📚 AS Level Biblical Studies (9484) Study Notes: Paper 1 The Four Gospels

Chapter 1.3: The Passion and Resurrection Narratives

Welcome! This chapter covers the most intense and important events in the Gospels: the final days, death, and resurrection of Jesus. Don't worry if the details seem overwhelming at first—the key to success here is understanding the similarities, differences, and unique agendas (or 'special interests') of the four writers (the Evangelists).

You must not only know what happened but also how each Gospel writer chose to tell the story, as their choices reveal their theological messages.

1.3.1 Jesus' Final Evening with the Twelve Disciples

The final evening transitions Jesus from teacher to sacrificial figure. Pay close attention to how John handles this section differently from the Synoptic Gospels (Matthew, Mark, Luke).

The Last Supper (Matthew 26:17–30; Mark 14:12-26; Luke 22:7-23; John 13:1-35)

Synoptic Focus (Matt, Mark, Luke): The Institution

  • These Gospels focus on Jesus establishing the rituals of the Eucharist (Holy Communion). He interprets the bread as his body and the wine as the "blood of the covenant," poured out for many (Mark 14:24).
  • This moment establishes a New Covenant, replacing the Old Covenant centered on the Mosaic Law.
  • Key event: The disciples argue over who is the greatest (Luke 22:24-30), highlighting their human failings even at this critical moment.

John's Unique Focus: Service and the New Commandment

  • John’s Gospel omits the institution of the bread and wine entirely.
  • Instead, John records Jesus performing the Washing of the Disciples' Feet (John 13:1-20). This act demonstrates servant leadership and humility, setting a new standard for discipleship (John 13:15).
  • John records Jesus giving the New Commandment: “Love one another, as I have loved you” (John 13:34-35).

Quick Review: The Synoptics focus on the theological meaning of the death (covenant through blood). John focuses on the practical meaning of the life (love and service).

The Prediction of Peter's Denial (Matthew 26:31-35; Mark 14:26–31; Luke 22:31-34; John 13:36-38)

All Gospels include this dramatic prediction, which highlights the disciples' initial weakness and failure, especially Peter, who swore loyalty but would soon crumble.

Did you know? In Luke, Jesus specifically prays for Simon Peter, noting that Satan demanded to 'sift' him like wheat (Luke 22:31-32). This shows Jesus’ awareness and preparation for Peter’s imminent failure and later restoration.

Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-56; Mark 14:32-52; Luke 22:39-53; John 18:1-11)

Gethsemane is where Jesus prays before his arrest.

  • Synoptic Emphasis: Agony and Human Weakness. Jesus experiences intense anxiety (praying that "this cup might pass") and struggles with his human will versus God's will (Mark 14:36). The disciples repeatedly fall asleep, showing their failure to support him.
  • Luke's Addition: Luke mentions an angel appearing to strengthen Jesus, and describes his sweat as "like drops of blood" (Luke 22:43-44), emphasizing his intense physical and emotional suffering.
  • John's Emphasis: Control and Divinity. John omits Jesus' agony and the sleeping disciples. When the arresting party arrives, Jesus asks, "Whom are you looking for?" and when they say "Jesus of Nazareth," he replies, "I am he" (John 18:4-8). They fall backward, emphasizing Jesus’ divine authority and control over the entire situation.

Key Takeaway for 1.3.1: The final evening sets the tone. Synoptics stress tradition, failure, and suffering. John stresses obedience, divinity, and radical service.

1.3.2 The Trials of Jesus

The trials involve both Jewish and Roman authorities. This section is vital for understanding the involvement of different groups leading up to the crucifixion.

Before the Sanhedrin (The Jewish Trial)

This is the trial before the Jewish high council, led by the High Priest, Caiaphas (Matthew 26:57, 59–68; Mark 14:53–65; Luke 22:54, 63-71; John 18:12-14, 18-24).

  • The Charge: The primary charge leveled against Jesus was blasphemy, based on his claim to be the Messiah/Son of God (Mark 14:62).
  • Mark/Matthew: Emphasize the search for false evidence and Jesus’ silence until he confirms his identity, leading the High Priest to tear his robes.
  • Luke's Note: Luke separates the trial from Peter’s denial and focuses on the abuse Jesus receives before the morning session.
  • John's Focus: The trial before Annas and Caiaphas is brief, focusing on interrogation about his disciples and teachings (John 18:19-24).

Peter's Denials (Matthew 26:58, 69–75; Mark 14:66-72; Luke 22:54-62; John 18:15-18, 25-27)

The accounts of Peter’s three denials are interwoven with the Jewish trial, contrasting Jesus’ faithfulness with his closest follower's failure.

