The Death of the The Death of the MessiahMessiah

The Crucifixion, Death, and Burial of The Crucifixion, Death, and Burial of JesusJesus

Series OutlineSeries Outline

!! Mar. 14:Mar. 14: 1. Jesus prays and is arrested in 1. Jesus prays and is arrested in Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives, Across Gethsemane on the Mount of Olives, Across the the KidronKidron!! Mark 14:26Mark 14:26--52; Matt 26:3052; Matt 26:30--56; Luke 22:3956; Luke 22:39--53; 53;

John 18:1John 18:1--1111!! Mar. 21:Mar. 21: 2. Jesus Before the Jewish 2. Jesus Before the Jewish

AuthoritiesAuthorities!! Mark 14:53Mark 14:53��15:1; Matt 26:5715:1; Matt 26:57��27:10; Luke 27:10; Luke

22:5422:54��23:1; John 18:1223:1; John 18:12--28a 28a

Series OutlineSeries Outline

!! Mar. 28:Mar. 28: 3. Jesus before Pilate, the Roman 3. Jesus before Pilate, the Roman GovernorGovernor!! Mark 15:2Mark 15:2--20a; Matt 27:1120a; Matt 27:11--31a; Luke 23:231a; Luke 23:2--25; 25;

John 18:28bJohn 18:28b��19:16a19:16a!! Apr. 4:Apr. 4: 4. Jesus is crucified and dies on 4. Jesus is crucified and dies on

Golgotha. He is buried nearbyGolgotha. He is buried nearby!! Mark 15:20bMark 15:20b--47; Matt 27:31b47; Matt 27:31b--66; Luke 23:2666; Luke 23:26--56; 56;

John 19:16bJohn 19:16b--4242

MarkMark

The Crucifixion, Death and Burial of The Crucifixion, Death and Burial of Jesus. Mark 15:21Jesus. Mark 15:21--4747

MarkMark

!! Shortest account of the crucifixionShortest account of the crucifixion!! On the way to the cross:On the way to the cross:

!! Simon of Simon of CyreneCyrene introduced through his sons introduced through his sons Alexander and Rufus (perhaps men known in Alexander and Rufus (perhaps men known in MarkMark��s community)s community)

MarkMark

!! Act of crucifixion:Act of crucifixion:!! Extremely laconic descriptionExtremely laconic description!! Highlights some curious details:Highlights some curious details:

!! Offering of wine mixed with myrrh (Psalm 69:22 Offering of wine mixed with myrrh (Psalm 69:22 NRSV: NRSV: ����and for my thirst they gave me and for my thirst they gave me vinegar to drinkvinegar to drink��))

!! Division of the garments (Psalm 22:18 NRSV: Division of the garments (Psalm 22:18 NRSV: ��they they divide my clothes among themselves, and for divide my clothes among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lotsmy clothing they cast lots��))

MarkMark!! Uses an organizing Uses an organizing ��pattern of threes:pattern of threes:��

!! Chronological pattern of third, sixth, and ninth Chronological pattern of third, sixth, and ninth hours (9 am, noon, 3 pm)hours (9 am, noon, 3 pm)

!! Between third (9 am) and sixth hours (noon), three Between third (9 am) and sixth hours (noon), three groups mock Jesus:groups mock Jesus:!! 1. Chance passers1. Chance passers--by refer to Sanhedrin charge he said by refer to Sanhedrin charge he said

he would destroy the temple and rebuild it, and he would destroy the temple and rebuild it, and challenge him to save himself (echoes Psalm 22:7 challenge him to save himself (echoes Psalm 22:7 NRSV: NRSV: ��All who see me mock at me; they make All who see me mock at me; they make mouths at me, they shake their headsmouths at me, they shake their heads��))

!! 2. Chief priests and scribes mock another Sanhedrin 2. Chief priests and scribes mock another Sanhedrin charge, that he was the Messiah, the King of Israelcharge, that he was the Messiah, the King of Israel

!! 3. 3. BothBoth criminals crucified with Jesus mock himcriminals crucified with Jesus mock him

MarkMark

!! From the sixth hour (noon) to the ninth hour (3 From the sixth hour (noon) to the ninth hour (3 pm), nature is plunged into darkness covering the pm), nature is plunged into darkness covering the whole landwhole land!! Echoes Amos 8:9 (NRSV): Echoes Amos 8:9 (NRSV): ��On that day, says the On that day, says the

Lord GOD, I will make the sun go down at Lord GOD, I will make the sun go down at noon, and darken the earth in broad daylight.noon, and darken the earth in broad daylight.��

!! At the ninth hour (3 pm), Jesus cries out in a loud At the ninth hour (3 pm), Jesus cries out in a loud voice the voice the only wordsonly words that Mark reports: that Mark reports: ��My God, My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?my God, why have you forsaken me?��(15:34 NRSV)(15:34 NRSV)!! = the opening line of Psalm 22= the opening line of Psalm 22

MarkMark

!! JesusJesus�� anguished cry should not be softenedanguished cry should not be softened!! Note that although the cry is quoted in Aramaic Note that although the cry is quoted in Aramaic ��

JesusJesus�� family language family language �� Jesus refers to God as Jesus refers to God as ��GodGod�� rather than the more personal rather than the more personal ��FatherFather��

