John 19:38-39 adds that Joseph was a secret disciple and that he was helped by Nicodemus (who brought expensive spices). This shows that even some of the elite Jewish leaders believed in Jesus.

The Tomb

Jesus was placed in a new tomb cut out of rock. Matthew 27:60 specifies it was Joseph’s own new tomb. A large stone was rolled across the entrance. The Gospels mention that several women, including Mary Magdalene, watched where he was laid so they could return later to properly anoint the body.

5. Summary Table for Revision

Use this table to quickly remember the "distinctive characteristics" of each account:

\( \begin{array}{|l|l|l|} \hline \text{Feature} & \text{Mark's Gospel} & \text{John's Gospel} \\ \hline \text{The Cross} & \text{Simon of Cyrene carries it} & \text{Jesus carries his own} \\ \hline \text{Last Words} & \text{"Why have you forsaken me?"} & \text{"It is finished"} \\ \hline \text{Emphasis} & \text{Jesus as the Suffering Servant} & \text{Jesus as the Majestic King} \\ \hline \text{Significance} & \text{Tearing of the Temple Veil} & \text{Blood and water (Life/Spirit)} \\ \hline \text{Burial} & \text{Joseph of Arimathea} & \text{Joseph and Nicodemus} \\ \hline \end{array} \)

6. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Mixing up the thieves: Only Luke tells the story of the thief who repents. In Mark and Matthew, both thieves insult him initially.
• Forgetting the OT: Always mention that the events (like gambling for clothes or no broken bones) are seen by the writers as fulfillment of prophecy.
• Ignoring the "Depth Boundary": The syllabus specifically asks you to focus on the differences between Mark and John. Make sure you can compare these two primarily.

AO2: Analysis and Evaluation Point

Question to consider: "Does the difference between the Gospel accounts make them less reliable?"
• Argument 1: Some might say yes, because the details (like who carried the cross) conflict.
• Argument 2: Most Biblical scholars argue no. They suggest the writers weren't trying to write a modern "police report" but were writing theology. Each writer chose details that helped their specific audience understand who Jesus was (e.g., Mark’s audience needed to see a Jesus who understood their own suffering; John’s audience needed to see Jesus as the divine Word/Logos).

Quick Review: You now know the key events from the journey to the tomb! Remember the names Simon of Cyrene and Joseph of Arimathea, and be ready to contrast the suffering Jesus of Mark with the sovereign Jesus of John.