How do the Gospels present Jesus' Crucifixion?

Christian theology teaches Jesus' death provided the perfect atoning sacrifice for the sins of all humankind

Collectively referred to as the Passion, Jesus' suffering and redemptive death by crucifixion are the central aspects of Christian theology concerning the doctrines of salvation and atonement. Thus making the crucifix, or cross, one of the defining symbols of Christianity.

Many people believe the gospels Mark, Matthew, Luke and John contain the actual words of Jesus. The comparison grid below compares the gospels of Mark, Matthew, Luke and John as they record the same historical event, the crucifixion of Jesus, often with significant textual differences.

	Mark	Matthew	Luke	John
Crucifixion \| BEFORE
Pilate asks if Jesus or Barabbas be released?	Barabbas MARK 15:6-7	Barabbas MATTHEW 27:15-16	Barabbas LUKE 23:18	Barabbas JOHN 18:38-40
Crucifixion	Jesus handed over MARK 15:20	Jesus handed over MATTHEW 27:31	Jesus handed over LUKE 23:25	Jesus handed over JOHN 19:16
On way to Golgotha	No mention	No mention	Jesus speaks to women LUKE 23:28-29	No mention
Arrive at Golgotha	Jesus arrives MARK 15:22	Jesus arrives MATTHEW 27:33	Jesus arrives LUKE 23:33	Jesus arrives JOHN 19:17
Who carried the cross?	Simon of Cyrene MARK 15:21	Simon of Cyrene MATTHEW 27:32	Simon of Cyrene LUKE 23:26	Jesus JOHN 19:17
Crucifixion \| AFTER
Inscription on cross	"The King Of The Jews" MARK 15:26	"This Is Jesus The King Of The Jews" MATTHEW 27:37	"This is the King Of The Jews" LUKE 23:38	"Jesus Of Nazareth The King Of The Jews" JOHN 19:19
Crown of thorns placed on Jesus' head?	YES MARK 15:17	YES MATTHEW 27:29	No mention	YES JOHN 19:2
Who is present at the crucifixion?	Mary Magdalene Mary, mother of James the less and of Joses Salome Watch Jesus from afar MARK 15:40-41	Mary Magdalene Mary, mother of Jesus Mother of Zebedee children Watch Jesus from afar MATTHEW 27:56	Women are present, but not named Watch Jesus from afar LUKE 23:49	Mary Magdalene Mary, mother of Jesus Marys sister Mary, wife of Clopas Jesus talks to Mary, his mother (contrary to Roman practice) JOHN 19:25-26
Crucifixion time	Third hour (9:00am) MARK 15:25	Sixth hour MATTHEW 27:35	Sixth hour LUKE 23:33	After the Sixth hour JOHN 19:14
Crucifixion day	15th day of Nissan First day of Passover MARK 14:17-25	15th day of Nissan First day of Passover MATTHEW 26:20-30	15th day of Nissan First day of Passover LUKE 22:14-23	14th day of Nissan Day before Passover JOHN 13:1
	Mark, Matthew and Luke insist the Last Supper was a Passover Seder. Therefore the crucifixion occurred on the first day of Passover.			Crucifixion occurred on the eve of Passover
Other crucifixions	Two thieves on either side. No conversation MARK 15:27	Two thieves on either side taunt Jesus MATTHEW 27:38	Two malefactors LUKE 23:33	Two others JOHN 19:18
Do thieves mock Jesus?	YES MARK 15:32	YES MATTHEW 27:44	NO One thief mocks Jesus. The other asks to be remembered in his kingdom LUKE 23:39-42	No mention
Do passers-by mock Jesus?	YES MARK 15:29	YES MATTHEW 27:39	YES LUKE 23:35	No mention
What drink was Jesus offered?	Wine and myrrh. He tastes it, but does not drink MARK 15:23	Wine and gall. He tastes it, but does not drink MATTHEW 27:34	Vinegar (sour wine) offered by soldiers LUKE 23:36	Vinegar (sour wine). He drinks it JOHN 19:29
What were Jesus' last words?	"Eloi, Eloi, lama sabachthani?" = "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?" MARK 15:34	"Eli, Eli, lama sabachthani?" = "My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me? MATTHEW 27:46	"Father, into thy hands I commit my spirit." LUKE 23:46	"It is finished." JOHN 19:30
How long was Jesus on cross?	6 hours Darkness from the sixth to the ninth hour (12 pm to 3 pm) MARK 15:33	6 hours Darkness from the sixth to the ninth hour (12 pm to 3 pm) MATTHEW 27:45	6 hours Darkness from the sixth to the ninth hour (12 pm to 3 pm) LUKE 23:44	No mention
What happened at point of his death?	Temple veil torn No earthquake MARK 15:38	Temple veil torn Huge earthquake, graves opened, saints resurrected MATTHEW 27:51-53	Temple veil torn No earthquake LUKE 23:45	No mention
Crucifixion \| AFTER
What do Roman soldiers say after the crucifixion?	"Truly this man was the son of God" MARK 15:39	"Truly this was the son of God" MATTHEW 27:54	"Truly this man was innocent" LUKE 23:47	No mention
What soldiers do to ensure Jesus is dead?	No mention	No mention	No mention	A soldier pierces Jesus' side with a spear; legs of others are broken JOHN 19:31-37
How does Pilate react to Jesus' death?	Pilate is surprised to hear that Jesus is dead in 6-hours of being nailed to the cross MARK 15:44	No mention	No mention	No mention
How did Jesus die after 6 hours on the cross?	Crucifixion was designed as a slow and painful means to death. Normally, a crucified person would take 3 to 7 days to die. The Romans would make a public example of the crucified person and leave them hanging for days or even weeks; so people could witness the ruthless nature of the Roman authorities
Burial In Tomb
Who is present at the burial?	Mary Magdalene Mary, mother of Joses MARK 15:47	Mary Magdalene "the other Mary" MATTHEW 27:61	Women are present but not named LUKE 23:55-56	No mention JOHN 19:38-42
Is Mary Magdalene at the burial?	YES MARK 15:47	YES MATTHEW 27:61	YES LUKE 23:55	No mention
What happened at the burial?	Joseph of Arimathaea asks Pilate for Jesus' body. Joseph wraps the body in a linen cloth, and buries Jesus in his own tomb. A stone is rolled over the door of the tomb			Joseph and Nicodemus wrap the body in a linen cloth with spices, and bury Jesus in a tomb JOHN 19:37-42
What happened at the burial?	MARK 15:42-46	MATTHEW 27:57-60	LUKE 23:50-53
Were guards placed at Tomb?	No mention	The Jews ask Pilate for guard. He gives a guard and seals Tomb MATTHEW 27:62-66	No mention	No mention
Who discovers the empty Tomb?	3 Women Mary Magdalene Mary, mother of James Salome MARK 16:1	2 Women Mary Magdalene "the other Mary" MATTHEW 28:1	3 Women Mary Magdalene Joanna Mary, mother of James "others with them" LUKE 24:10-11	1 Woman Mary Magdalene JOHN 20:1

Author: Guest • Updated: 21 May 2018

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