MarkMark!! Reaction to JesusReaction to Jesus�� cry:cry:

!! Sponge filled with sour wineSponge filled with sour wine!! Cynicism whether Elijah would help himCynicism whether Elijah would help him

!! These cynical words are the last human words Jesus These cynical words are the last human words Jesus hears before he dies. No Elijah comes to deliver himhears before he dies. No Elijah comes to deliver him

!! John the Baptist had come in ElijahJohn the Baptist had come in Elijah��s role and had died s role and had died a martyra martyr��s death, pointing to Jesuss death, pointing to Jesus�� fate (Mark 9:12fate (Mark 9:12--13 13 NRSV [Jesus speaking]: NRSV [Jesus speaking]: ��How then is it written How then is it written about the Son of Man, that he is to go through about the Son of Man, that he is to go through many sufferings and be treated with contempt. many sufferings and be treated with contempt. But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did But I tell you that Elijah has come, and they did to him whatever they pleasedto him whatever they pleased����))

MarkMark

!! JesusJesus�� death:death:!! ��Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed

his last.his last.�� (15:37 NRSV)(15:37 NRSV)!! Evokes Joel 2:10Evokes Joel 2:10--11 NRSV: 11 NRSV: ���� The sun and The sun and

the moon are darkened, and the stars the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining. The LORD utters withdraw their shining. The LORD utters his voice at the head of his armyhis voice at the head of his army����

MarkMark

!! At the moment of JesusAt the moment of Jesus�� death the curtain in death the curtain in the temple is torn in twothe temple is torn in two!! Two possible meanings:Two possible meanings:

!! 1. God1. God��s displeasure at abandoning the Temples displeasure at abandoning the Temple!! 2. The opening of a once2. The opening of a once--closed sacred place to a wider closed sacred place to a wider

audience audience �� including the Gentilesincluding the Gentiles

!! Brown suggests the first is more likely the Brown suggests the first is more likely the intended meaning. The violent rending, like the intended meaning. The violent rending, like the High Priest tearing his garments at the Sanhedrin High Priest tearing his garments at the Sanhedrin trial, evokes the sense of trial, evokes the sense of ��schismschism��

MarkMark

!! The rending of the Temple curtain is also the The rending of the Temple curtain is also the incipient fulfillment of first charge made of Jesus at incipient fulfillment of first charge made of Jesus at the Sanhedrin trial the Sanhedrin trial ��I will destroy this Temple I will destroy this Temple that is made with human handsthat is made with human hands����

!! Then the Roman centurion is moved to confess Then the Roman centurion is moved to confess ��Truly this man was GodTruly this man was God��s Son!s Son!�� (15:39 (15:39 NRSV) NRSV) �� answering the second charge against Jesus answering the second charge against Jesus at the Sanhedrin trial, that he was the at the Sanhedrin trial, that he was the ��Messiah, the Messiah, the Son of the Blessed OneSon of the Blessed One��!! The first time in MarkThe first time in Mark��s gospel someone has recognized s gospel someone has recognized

Jesus as GodJesus as God��s Sons Son

MarkMark

!! At his death, Jesus is vindicated, and God At his death, Jesus is vindicated, and God answers his cry:answers his cry:!! The The Temple is replacedTemple is replaced as the center of worship as the center of worship

by Godby God��s own Sons own Son��!! Who will now be confessed as Who will now be confessed as GodGod��s Sons Son by by

Gentiles and JewsGentiles and Jews!! Only after the centurionOnly after the centurion��s confession does s confession does

Mark tell us many women followers (but no Mark tell us many women followers (but no men) had been looking on at a distancemen) had been looking on at a distance

MarkMark

!! Joseph of Joseph of ArimatheaArimathea, respected member of the , respected member of the Sanhedrin, Sanhedrin, ��who was also himself waiting who was also himself waiting expectantly for the kingdom of God,expectantly for the kingdom of God,�� goes to goes to Pilate that evening to ask for the body of JesusPilate that evening to ask for the body of Jesus!! Note in Mark, Note in Mark, allall members of the Sanhedrin had members of the Sanhedrin had

found Jesus deserving of deathfound Jesus deserving of death

MarkMark

!! Both the centurion and Joseph of Both the centurion and Joseph of ArimatheaArimatheahad been moved to faith by Jesushad been moved to faith by Jesus�� passion and passion and death on the crossdeath on the cross

!! Dramatizes MarkDramatizes Mark��s theological outlook on the s theological outlook on the passion: passion: ��People can believe and become true People can believe and become true disciples only through the suffering disciples only through the suffering symbolized by a cross which strips away symbolized by a cross which strips away human supports and makes one totally human supports and makes one totally dependent on God.dependent on God.�� (Brown)(Brown)

MarkMark

!! MarkMark��s vision of crucifixion more severe and s vision of crucifixion more severe and stark than the other Gospel writersstark than the other Gospel writers��!! Perhaps reflects a message on suffering to the Perhaps reflects a message on suffering to the

community he wrote for, traditionally felt to be the community he wrote for, traditionally felt to be the Christian community in Rome, which had recently Christian community in Rome, which had recently suffered a large number of brutal martyrdoms suffered a large number of brutal martyrdoms under Emperor Nerounder Emperor Nero

MarkMark

!! End of the Passion narrative:End of the Passion narrative:!! Unique to Mark among the Synoptic Gospels:Unique to Mark among the Synoptic Gospels:

