The Crucifixion - A Gospel Analysis

Judas betrays Jesus and he is arrested.

Servants ear is cut off.

Peter is in the courtyard and three times denies Jesus.

Jesus is brought before Pilate

Pilate asks if Jesus is a king.

Crowd chooses Barabbas for release.

They crucify Jesus.

Two criminals crucified with Jesus, one on either side.

There is sign with an inscription above him on the cross.

Jesus’ clothes divided.

Jesus is offered wine vinegar.

Jesus dies.

Women were at the scene of the crucifixion.

Jesus asks why not public arrest. (Matthew, Mark, Luke)

Jesus confronts arrestors and they fall to ground. (John)

Jesus’ followers flee scene of arrest. (Matthew, Mark)

Young follower flees naked. (Mark)

Jesus rejects violence in response to arrest. (Matthew, Mark, Luke)

Jesus brought before High Priest, Caiaphas. (Matthew, Mark, Luke)

Jesus brought before Annas, the father-in-law of Caiaphas. (John)

Caiaphas states that it is better for Jesus to die instead of a whole  nation. (John)

Jesus spit on, slapped, beat and or mocked. (Matthew, Mark, Luke)

Jesus blindfolded. (Mark, Luke)

Jesus hit by one of the officers for being disrespectful to High Priest. (John)

Jesus was bound before being sent to Pilate (Matthew, Mark)

Judas, filled with guilt, gives back the money and hangs himself (Matthew)

Jesus was taken to Herod (Luke)

Pilate’s wife has a dream. He washes his hands and says blood is on crowd’s hands. (Matthew)

Pilate declares Jesus’ innocence. (Luke, John)

Crowd claims to not have any king but Caesar. (John)

Robe put on Jesus was scarlet. (Matthew)

Robe put on Jesus was purple. (Mark, John)

Jesus mocked with a crown of thorns. (Matthew, Mark, Luke)

Simon of Cyrene carries cross. (Matthew, Mark, Luke)

Simon’s children named. (Mark)

Jesus addresses the weeping women. (Luke)

Chief priest complain to Pilate about the title Pilate gives to Jesus on the sign. (John)

The soldier’s cast lots for the seamless garment. (John)

Sign above Jesus has slightly different descriptions. Names him. (Matthew) Tells where is is from. (John)

Specifically names three Mary’s and links John as “son to mother.” (John)

28. Jesus is crucified in the third hour. (Mark)

Jesus’ conversation with the two thieves. (Luke)

Crowd mocks Jesus saying if he is the Son of God he could save himself. (Matthew, Mark, Luke)

Three hours of darkness, sixth to ninth hour. (Matthew, Mark, Luke)

Jesus offered wine mixed with gall. (Matthew) or mixed with myrrh (Mark) which he didn’t drink.

Jesus offered wine vinegar while on the cross after they say he calls for Elijah (Matthew, Mark), soldiers offer wine vinegar (Luke), and to fulfill scripture says he is thirsty. (John)

Jesus cries out, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Matthew, Mark)

“Loud cry.” (Matthew, Mark) “…I commit my Spirit.” (Luke) “It is finished.” (John)

Temple curtain ripped in two. (Matthew, Mark, Luke)

There was an earthquake, rocks split, tombs opened. (Matthew)

Centurion declares Jesus innocent. (Matthew, Mark, Luke)

Soldiers go to break the criminals legs, but Jesus was already dead. (John)

Pierced his side with a sword, water and blood come out. (John)

Crowd beat their breasts. (Luke)

Name some of the followers including the women that were there (Matthew, Mark)

Pilate surprised that Jesus is already dead. (Mark)

Two Mary’s watch burial (Matthew, Mark)

Women go home and prepare spices, but rest on the Sabbath. (Luke)

Nicodemus brought spices for the body. (John)

Jesus is buried in a tomb in a garden (John)

No one had been laid in the tomb before Jesus (Luke, John)

Jesus being placed in the tomb on Preparation day. (Luke, John)

18: 1-12 When Jesus was done praying he left with his disciples to a garden across the Kidron Valley. Judas knew where Jesus was so he led a mob of people to the garden to capture Jesus. Jesus, knew full-well what was going on asked them who they were looking for. They replied, “Jesus.” Jesus told him that”I am Jesus.” and they stepped back and dropped to the ground. So Jesus asked them again who they were looking for, and they replied with the same answer, “Jesus.” Jesus replied, “Didn’t I say I am Jesus, if you want me let the rest of these men go.” He said this so that the prediction down long ago could be fulfilled saying that he won’t lose any people God gave him. Then Simon Peter pulled out his sword and cut off the ear of one of the servants of the high priests names Malchus. Jesus told Peter to put away his sword, telling him that he needed to do this. The soldiers then took Jesus away. Then they took him to Annas.