Analogy: Think of this as the ultimate 'test of courage' scene in a film. Jesus passes while Peter, despite his bravado, fails spectacularly. This failure makes Peter's later restoration (especially in John 21) incredibly significant.

Before Pilate (The Roman Trial)

Since the Sanhedrin lacked the authority to execute Jesus, they handed him over to the Roman Governor, Pontius Pilate (Matthew 27:1-2, 11–31; Mark 15:2–20; Luke 23:1-25; John 18:28-19:16).

  • The Charge: The Jewish leaders shift the charge from blasphemy (religious) to sedition (political), claiming Jesus threatened Roman authority by calling himself "King of the Jews."
  • Pilate’s Dilemma: All Gospels stress Pilate’s reluctance and belief in Jesus' innocence. He attempts to release Jesus, offering the crowd a choice between Jesus and Barabbas.
  • Luke’s Unique Detail: The Trial Before Herod. Luke 23:6-12 includes an extra step: Pilate sends Jesus to Herod Antipas (the ruler of Galilee) because Jesus was a Galilean. Herod mocks Jesus and sends him back, establishing that Herod and Pilate became friends that day—a minor detail revealing a significant political alliance.
  • John's Unique Detail: Defining Kingship. John provides the most detailed theological debate between Jesus and Pilate, emphasizing that Jesus' kingship is "not from this world" (John 18:36).

Key Takeaway for 1.3.2: The trials establish that Jesus was condemned by both Jewish religious leaders (for blasphemy) and Roman political authorities (for sedition/kingship). Luke is interested in historical details (Herod). John is interested in Jesus’ cosmic authority.

1.3.3 The Crucifixion and Burial

The Crucifixion (Matthew 27:32-56; Mark 15:21-41; Luke 23: 26-49; John 19:16-37)

Crucifixion was a brutal Roman method of execution. While the core event is consistent, the details provided by each writer reveal their "special interests."

Differences in Emphasis:
  • Mark and Matthew (Synoptics): Dereliction and Cosmic Drama.
    • Focus heavily on the cry of dereliction: “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?” (Mark 15:34; Matt 27:46). This emphasizes Jesus' deep suffering and feeling of separation.
    • Cosmic signs occur: darkness covers the land, and the temple veil is torn (Mark 15:33, 38).
  • Luke: Innocence and Compassion.
    • Luke records unique sayings that emphasize Jesus’ humanity and mercy: “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34).
    • The promise to the repentant criminal: “Today you will be with me in Paradise” (Luke 23:43).
    • Jesus dies willingly, saying, “Father, into your hands I commit my spirit” (Luke 23:46).
  • John: Fulfillment and Triumph.
    • John shows Jesus maintaining control, even arranging for his mother’s care (John 19:26-27).
    • The final words are of completion: “It is finished” (John 19:30), signaling the successful fulfillment of his mission.
    • John alone records that a soldier pierces Jesus' side, confirming his death and providing blood and water (John 19:34-35)—a detail often interpreted as symbolic.

The Burial (Matthew 27:57–66; Mark 15:42-47; Luke: 23:50–56; John 19:38-42)

All four Gospels state that Joseph of Arimathea, a wealthy, respected man (and secret disciple in John), requested Jesus’ body from Pilate and laid it in a new tomb.

  • Matthew's Unique Detail: Matthew is the only Gospel to mention that the religious authorities placed a guard on the tomb (Matt 27:62-66) to prevent the disciples from stealing the body and faking a resurrection. This detail is crucial for Matthew, as it pre-emptively counters future anti-Christian claims that the disciples stole the body (Matt 28:11-15).
  • John's Detail: John notes that Nicodemus (who met Jesus at night earlier) helped Joseph, bringing 75 pounds of spices, demonstrating great honor (John 19:39-40).

Key Takeaway for 1.3.3: The Evangelists’ interests color the crucifixion scene: Mark/Matthew focus on suffering, Luke on compassion, and John on control and theological fulfillment.

1.3.4 Resurrection Narratives

The accounts of the resurrection appearances are essential for establishing the credibility and significance of the Christian message. Compare the location and timing of the appearances.

The Empty Tomb (Matthew 28:1–8, 11–15; Mark 16:1–8; Luke 24:1–12; John 20:1-10)

All four Gospels agree that women discovered the empty tomb early Sunday morning and received instructions from angelic figures or a young man.