Pilate checks whether Jesus is really deadPilate checks whether Jesus is really dead!! Mark also stresses that Mary Magdalene and Mary Mark also stresses that Mary Magdalene and Mary

the mother of the mother of JosesJoses both witnessed where the body both witnessed where the body was laid, preparing us for their Sunday visit to the was laid, preparing us for their Sunday visit to the tombtomb

MatthewMatthew

The Crucifixion, Death and Burial of The Crucifixion, Death and Burial of Jesus. Matthew 27:32Jesus. Matthew 27:32--6666

MatthewMatthew

!! As in the rest of the Passion narrative, closely As in the rest of the Passion narrative, closely follows Markfollows Mark��s accounts account

!! Simon of Simon of CyreneCyrene compelled to carry the crosscompelled to carry the cross!! Matthew makes correspondence to Old Matthew makes correspondence to Old

Testament texts more preciseTestament texts more precise!! Jesus offered sour wine Jesus offered sour wine mixed with gallmixed with gall, more , more

closely echoing Psalm 69:21: closely echoing Psalm 69:21: ��The gave me The gave me poison (gall) for food, and for my thirst poison (gall) for food, and for my thirst they gave me vinegar (sour wine) to drinkthey gave me vinegar (sour wine) to drink��

MatthewMatthew!! Three groups, as in Mark, mock Jesus on the cross:Three groups, as in Mark, mock Jesus on the cross:

!! 1. Passers1. Passers--by mock claim to destroy the templeby mock claim to destroy the temple!! 2. Chief priests, scribes, and elders mock claim to be the 2. Chief priests, scribes, and elders mock claim to be the

Son of GodSon of God!! 3. 3. BothBoth bandits crucified with Jesus mock himbandits crucified with Jesus mock him

!! MatthewMatthew��s phrasing of mockery strengthens reference s phrasing of mockery strengthens reference to Psalm 22:7to Psalm 22:7--8 (NRSV): 8 (NRSV): ��All who see me mock All who see me mock at me, they make mouths at me, they shake at me, they make mouths at me, they shake their heads; their heads; ��Commit your cause to the Commit your cause to the LORD; let him deliver LORD; let him deliver �� let him rescue the let him rescue the one in whom he delights!one in whom he delights!��

MatthewMatthew

!! Darkness covers the land from the sixth (noon) Darkness covers the land from the sixth (noon) to the ninth hour (3 pm)to the ninth hour (3 pm)

!! At the ninth hour (3 pm): Jesus cries out Psalm At the ninth hour (3 pm): Jesus cries out Psalm 22:1 in his only statement in Matthew: 22:1 in his only statement in Matthew: ��My My God, my God, why have you forsaken God, my God, why have you forsaken me?me?��!! MatthewMatthew��s Aramaic quote is the more Hebraized s Aramaic quote is the more Hebraized

Eli, Eli, Eli, Eli, lemalema sabachthanisabachthani versus Markversus Mark��s s EloiEloi, , EloiEloi, lama , lama sabachthanisabachthani, , making the making the misunderstanding that he was calling for Elijah misunderstanding that he was calling for Elijah more understandablemore understandable

MatthewMatthew

��Matthew, following Mark, does not hesitate Matthew, following Mark, does not hesitate to show Jesus in the utter agony of feeling to show Jesus in the utter agony of feeling forsaken as he faces a terrible death. We are forsaken as he faces a terrible death. We are not far here from the not far here from the christologychristology of Hebrews of Hebrews which portrays Jesus as experiencing the which portrays Jesus as experiencing the whole human condition, like us in everything whole human condition, like us in everything except sin.except sin.��

-- Brown, page 44Brown, page 44

MatthewMatthew

!! At JesusAt Jesus�� death, the Temple curtain is torn in death, the Temple curtain is torn in two (common to Mark, Matthew, Luke)two (common to Mark, Matthew, Luke)!! Unique to Matthew:Unique to Matthew: earthquake, rocks split, tombs earthquake, rocks split, tombs

opened, the dead riseopened, the dead rise!! Jewish historian Josephus described such Jewish historian Josephus described such

wondrous events when Romans destroyed the wondrous events when Romans destroyed the templetemple

MatthewMatthew!! Strengthens evocation of Old Testament Strengthens evocation of Old Testament

apocalyptic passages:apocalyptic passages:!! Joel 2:10 (NRSV): Joel 2:10 (NRSV): ��The earth quakes before The earth quakes before

them, the heavens tremble. The sun and the them, the heavens tremble. The sun and the moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw moon are darkened, and the stars withdraw their shining.their shining.��

!! Ezekiel 37:12 (NRSV): Ezekiel 37:12 (NRSV): ��Thus says the Lord GOD: Thus says the Lord GOD: I am going to open your graves, and bring you I am going to open your graves, and bring you up from your graves, O my people; and I will up from your graves, O my people; and I will bring you back to the land of Israel.bring you back to the land of Israel.��

!! Isaiah 26:19 (NRSV): Isaiah 26:19 (NRSV): ��Your dead shall live, their Your dead shall live, their corpses shall rise. O dwellers in the dust, corpses shall rise. O dwellers in the dust, awake and sing for joy! For your dew is a awake and sing for joy! For your dew is a radiant dew, and the earth will give birth to radiant dew, and the earth will give birth to those long dead.those long dead.��

MatthewMatthew!! Nahum 1:5Nahum 1:5--6 (NRSV): 6 (NRSV): ��The mountains quake The mountains quake

before him, and the hills melt; the earth heaves before him, and the hills melt; the earth heaves before him, the world and all who live in it. Who before him, the world and all who live in it. Who can stand before his indignation? Who can can stand before his indignation? Who can endure the heat of his anger? His wrath is endure the heat of his anger? His wrath is poured out like fire, and by him the rocks are poured out like fire, and by him the rocks are broken in pieces.broken in pieces.��

!! Daniel 12:2 (NRSV): Daniel 12:2 (NRSV): ��Many of those who sleep in Many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.everlasting contempt.��

MatthewMatthew

!! Just as JesusJust as Jesus�� birth is marked by Matthew with birth is marked by Matthew with a wondrous sign (a new star in the heavens), so a wondrous sign (a new star in the heavens), so too is his death too is his death �� even more soeven more so

!! The Centurion, as well as those with him, The Centurion, as well as those with him, seeing these wonders, are moved to confess seeing these wonders, are moved to confess ��Truly this man was GodTruly this man was God��s Son!s Son!��

!! Matthew also mentions the many women who Matthew also mentions the many women who had been looking on from a distancehad been looking on from a distance

MatthewMatthew

!! Tradition of Joseph of Tradition of Joseph of ArimatheaArimathea, common to , common to all the Gospels, is embellished:all the Gospels, is embellished:!! A A ��rich manrich man��

!! In MatthewIn Matthew��s community, model of a rich saint not s community, model of a rich saint not repugnantrepugnant

!! A A ��disciple of Jesusdisciple of Jesus��!! Laid Jesus in his Laid Jesus in his ownown tombtomb

MatthewMatthew

!! If Joseph was a disciple of Jesus at that time, why did If Joseph was a disciple of Jesus at that time, why did the women not participate with the burial?the women not participate with the burial?

!! Perhaps MatthewPerhaps Matthew��s Joseph reflects a memory of him s Joseph reflects a memory of him as a pious Jew who buried Jesus per Deuteronomy as a pious Jew who buried Jesus per Deuteronomy 21:2221:22--23, and who later became a disciple23, and who later became a disciple!! Deut. 21:22Deut. 21:22--23 (NRSV): 23 (NRSV): ��When someone is When someone is

convicted of a crime punishable by death and is convicted of a crime punishable by death and is executed, and you hang him on a tree, his corpse executed, and you hang him on a tree, his corpse must not remain all night on the tree; you shall must not remain all night on the tree; you shall bury him that same day.bury him that same day.��

MatthewMatthew

!! Unique to Matthew:Unique to Matthew: chief priests and Pharisees chief priests and Pharisees go to Pilate and ask that guards be posted on go to Pilate and ask that guards be posted on the tomb, because the tomb, because ��that imposter said that imposter said while he was still alive while he was still alive ��After three days After three days I will rise againI will rise again���� (27:42 NRSV)(27:42 NRSV)!! Historicity of this questioned by some:Historicity of this questioned by some:

!! Followers of Jesus showed no expectation that Jesus Followers of Jesus showed no expectation that Jesus would risewould rise

!! In other Gospels, no sense the women coming to tomb In other Gospels, no sense the women coming to tomb Easter morning would face armed guardsEaster morning would face armed guards

MatthewMatthew

!! Guards at the tomb:Guards at the tomb:!! This information perhaps important to MatthewThis information perhaps important to Matthew��s s

community in their battle with the synagoguecommunity in their battle with the synagogue!! Chief priests after the resurrection bribe the Chief priests after the resurrection bribe the

soldiers to lie and say his disciples had stolen the soldiers to lie and say his disciples had stolen the body. body. ��And this story is still told among the And this story is still told among the Jews to this dayJews to this day�� (28:15 NRSV)(28:15 NRSV)

MatthewMatthew

!! Guards at the tomb:Guards at the tomb:!! Theologically, helps Matthew illustrate the Theologically, helps Matthew illustrate the

awesome power of God:awesome power of God:!! Earth shakes on Sunday morningEarth shakes on Sunday morning!! Guards grovel in fearGuards grovel in fear!! Tomb opensTomb opens

LukeLuke

The Crucifixion, Death and Burial of The Crucifixion, Death and Burial of Jesus. Luke 23:26Jesus. Luke 23:26--5656

LukeLuke

!! Luke offers a particularly unique portrait in this Luke offers a particularly unique portrait in this section of the Passion narrativesection of the Passion narrative

!! There is no mocking of Jesus in Luke by the Roman There is no mocking of Jesus in Luke by the Roman soldiers after sentencing by Pilatesoldiers after sentencing by Pilate

!! ��he [Pilate] handed Jesus over as they [chief he [Pilate] handed Jesus over as they [chief priests, Jewish leaders, and the people] priests, Jewish leaders, and the people] wished. As they led him awaywished. As they led him away���� (23:25(23:25--26 26 NRSV): creates impression that the chief priests, NRSV): creates impression that the chief priests, Jewish leaders and the people take Jesus to CalvaryJewish leaders and the people take Jesus to Calvary!! Luke 23:36: first mention of soldiers (presumably Roman)Luke 23:36: first mention of soldiers (presumably Roman)