15-18 Peter and another disciple followed Jesus. The other disciple was known by the high priest so he went into the courtyard with Jesus, but Peter couldn’t go in. The other disciple went back and talked to a hired girl who was working there at the door and told her to bring Peter in. The girl asked Peter if he was one of Jesus disciples. Peter said, “ No”. Then Peter went by the fire to warm himself.

19-23 The high priest began to question Jesus about his followers and what he was teaching. He said that he taught all the time in public, and why didn’t they just ask people that heard him was he said. A nearby official slapped Jesus in the face and asked, “Is this how you talked to the high priest?” Jesus said, “If I have said something wrong, then tell me what it is. But if what I said was correct, why did you slap me?” Annas then had Jesus tied up and sent to Caiaphas.

25-27 Peter was still warming himself as all this was taking place. So people around him asked him if he was a disciple, and again he said no. Then one of the servants went up to him and said he saw him in the garden, again Peter said he wasn’t a disciple and that that very moment a rooster crowed.

28-40 The leaders then took Jesus to Pilate. They didn’t go into the temple because they didn’t want to become defiled by being there, because they wanted to eat the Passover. So Pilate went outside and asked, “What has this man done?” They answered, “If he didn’t do anything why would we hand him over to you?” Pilate told them to judge him by their own law, but they said they didn’t have the right to kill people. Pilate then took Jesus inside and asked him if he was the king of the Jews. Jesus said, “Did someone tell you this or are you saying this because you think so?” Pilate replied, “I’m not one of your Nation! Your own people handed you over to me! What have you done?” Jesus replied, “My realm isn’t here on earth. If it were on earth, my disciples would have fought to protect me.” “Then you are a King!” Pilate declared. Jesus tells him he is right and goes on to say,  “Actually the reason I was born and came into this world was the tell the truth. Everyone who believes in truth listens to me.” Pilate shoots back, “What is truth?” Then, Pilate went outside and said to the leaders that he found  Jesus to be innocent, and if they wanted him to release Jesus. They shouted, “No! Give us Barabbas!” So he gave them Barabbas.

19: 1-16 Pilate then took Jesus to be whipped. The soldiers made a crown of thorns and put it on Jesus head. They also put a purple cloth around him, mocking him by saying, “Hail, King of the Jewish Nation!” Again Pilate went out to the Jews and said, “Here he is!” When they saw Jesus they yelled, “Crucify him!” Pilate told the leaders and the crowd to take him and crucify him, because he didn’t have any basis to execute Jesus. The leaders said that according to their law Jesus must die. Then Pilate took Jesus inside and asked him where he was from. Jesus didn’t answer. Pilate said, “Why don’t you answer me? Don’t you know I have the power to release you?” Jesus said, “You have no power over me unless it was given to you by God. But the people who handed me over have done worse than you.” Pilate kept trying to set Jesus free, but the people said that he would be no friend of Caesar if he let Jesus go. So, Pilate took Jesus to a place known as the Stone Pavement. It was the festival, around noon. Pilate said, “Here is your king.” They shouted, “Crucify him!” Pilate asked if he should kill their king. They said, “Our king is Caesar!” Finally Pilate gave Jesus to be executed. Then the soldiers took over Jesus.

17-27 Going up to Golgotha, Jesus was forced to carry his own cross. They crucified him with two others. A sign was put on his cross. It said that Jesus was from Nazareth and was King of the Jewish Nation. Any people who read the sign said it shouldn’t say that because he only claimed to be a king. Pilate replied, “I have written it.” The soldiers tore Jesus clothes of before they crucified him and they bet for his garments. Around the cross was Jesus’ mom, his mom’s sister, Mary (Clopas’ wife), and Mary Magdalene. When Jesus saw his mom, he said to her and his loved disciple, “Woman, this is your son,” and, “This is your mom.” And the disciple took her home him him.