  • Mark's Ending (Mark 16:1–8): Mark famously ends here. The women are told to go tell Peter and the disciples that Jesus will meet them in Galilee. However, they are filled with terror and astonishment and say nothing to anyone. This abrupt ending creates tension and uncertainty, often studied by scholars.
  • Matthew: The women meet Jesus directly after leaving the tomb (Matt 28:9-10). He commands them to go to Galilee.
  • John: Mary Magdalene finds the tomb empty and reports back to Peter and the Beloved Disciple. They examine the empty tomb, noting the orderly arrangement of the burial cloths, which suggests Jesus woke, not that the body was stolen (John 20:6-7).

The Resurrection Appearances (Matthew 28:8–10, 16–20; Mark 16:9–18; Luke 24:13–49; John 20:11-21:25)

The appearances serve to convince the disciples and commission them for future ministry.

Location, Location, Location!

  • Matthew's Focus: Galilee. Matthew contains the Great Commission (Matt 28:16-20), where Jesus meets the eleven disciples on a mountain in Galilee and instructs them to make disciples of all nations. This emphasizes the worldwide scope of Jesus' mission.
  • Luke's Focus: Jerusalem/Judea. Luke stresses that the disciples must remain in Jerusalem until they receive power (Luke 24:49). Luke’s unique story is the Road to Emmaus (Luke 24:13-35), where two disciples recognize Jesus in the breaking of the bread.
  • John's Focus: Jerusalem and Galilee (Epilogue). John records early appearances to Mary Magdalene (who first mistakes him for the gardener) and to the disciples in the locked room. The appearance to "Doubting Thomas" (John 20:24-29) is unique, stressing the need for faith based on testimony, not just sight. John 21 (the epilogue) includes a separate appearance in Galilee where Jesus commissions Peter ("Feed my sheep").

The Ascension (Mark 16:19-20; Luke 24:50-53)

The Ascension marks Jesus' physical departure from Earth and return to heaven.

  • It is recorded by Luke (at the end of his Gospel and the start of Acts) and in the longer ending of Mark.
  • Luke stresses that Jesus blesses the disciples before being carried up, and they return to Jerusalem with great joy (Luke 24:50-53). This is the key transition point to the next stage of the church (Paper 2 material).

Common Mistake to Avoid: The empty tomb narratives are not the resurrection itself, but the evidence that the resurrection has occurred. The resurrection appearances are the moments Jesus confirms the event to his followers.

Analytical Section: The Evangelists' Special Interests (AO2 Skills)

For your essays, you must analyze why the Evangelists chose to emphasize certain elements. Their 'special interests' influenced their narratives significantly.

1. Mark’s Interest: Suffering and Mystery

  • In the Passion: Emphasizes Jesus’ intense suffering and the failure of his disciples (Gethsemane agony, the final cry of dereliction).
  • In the Resurrection: The abrupt ending (Mark 16:8) highlights the mystery and fear surrounding the event, demanding immediate action and faith from the reader.

2. Matthew’s Interest: Fulfillment and Authority

  • In the Passion/Burial: Includes the guards at the tomb and the bribery of the guards (Matt 28:11-15) to counteract skeptical arguments. Jesus is the fulfillment of prophecy.
  • In the Resurrection: Jesus grants the Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20), establishing his ultimate authority ("All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me"). The mission is universal.

3. Luke’s Interest: Innocence, Compassion, and Order

  • In the Passion/Trials: Stresses Jesus' innocence through Pilate's attempts to release him and the unique trial before Herod. Focuses on Jesus’ compassion (forgiving the criminals).
  • In the Resurrection: Emphasizes continuity (Jesus eats fish, Luke 24:42-43) and ensures the mission begins geographically in Jerusalem (Luke 24:49).

4. John’s Interest: Divine Control and Belief (Logos Theology)

  • In the Passion: Jesus is always in control (John 18:4-8). His final words confirm the completion of his divine work ("It is finished").
  • In the Resurrection: Focuses on establishing faith (Doubting Thomas, John 20:29). The narrative elevates Jesus’ divinity, showing him as the eternal Word (Logos).

Summary of Significance for Christian Communities:

The passion and resurrection narratives are foundational because they:

  1. Establish Salvation: Jesus' death is presented as a substitutionary sacrifice (Synoptics, New Covenant).
  2. Validate Authority: The resurrection proves Jesus’ claims to divinity and confirms his teachings.
  3. Provide Mission: The resurrection appearances commission the disciples (and the Church) to spread the message globally (Matthew, Mark, John).
  4. Offer Hope: The empty tomb and ascension provide the basis for Christian belief in life after death and victory over sin and death.

Key Takeaway for Analysis: When studying differences, ask yourself: "How does this detail support the Evangelist's main theme about the identity of Jesus?"