LukeLuke!! Unique to Luke:Unique to Luke: a group of Jewish people who a group of Jewish people who

are not Jesusare not Jesus�� disciples follow him, moved by disciples follow him, moved by his sufferinghis suffering!! Jesus addresses them: Jesus addresses them: ��Daughters of Daughters of

Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep Jerusalem, do not weep for me, but weep for yourselves and for your children. For for yourselves and for your children. For the days are surely coming when they will the days are surely coming when they will say say ��Blessed are the barren, and the Blessed are the barren, and the wombs that never bore, and the breasts wombs that never bore, and the breasts that never nursedthat never nursed�� Then they will say to the Then they will say to the mountains mountains ��Fall on usFall on us��, and to the hills, , and to the hills, ��Cover usCover us���� (Luke 23:28(Luke 23:28--31 NRSV)31 NRSV)

LukeLuke!! Luke usually shows great reluctance to have Luke usually shows great reluctance to have

Jesus speak harshly; here JesusJesus speak harshly; here Jesus�� warning:warning:!! Reflects the destruction of Jerusalem by the Reflects the destruction of Jerusalem by the

Romans in 70 AD (just before Luke was writing)Romans in 70 AD (just before Luke was writing)!! Uses language borrowed from Isaiah 54:1 and Uses language borrowed from Isaiah 54:1 and

Hosea 10:8Hosea 10:8!! Isaiah 54:1 (NRSV): Isaiah 54:1 (NRSV): ��Sing, O barren one who did Sing, O barren one who did

not bear; burst into song and shout, you who not bear; burst into song and shout, you who have not been in labor!have not been in labor!��

!! Hosea 10:8 (NRSV): Hosea 10:8 (NRSV): ��They shall say to the They shall say to the mountains, Cover us, and to the hills, Fall on mountains, Cover us, and to the hills, Fall on usus��

LukeLuke

!! Unique to Luke:Unique to Luke: at Golgotha, hanging on the at Golgotha, hanging on the cross, Jesus says cross, Jesus says ��Father, forgive them, for Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing.they do not know what they are doing.��(23:34 NRSV)(23:34 NRSV)!! This hint that the chief priests and scribes acted out This hint that the chief priests and scribes acted out

of ignorance, runs against a more prevalent sense of ignorance, runs against a more prevalent sense the Jewish authorities acted out of malevolencethe Jewish authorities acted out of malevolence

!! Repeated in Act 3:17 (NRSV). Peter, addressing a Repeated in Act 3:17 (NRSV). Peter, addressing a group of Jews: group of Jews: ��And now, friends (or And now, friends (or brothers), I know that you acted in brothers), I know that you acted in ignorance, as did also your rulers.ignorance, as did also your rulers.��

LukeLuke

!! Stephen, the first Christian martyr, will repeat Stephen, the first Christian martyr, will repeat JesusJesus�� prayer. Acts 7:60 NRSV: prayer. Acts 7:60 NRSV: ��Then he Then he [Stephen] knelt down and cried out in a [Stephen] knelt down and cried out in a loud voice, loud voice, ��Lord, do not hold this sin Lord, do not hold this sin against them.against them.�� When he had said this, he When he had said this, he died.died.��

LukeLuke

!! Three groups mock Jesus on the crossThree groups mock Jesus on the cross!! 1. Leaders of the people1. Leaders of the people!! 2. The soldiers2. The soldiers!! 3. 3. OneOne of the two criminals crucified with Jesusof the two criminals crucified with Jesus

!! Unique to Luke:Unique to Luke: one of the criminals confesses the one of the criminals confesses the justice of his own sentence and Jesusjustice of his own sentence and Jesus�� innocence, and innocence, and asks Jesus to remember him in his kingdomasks Jesus to remember him in his kingdom

!! JesusJesus�� reply gives more than requested: reply gives more than requested: ���� today today you will be with me in Paradiseyou will be with me in Paradise�� (23:43 NRSV)(23:43 NRSV)!! OftOft--used quip: the used quip: the ��good thiefgood thief�� ultimately stole the ultimately stole the

KingdomKingdom

LukeLuke

!! Darkness covers the earth from the sixth Darkness covers the earth from the sixth (noon) to the ninth hour (3 pm)(noon) to the ninth hour (3 pm)!! Luke explains this as a Luke explains this as a ��failingfailing�� or eclipse of the or eclipse of the

sun (later however scientifically impossible near sun (later however scientifically impossible near Passover)Passover)

LukeLuke

!! JesusJesus�� last words are not of last words are not of abandonmentabandonment (as (as in Mark / Matthew) or in Mark / Matthew) or triumphtriumph (as in John), (as in John), but of but of trusttrust: : ��Father, into your hands I Father, into your hands I commend my spiritcommend my spirit�� (Luke 23:45 NRSV)(Luke 23:45 NRSV)!! Psalm 31:4Psalm 31:4--5 NRSV: 5 NRSV: ����take me out of the take me out of the

net that is hidden for me, for you are my net that is hidden for me, for you are my refuge. Into your hand I commit my spirit; refuge. Into your hand I commit my spirit; you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful you have redeemed me, O LORD, faithful God.God.��

