The Death and Crucifixion of Jesus

Exploring the Gospels of Matthew and John

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.