28-37 Later that day Jesus said, “I’m thirsty.” He said this to fulfill what was written down about him a long time ago. They gave him a sponge filled with wine vinegar. After this Jesus said, “It is finished.” And with that Jesus died. Now this day was Friday before Sabbath, and they Jewish leaders didn’t want his body hanging. So they asked Pilate to break the legs of the people who were executed and have them brought down from the cross. So they did so. But they didn’t break Jesus legs because he was already dead. Instead the pierced Jesus and blood and water came out of him. The man who did this swears by it. These things happened to fulfill the predictions that Jesus wouldn’t have a bone broken, and that they will look at the person who was pierced.

22: 47-53 Jesus was talking when Judas, one of his twelve disciples showed up leading a large group. Judas kissed Jesus. Jesus said, “Judas are you handing me over with a kiss?” The disciples asked Jesus if they should strike back with their swords. And one even sliced off the ear of one hired people of the Chief leader. Jesus said, “No!” and put the man’s ear back together. Jesus asks the mob if they think he is a terrorist and why they didn’t arrest him at the temple. He says that they are using darkness as their time.

54-62 The people who arrested Jesus led him to the house of highest leader of the people. Peter, had followed to the courtyard of the house, and sat with the some people who had made a fire. Peter was noticed by a hired girl there. She looked at him and said that he was with Jesus. Peter denied this, telling her, “I don’t know him.”  Then, another person saw him and said, “You are one of them.” Peter again denies it and says “He is not!” An hour later another person said he must be a follower because he is from Galilee. Peter said, “You have know idea what you are talking about.” Right after that a male chicken crowed and Jesus looked at Peter. And Peter remembered Jesus had told him he would do that and so he went off and cried.

63-71 People who were watching Jesus started to make fun of him and but a blindfold on his eyes and hit him. They kept asking him who did the hitting. They also said other mean things to him. At the beginning of the day, the leaders questioned Jesus and asked him if he was the promised King. Jesus does answer them saying, “You wouldn’t believe what I say, and won’t answer if I ask. But, from this point I will be seated on the right hand sided of God who comes from the heavens.” So, they ask again if he if the Son of God. And Jesus said, “Yes.” They all say they don’t need anymore evidence. Jesus has said it himself.

23: 1-12 The whole group got up and led him to Pilate. They accused him of not paying taxes and of saying he was the King of the Nation. Pilate asked Jesus whether or not he was the King of the Jews. Jesus replies, “You said it, not me.” Pilate declares he is innocent. But, the nations leaders tell him that he has been teaching people his truth all over Judea, from Galilee to here. Upon hearing that Jesus was from Galilee he sent him to Herod, who was in charge there, but happened to be in Jerusalem. Herod was really happy to meet Jesus because he has wanted to for a while. He was hoping Jesus would do a miracle for him. He asked Jesus lots of questions, but he didn’t answer. The leaders and religious people were there throwing accusations at Jesus. Then, Herod and his guards made fun of Jesus. They put him in a rich robe and sent him back to Pilate. Pilate and Herod were enemies before this, now they were friends.

13-25 Pilate called the leaders and religious people together. He told them that neither he nor Herod found that Jesus had not been creating a rebellion and that he had done nothing wrong. Herod had sent him back to him, so he would punish Jesus and let him go. The people said they wanted Barabbas and to take Jesus away. Barabbas was a terrorist in prison who had committed murder and his gang. Pilate wanted to release Jesus so asked them again. They kept saying to execute him. So, even a third time he asked the crowd again, “What he had done to deserve death, let me punish him and let him go. But they just kept shouting to crucify him and they won. Pilate gave into them and let Barabbas who they had asked for and gave Jesus over to them.