LukeLuke

!! BeforeBefore Jesus cries out these last words, the Jesus cries out these last words, the curtain of the temple is rend into twocurtain of the temple is rend into two

!! In Luke, only acts of grace In Luke, only acts of grace followfollow JesusJesus�� death:death:!! Roman centurion confesses Roman centurion confesses ��Certainly this man Certainly this man

was innocentwas innocent�� (23:47 NRSV)(23:47 NRSV)!! Jewish crowds there for the spectacle are moved to Jewish crowds there for the spectacle are moved to

repentance; they return home repentance; they return home ��beating their beating their breastsbreasts��

!! All of JesusAll of Jesus�� acquaintance (female acquaintance (female and maleand male!) !) watch these events from a distancewatch these events from a distance

LukeLuke

!! Grace flows also to the Sanhedrin, and Grace flows also to the Sanhedrin, and member Joseph of member Joseph of ArimatheaArimathea (who Luke tells (who Luke tells us had us had notnot agreed with the Sanhedrinagreed with the Sanhedrin��s s actions) asks Pilate for Jesusactions) asks Pilate for Jesus�� bodybody!! He lays it in a tomb (no mention that it is his own He lays it in a tomb (no mention that it is his own

tomb)tomb)!! Women who had followed Jesus see the tomb and Women who had followed Jesus see the tomb and

how the body is laid, and began to prepare spices how the body is laid, and began to prepare spices and ointments for the body (which will not be and ointments for the body (which will not be needed)needed)

LukeLuke

��It has often been critically observed that the It has often been critically observed that the cross bears for Luke none of the atoning value cross bears for Luke none of the atoning value that it had for Paul. that it had for Paul. LucanLucan crucifixion, crucifixion, however, is clearly a moment of Godhowever, is clearly a moment of God��s s forgiveness and of healing grace through and forgiveness and of healing grace through and by Jesus. The theological language may be by Jesus. The theological language may be different, but the atoning effects are the same.different, but the atoning effects are the same.��

-- Brown, p. 56Brown, p. 56

JohnJohn

The Crucifixion, Death and Burial of The Crucifixion, Death and Burial of Jesus. John 19:16Jesus. John 19:16--4242

JohnJohn

!! Unlike Mark, Matthew, and Luke (the Unlike Mark, Matthew, and Luke (the ��synopticssynoptics��) no Simon of ) no Simon of CyreneCyrene carries Jesuscarries Jesus��cross: Jesus carries it himselfcross: Jesus carries it himself!! Sign of John 10:17Sign of John 10:17--18: 18: ��For this reason the For this reason the

Father loves me, because I lay down my Father loves me, because I lay down my life in order to take it up again. No one life in order to take it up again. No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have the power to lay it own accord. I have the power to lay it down, and I have power to take it up down, and I have power to take it up againagain����

JohnJohn!! All the Gospels mention the inscription on the All the Gospels mention the inscription on the

cross cross ��Jesus, King of the Jews.Jesus, King of the Jews.�� John John emphasizes it:emphasizes it:!! It is written with full Roman legal precision in It is written with full Roman legal precision in

Hebrew, Greek and Latin, for all to readHebrew, Greek and Latin, for all to read!! When chief priests object to Pilate, Pilate refuses When chief priests object to Pilate, Pilate refuses

to change it to: to change it to: ��This man said, I am King of the This man said, I am King of the JewsJews��

!! JohnJohn��s understanding of crucifixion is captured in s understanding of crucifixion is captured in an early Christian interpolation to Psalm 106: an early Christian interpolation to Psalm 106: ��The Lord reigns from the wood [of the The Lord reigns from the wood [of the cross]cross]��

JohnJohn

!! The implicit allusion to Psalm 22:18 in the The implicit allusion to Psalm 22:18 in the other gospels on the division of the Jesusother gospels on the division of the Jesus��garments is explicit in Johngarments is explicit in John!! Psalm 22:18 (NRSV): Psalm 22:18 (NRSV): ��they divide my clothes they divide my clothes

among themselves, and for my clothing among themselves, and for my clothing they cast lotsthey cast lots��

JohnJohn

!! John pays particular attention to the seamless John pays particular attention to the seamless tunic not divided. Interpretations:tunic not divided. Interpretations:!! The seamless tunic of the High Priest (described The seamless tunic of the High Priest (described

by Josephus): Jesus hangs on the cross both King by Josephus): Jesus hangs on the cross both King and High Priestand High Priest

!! Symbol of unitySymbol of unity

JohnJohn

!! In Mark / Matthew / Luke, women watch In Mark / Matthew / Luke, women watch from afarfrom afar(in Luke, with male disciples)(in Luke, with male disciples)

!! In John, the Mother of Jesus and the In John, the Mother of Jesus and the ��Beloved Beloved DiscipleDisciple�� are at the foot of the crossare at the foot of the cross (there they have (there they have met for the first time). Seeing them, Jesus says:met for the first time). Seeing them, Jesus says:!! To Mary: To Mary: ��Woman, here is your son.Woman, here is your son.��!! To the Beloved Disciple: To the Beloved Disciple: ��Here is your mother.Here is your mother.��

((��And from that hour the disciple took her into his And from that hour the disciple took her into his own homeown home��) (John 19:26) (John 19:26--27 NRSV)27 NRSV)

!! JohnJohn��s Christian community, followers of the s Christian community, followers of the ��Beloved Beloved Disciple,Disciple,�� thus began at the cross.thus began at the cross.

