Each of the Gospels stresses something different about the event according to Catholic writer Felix Just, S.J., Ph.D.:
- Mark: the suffering of Jesus, how he was tragically rejected, unfairly condemned, viciously beaten, horribly insulted, and cruely mistreated by multiple groups .
- Matthew: the kingship of Jesus, how the de-facto ruling powers (esp. Pilate & Caiphas) conspired to get rid of someone they saw as a political threat.
- Luke: the innocence of Jesus, how Pilate said he did not deserve death, and others (Herod Antipas, centurion, repentant thief) also recognized his innocence.
- John: the exaltation of Jesus, how he remains in charge, driving the all action, completing the will of the Father, and being glorified as he is lifted up.
Year A, the current church year, features Matthew’s story of the Passion. Matthew’s account portrays Jesus as a regal figure, a king who suffers and dies for his people. His purpose in coming into the world was to save his people from their sins (1:21). In his gospel, Matthew shows that Jesus is an obedient, faithful seeker of God’s will in his life, and that Jesus pays heed to the Torah. Jesus carries out his role as the obedient Son of God, innocent of any wrong; yet he is crucified. He goes willingly to the cross.
His crucifixion has to do with his saving work, the forgiveness of sins. In his ministry he forgave sins (9:2). He assures the forgiveness of sins to those who pray his prayer (6:12) and partake of his supper (26:28). He gives to his people (the church) authority to forgive sins on earth in his name (9:6-8; 16:19; 18:18). He can do this because he has all authority in heaven and earth (28:18).
Mark is the major source of Matthew’s Passion account but differs with Matthew at key points in the story. Both gospels have Jesus, on the cross, reciting the first verse of Psalm 22, “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?”
Matthew, leading into the scene of the death of Jesus, adds another direct quote from Psalm 22:8 in the words of mockery by the chief priests: “He trusts in God, let God deliver him now, if he wants to” (27:43). That’s not found in Mark’s gospel.
Matthew says that right before he died, Jesus cried out in a loud voice and breathed his last, that is, “handed over his spirit.” Most interpreters think that Matthew is evoking a very Jewish concept of the obedient death, in which a person returns the breath of life to God.
Matthew’s account includes earthquakes. Suddenly the veil in the temple tears in two, a series of earthquakes shake the earth, the rocks split, the tombs open, and the holy ones come out. The centurion who watched Jesus die states that “Truly this was the son of God.” The trust of Jesus in God is vindicated, even in the midst and through the mystery of death.
In his gospel, Matthew highlights the innocence of Jesus (with details not in his source, Mark): Pilate’s wife calls Jesus righteous (27:19); Pilate finds no fault in Jesus and washes his hands (27:24). The Sanhedrin sought false testimony (26:59). The chief priests and elders seek Jesus’ death (26:3-4; 27:1), and they influence the crowd (27:20-22). Judas conspires with them (26:15). The crowd accepts guilt for Jesus’ death (27:25).
Link: 1. The Passionists