26-34 When they were going out to the place of execution they saw a man named Simon who came from Cyrene and told him he had to carry the cross behind Jesus. There were a lot of people who followed them, including women who were making a lot of mourning noise. Jesus turned to them and said they shouldn’t cry for him, but for themselves and their children. That there will be a time that they wish they didn’t have children and that they would say to the mountains, “Fall on us.” and to the hills, “Cover us.” What will they do when things get really bad? There were two criminals getting executed at the same time as Jesus at the place who’s name means “The skull place.” They were placed on the right and left side of Jesus. Then, they divided the clothes between them by gambling for it. 35-43 People were walking by and making fun of him. The leaders also did the same thing. They pointed out he would help others but not himself. Then the soldiers started to make fun of him too, but then they then offered him some vinegar. They put a sign above him that said he was the King of the Nation. One of the criminals started making fun of him. But, the other one warned him that it wasn’t a good idea. He said they had been convicted fairly and deserved this punishment, but that Jesus was innocent. He then asked Jesus to keep him in mind when he became King. Jesus said he would and that he would go to heaven.

44-49 At noon it was pitch black outside for three hours, because there was no sun. When the three hours were up, the big church curtain was torn in two. Jesus cried out, “I am giving my breath back to you my Father.” And then he died. One of the Jesus’ guards was so amazed by all of this that he claimed that Jesus must really be good and holy man. People who had gathered and watched hit their chests and then left. The women believers from Galilee watched from a distance.

14: 43-47 He was talking, when Judas, one of twelve disciples showed up with a large group carrying weapons, who were sent by the religious leaders, professors and leaders. The traitor had planned a signal that was that Judas would kiss the man to be arrested and then the guards could lead him away. Judas went immediately, to Jesus and kissed him and said, “Teacher!” The mobbed stepped forward and arrested him. But, someone standing there reached for his sword and sliced off the ear of the worker of the Chief clergyman standing there. 48-52 “Am I in charge of a terrorist group?” Jesus asks. He then asks why they didn’t arrest him in the daylight. Jesus again points out that this was to fulfill what was said in the word of God. All the disciples then leave him. A young believer of Jesus was there and only wearing a piece of fabric. When the mob grabbed at him it fell off and he ran away naked.

53-59 The people took Jesus to the highest leader of the people where the elders and other leaders had gathered. Meanwhile, Peter, who had followed him to the courtyard of the elders, and tried to warm up by the fire. The leaders of the temple looked for fake evidence to attack and kill him with. The thing is they couldn’t find any evidence, but many witnesses still came out against even though their statements didn’t agree. Then some specifically came out and said that Jesus had said he would destroy the temple made by the nation, but then rebuild it three days without the use of hands. But, their statements didn’t match either. 60-65 The leaders were angry and asked Jesus, “Are you going to answer us or not, in response to the accusations.” Jesus didn’t say anything though. The chief leader asked again, told him, “Are you are the King, the Lamb of God.” Jesus answers them saying, “Yes, and you will see me seated on the right hand sided of God who comes from the heavens.” The chief leader tore his clothes showing his anger and asks the rest of them why they need anymore evidence. Jesus has committed a terrible sin. “He deserves death!” they all shout. The leaders then, punch him, with their hands spit on him and blindfolded him. They taunted him to tell them who was going to hit him.

66-72 Peter was sitting in the courtyard, and a hired girl went by where he was getting warm and looked carefully at Jesus. She stated he was with Jesus. Peter denied this, telling her, “I don’t know what you are saying. Then, he went to the door. The same hired girl saw him and said to the others gathered there, “That guy follows Jesus.” Peter again denies it and even swears he doesn’t know him.  And then even more people came up and was telling him that must be one of Jesus’ followers. Peter lets out a string of curses and absolutely swears that he does not know Jesus. Right after that a male chicken crowed the second time. Peter remembers that Jesus had told him he would reject him and so he went off and cried.

15: 1-5 In the early dawn all the leaders and elderly schemed how they could get Jesus. They tied him up and let him to Pilate who was the Governor of the area. Pilate asked Jesus whether or not he was the King of the people. Jesus replies, “You said it, not me.” When he was blamed by the leaders, he didn’t answer. Pilate asks if he understood the charges against him. But, Jesus still didn’t answer. This made Pilate marvel. 6-15 There was a tradition for the Governor to let a prisoner of choice go at this time. There was a terrorist in prison who had committed murder and his gang. His name was Barabbas. So, when a crowd had gathered, they asked Pilate to let someone go from custody. Pilate asks whether they want Jesus let go. Pilate knew that they were just trying to get Jesus, but he really hadn’t done anything wrong. But, the leaders had got the crowd worked up to ask for Barabbas instead. Then, he asks them what he is supposed to do with Jesus. They whole crowd tells him to crucify him. Pilate wants to know what he had done to deserve that, but they just kept shouting to crucify him. So, to make the crowd happy he let Barabbas go and had Jesus lashed and let the people execute him.