JohnJohn

!! JohnJohn��s Passion narrative emphasizes the divine s Passion narrative emphasizes the divine aspect of Jesus, a Jesus always in sovereign aspect of Jesus, a Jesus always in sovereign control of his own destinycontrol of his own destiny!! JesusJesus�� human cry in John 19:28 human cry in John 19:28 ��I am thirstyI am thirsty��

put in the context as said put in the context as said ��to fulfill the to fulfill the scripturescripture��

JohnJohn

!! John 19:29, NRSV: John 19:29, NRSV: ��They put a sponge full of They put a sponge full of the [sour] wine on a the [sour] wine on a branch of hyssopbranch of hyssop and and held it to his mouth.held it to his mouth.��!! Mark and Matthew recount a sponge of wine on a Mark and Matthew recount a sponge of wine on a ��stickstick��!! Hyssop evokes Passover image in Exodus 12:22Hyssop evokes Passover image in Exodus 12:22--23: 23:

��Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it in the blood [of Take a bunch of hyssop, dip it in the blood [of the paschal lamb] the paschal lamb] �� and touch the lintel and two and touch the lintel and two doorposts with the blooddoorposts with the blood�� when he sees the when he sees the blood on the lintel and the two doorposts, the blood on the lintel and the two doorposts, the LORD will pass over that door and will not allow LORD will pass over that door and will not allow the destroyer to enter your houses to strike you the destroyer to enter your houses to strike you down.down.��

JohnJohn

!! Jesus was sentenced at noon, the exact hour of Jesus was sentenced at noon, the exact hour of Passover Eve when the priests began to slaughter Passover Eve when the priests began to slaughter the paschal lambsthe paschal lambs

!! Fulfills John the BaptistFulfills John the Baptist��s mysterious saying at s mysterious saying at JesusJesus�� first public appearance: first public appearance: ��Here is the Here is the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!world!�� (NRSV John 1:29)(NRSV John 1:29)

JohnJohn

!! After taking the sour wine on the hyssop, Jesus After taking the sour wine on the hyssop, Jesus sayssays his last words his last words ����It is finished.It is finished.�� Then Then he bowed his head and gave up his he bowed his head and gave up his spiritspirit�� (John 19:30 NRSV)(John 19:30 NRSV)!! Dramatically different from the anguished cry of Dramatically different from the anguished cry of

abandonment in Mark, Matthew, or even the cry of abandonment in Mark, Matthew, or even the cry of faith and trust found in Lukefaith and trust found in Luke

!! Note active voice: Jesus Note active voice: Jesus gave upgave up his spirithis spirit

JohnJohn

!! JohnJohn��s Gospel preserves an ancient Christian s Gospel preserves an ancient Christian understanding that the understanding that the Holy SpiritHoly Spirit was:was:!! An intimate part of JesusAn intimate part of Jesus�� death and resurrectiondeath and resurrection!! A reality for JesusA reality for Jesus�� disciples only after his deathdisciples only after his death

!! First act when Jesus appears to the disciples on First act when Jesus appears to the disciples on Easter evening (20:22): he breathes the Holy Easter evening (20:22): he breathes the Holy Spirit onto themSpirit onto them

JohnJohn

!! Other Gospels mark JesusOther Gospels mark Jesus�� death by describing death by describing miraculous events on the earth:miraculous events on the earth:!! Temple curtain rend into two (Mark, Matthew, Temple curtain rend into two (Mark, Matthew,

Luke)Luke)!! Earthquake, rocks splitting, tombs opening and Earthquake, rocks splitting, tombs opening and

saints rising from the dead (Matthew)saints rising from the dead (Matthew)!! Centurion confessing Jesus Son of God (Mark / Centurion confessing Jesus Son of God (Mark /

Matthew) or innocent (Luke)Matthew) or innocent (Luke)!! Jewish crowd, there for the spectacle, moved to Jewish crowd, there for the spectacle, moved to

repentance (Luke)repentance (Luke)

JohnJohn!! John marks the death by describing signs of John marks the death by describing signs of

the the salvificsalvific power of Jesuspower of Jesus�� dead body:dead body:!! Blood and water flow forth when a soldier pierces Blood and water flow forth when a soldier pierces

the bodythe body!! John 7:38John 7:38--39 NRSV: 39 NRSV: ����As the scripture has As the scripture has

said, said, ��Out of the believerOut of the believer��s heart shall flow s heart shall flow rivers of living water.rivers of living water.���� Now he said this Now he said this about the Spirit, which believers in him about the Spirit, which believers in him were to receive; for as yet there was no were to receive; for as yet there was no Spirit, because Jesus was not yet Spirit, because Jesus was not yet glorified.glorified.��

JohnJohn

!! Jesus is now glorified; the water symbolizes the Jesus is now glorified; the water symbolizes the Spirit now givenSpirit now given

!! Might also represent the two channels by which Might also represent the two channels by which the Spirit is communicated:the Spirit is communicated:!! Water of BaptismWater of Baptism!! Blood of the EucharistBlood of the Eucharist

JohnJohn

!! Joseph of Joseph of ArimatheaArimathea asks Pilate for the bodyasks Pilate for the body!! Unique to John:Unique to John: NicodemusNicodemus comes forth to comes forth to

perform Jewish burial for Jesus. He and Joseph perform Jewish burial for Jesus. He and Joseph wrap the body with 100 pounds of myrrh and wrap the body with 100 pounds of myrrh and aloe aloe �� a burial as befits a kinga burial as befits a king!! In Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Jesus buried without In Matthew, Mark, and Luke, Jesus buried without

anointing or aromatic oilsanointing or aromatic oils

JohnJohn

��Thus, from beginning to end the narrative Thus, from beginning to end the narrative has been consistent: it is the passion of a has been consistent: it is the passion of a sovereign king who has overcome the sovereign king who has overcome the world.world.��

-- Brown, p. 67Brown, p. 67

SummarySummary

The Passion NarrativesThe Passion Narratives

SummarySummary

���� while there is one Jesus at the font of the while there is one Jesus at the font of the four canonical Gospels, each evangelist knows four canonical Gospels, each evangelist knows a different facet of him and presents a different a different facet of him and presents a different picture.picture.��

-- Brown p. 68Brown p. 68

SummarySummary!! Mark and MatthewMark and Matthew

!! Stark human abandonment of JesusStark human abandonment of Jesus!! Disciples fall asleep 3 times at Gethsemane as Jesus Disciples fall asleep 3 times at Gethsemane as Jesus

praysprays!! Judas betrays him, Peter denies him and curses, and Judas betrays him, Peter denies him and curses, and

disciples all flee after the arrestdisciples all flee after the arrest!! Jewish and Roman judges cynicalJewish and Roman judges cynical!! Jesus hangs on cross for 6 hours, 3 hours filled with Jesus hangs on cross for 6 hours, 3 hours filled with

mockery, 3 hours with darknessmockery, 3 hours with darkness!! Only words on cross: Only words on cross: ��My God, my God, why have My God, my God, why have

you forsaken me?you forsaken me?��!! Only after the suffering of the cross is it possible Only after the suffering of the cross is it possible

for Jesus to be vindicatedfor Jesus to be vindicated

SummarySummary

!! LukeLuke!! Disciples portrayed more sympathetically: they fall Disciples portrayed more sympathetically: they fall

asleep once at Gethsemane, out of sorrow, and do asleep once at Gethsemane, out of sorrow, and do not flee at his arrestnot flee at his arrest

!! Enemies also portrayed in a better light. No false Enemies also portrayed in a better light. No false witnesses at the Jewish trial. Pilate acknowledges witnesses at the Jewish trial. Pilate acknowledges JesusJesus�� innocence 3 timesinnocence 3 times

!! People grieve with Jesus on road to CalvaryPeople grieve with Jesus on road to Calvary

SummarySummary

!! LukeLuke!! Jesus seems less anguished by his own fate and Jesus seems less anguished by his own fate and

more concerned for others:more concerned for others:!! He heals the High Priest slaveHe heals the High Priest slave��s ears ear!! He forgives those who crucified himHe forgives those who crucified him!! He promises paradise to the penitent thiefHe promises paradise to the penitent thief

!! JesusJesus�� last words a tranquil expression of trust: last words a tranquil expression of trust: ��Father, into your hands I commend my Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.spirit.��

SummarySummary

!! JohnJohn!! Portrays a supremely sovereign Jesus, a Jesus in Portrays a supremely sovereign Jesus, a Jesus in

full controlfull control!! Roman soldiers and Jewish police arresting Jesus Roman soldiers and Jewish police arresting Jesus

fall to ground at the divine phrase fall to ground at the divine phrase ��I AMI AM��!! His selfHis self--assurance bests and annoys the High assurance bests and annoys the High

PriestPriest!! He bests Pilate in their dialog, making it seem He bests Pilate in their dialog, making it seem

Pilate is the one on trialPilate is the one on trial

SummarySummary

!! JohnJohn!! He carries his own crossHe carries his own cross!! His kingship is writ in 3 languages on the cross, His kingship is writ in 3 languages on the cross,

confirmed by Pilateconfirmed by Pilate!! His final words a solemn His final words a solemn ��It is finishedIt is finished�� when he when he

has decided to hand over his spirithas decided to hand over his spirit!! He burial befits a kingHe burial befits a king

SummarySummary

��..one should not be upset by the contrast or ..one should not be upset by the contrast or ask which view of Jesus is more correct: The ask which view of Jesus is more correct: The MarcanMarcan Jesus who plumbs the depths of Jesus who plumbs the depths of abandonment only to be vindicated; the abandonment only to be vindicated; the LucanLucanJesus who worries about others and gently Jesus who worries about others and gently dispenses forgiveness; or the dispenses forgiveness; or the JohannineJohannine Jesus Jesus who reigns victoriously from the cross in who reigns victoriously from the cross in control of all that happens. All three are givencontrol of all that happens. All three are given

SummarySummary

to us by the inspiring Spirit, and no one of to us by the inspiring Spirit, and no one of them exhausts the meaning of Jesus. It is as if them exhausts the meaning of Jesus. It is as if one walks around a large diamond to look at it one walks around a large diamond to look at it from three different angles. A true picture of from three different angles. A true picture of the whole emerges only because the the whole emerges only because the viewpoints are different.viewpoints are different.��

-- Brown, p. 70Brown, p. 70