16-20 The guards to Jesus to the statehouse and got some of the other guards to come to. They took his clothes off and replaced it with a purple robe. Twisting together some long branches with thorns they made a crown to put on his head. They pretended to worship him, calling him a king. They took the stick and hit his head over and over, then they spit on him. After they were done making fun of him, they took off the robe and put his clothes back on and took him away to be executed.

21-32 When they were leading Jesus away, they saw Simon, from Cyrene who has children named Alexander and Rufus. They told him he had to carry the cross for Jesus. They got to the place whose name means “The skull place” and offered Jesus a drink that would numb the pain. But, Jesus didn’t drink it. So, they took off his clothes and crucified him, then divided the clothes between them by gambling for it. It was nine in the morning. They put the charge against Jesus on a sign above him saying he was the King of the Nation. Two criminals were executed right by him one on one side the other on the other side. People were walking by and making fun and yelling slander at him, saying how would he destroy and rebuild the temple. He should get off the cross and save himself. They pointed out he would help others but not himself. The criminals also mocked him too.

33-40 At noon it was pitch black outside for three hours. At three in the afternoon, Jesus yells out to God, “Why have you thrown me away.”  But, the people that were there thought he was talking to Elijah. So, they went and got a sponge that was soaked in a fermented liquid, put it on a stick and gave it to Jesus to drink. They then waited to see if Elijah would save him. But, Jesus cried out and then died. At that moment the big church curtain was torn in two. One of the Jesus’ guards was so amazed by all of this that he claimed that Jesus must really be related to God. Many women who had followed Jesus and took care of things were there, but a little ways away, including Mary Magdalene and Mary, mother of James and Joseph and Salome.

26: 47-51 Jesus was talking when Judas, one of his disciples showed up with a large group carrying weapons, who were part of the clergyman. The traitor had planned a signal that was that Judas would kiss the man to be arrested. Immediately, after Judas kissed Jesus, he said, “Hello Rabbi.” Jesus retorted, “Do what you will, friend.” The mobbed stepped forward, grabbed Jesus and arrested him. But, then one of the disciples reached for his sword and sliced off the ear of the padawan of the Chief clergyman standing there. 52-56 Jesus told him to put his sword away that if you live by the sword you will die by it. Jesus tells him that he has armies of angels at his disposal, but that this needed to happen to make scripture true. At that time he asks the mob some questions as to why they didn’t arrest him in the daylight, and why they were treating him as a rebel. Jesus again points out this was to fulfill what was said in the word of God. All the disciples then leave him. 57-61 The people who arrested Jesus led him to Caiaphas the highest leader of the people where the elders and other leaders had gathered. Meanwhile, Peter, who had followed him to the courtyard of the elders, and sat with the soldiers to watch. The leaders of the temple looked for fake evidence to attack and kill him with. The thing is they couldn’t find any evidence, but many witnesses still came out against him. Two specifically came out and one said that Jesus had said he would destroy the temple, but then reform it three days later. 62-68 The leaders were angry and shouted at Jesus asking, “Are you going to answer us or not, in response to the accusations.” The leaders told him, “Under oath of our breathing God, you must answer us whether you think you are the King, the Lamb of God.” Jesus does answer them saying, “You say this, but I am telling everyone here you will see me seated on the right hand sided of God who comes from the heavens.” So, Caiaphas the main leader tore his clothes showing his anger and asks the rest of them why they need anymore evidence. Jesus has committed a terrible sin. “He deserves death!” they all shout. The leaders then, punch him, spit on him and slapped him. They taunted him to tell them who was going to hit him.69-75 Peter sitting in the courtyard, was asked by a hired girl at the door if he was with Jesus. Peter denied this, telling her, “I don’t know him.”  Then, in the gateway another hired girl saw him and said to the others gathered there, “That guy follows Jesus.” Peter again denies it and even swears he doesn’t know him.  And then even more people came up and was telling him that because he talks like them he must be one of Jesus’ followers. Peter lets out a string of curses and absolutely swears that he does not know Jesus. Right after that a male chicken crowed. Peter remembers that Jesus had told him he would and so he went off and cried.

27: 1-5 In the early dawn all the leaders and elderly schemed how they could get Jesus. They tied him up and let him to Pilate who was the Governor of the area. When the traitor Judas saw that they found him to be guilty he became very sad and was filled with regret. He went to the clergy and gave them back their money, 30 pieces of silver, and said that he betrayed and innocent man. They just looked at the money and told Judas that that was his problem. So, Judas just threw the money into the temple and stormed off and committed suicide by hanging himself. 6-10 The leaders picked up the money and said that they couldn’t put the money in their bank since it was blood money, but could by a field from one of the local craftsman. By doing this they fulfilled what Jeremiah had predicted a long time ago and that field is still called the Field with blood, when he said they would take 30 pieces of money and by the Potter’s field as God said.

11-18 As that was happening, Jesus was standing before Pilate. Pilate asked Jesus whether or not he was the King of the Jews. Jesus replies, “You said it, not me.” When he was blamed by the leaders, he didn’t answer. Pilate asks if he understood the charges against him. But, Jesus still didn’t answer. This made Pilate wonder. There was a tradition for the Governor to let a prisoner go at this time. There was a terrorist in prison that everyone knew named Barabbas. So, when a crowd had gathered, Pilate then gave them choice as to who they wanted him to let go from custody, Jesus or Barabbas. Pilate knew that they were just trying to get Jesus, but he really hadn’t done anything wrong. 19-26 Pilate was sitting on a seat and his wife sent him a note saying that she had had a dream and that Pilate should not condemn Jesus because he was upset over dream. But, the leaders kept pressuring the crowd to have Barabbas released. So, to be sure Pilate asked the crowd again, “Who do you want me to let go?” They firmly say, “Barabbas.” Then, he asks them what he is supposed to do with Jesus. They whole crowd tells him to crucify him. Pilate wants to know what he had done to deserve that, but they just kept shouting to crucify him. So, he got his servant to bring out a bowl and made a show that he was washing his hands of the matter. He did not want to take responsibility for taking an innocent man’s blood. All the people there agreed that Jesus’ death was their and their children’s faults. So, he let Barabbas go and had Jesus lashed and let the people execute him.

27-31 The guards to Jesus to the shelter and got some of the other guards to come to. They took his clothes off and replaced it with a bright red robe. Twisting together some long branches with thorns they made a crown to put on his head. They gave him a stick and then pretended to worship him, calling him a king. Then they started spitting on him and took the stick to beat him with it over and over. After they were done making fun of him, they put his clothes back on and took him away to be executed.

32-37 When they were going out to the place of execution they saw a strong man named Simon who came from Cyrene and told him he had to carry the cross for Jesus. They got to the place who’s name means “The skull place” and offer Jesus a drink that would help numb the pain. But, when Jesus tasted it he declined to drink it. So, they took off his clothes and crucified him, then divided the clothes between them by gambling for it. Then, they sat down and guarded the cross and even put the charge against Jesus on a sign above him saying he was the King of the Nation. 38-44 Two criminals were executed right by him one on one side the other on the other side. People were walking by and making fun and yelling slander at him, saying how would he destroy and rebuild the temple if he couldn’t even save himself. They told him to come down from the cross if he was really God’s son. The leaders also did the same thing. They pointed out he would help others but not himself. They say if he trusts God so much then let God help get him out of the situation, because he says he is related to God. The criminals also mocked him like the rest.

45-50 For three hours it was pitch black outside. When the three hours were up, Jesus yells out to God, “Why have you thrown me away.”  But, the people that were there thought he was talking to Elijah. So, they went and got a sponge that was soaked in a fermented liquid, put it on a stick and gave it to Jesus to drink. They then waited to see if Elijah would save him. But, Jesus cried out and then died. 51-56 At that moment there was a big earthquake, the big church curtain was torn in two, large pieces of earth also were broken in half and good people who were dead came back to life. Many of them that came back to life went into the city and talked to people that lived there. One of the Jesus’ guards was so amazed by all of this that he claimed that Jesus must really be related to God as his son. Many women who had followed Jesus and took care of things were there, but a little ways away. Two Marys and another mother of Jesus’ followers.