The account of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection is central to the Christian faith and is detailed in all four Gospels of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each Gospel provides a unique perspective and emphasis, contributing to a fuller understanding of these pivotal events.
In the Gospel of Matthew, the narrative of Jesus' death begins in chapter 27. After being betrayed by Judas, Jesus is brought before Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, who ultimately succumbs to the demands of the crowd and sentences Jesus to be crucified. Matthew 27:35 describes the crucifixion: "And when they had crucified him, they divided his garments among them by casting lots." Jesus' death is recorded in Matthew 27:50: "And Jesus cried out again with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit." His burial follows in Matthew 27:57-60, where Joseph of Arimathea, a disciple of Jesus, takes His body, wraps it in a clean linen shroud, and lays it in his own new tomb. The resurrection is recounted in Matthew 28:1-10. Early on the first day of the week, Mary Magdalene and the other Mary visit the tomb and encounter an angel who announces that Jesus has risen. Jesus Himself then appears to the women, confirming His resurrection.
The Gospel of Mark offers a succinct yet powerful account. Mark 15:24 describes the crucifixion: "And they crucified him and divided his garments among them, casting lots for them, to decide what each should take." Mark 15:37 records Jesus' death: "And Jesus uttered a loud cry and breathed his last." His burial is detailed in Mark 15:42-47, where Joseph of Arimathea courageously asks Pilate for Jesus' body, wraps it in a linen shroud, and lays it in a tomb hewn out of rock. The resurrection is narrated in Mark 16:1-8. Mary Magdalene, Mary the mother of James, and Salome visit the tomb and find the stone rolled away. An angel informs them that Jesus has risen, and they are instructed to tell His disciples.
In the Gospel of Luke, the crucifixion is described in Luke 23:33: "And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left." Jesus' death is recorded in Luke 23:46: "Then Jesus, calling out with a loud voice, said, 'Father, into your hands I commit my spirit!' And having said this, he breathed his last." His burial follows in Luke 23:50-53, where Joseph of Arimathea, a member of the council, takes Jesus' body, wraps it in a linen shroud, and lays it in a tomb cut in stone. The resurrection is recounted in Luke 24:1-12. Women who had followed Jesus from Galilee come to the tomb and find the stone rolled away. Two men in dazzling apparel inform them that Jesus has risen. Peter later visits the tomb and finds it empty, marveling at what had happened.
The Gospel of John provides a deeply theological perspective on these events. The crucifixion is described in John 19:18: "There they crucified him, and with him two others, one on either side, and Jesus between them." Jesus' death is recorded in John 19:30: "When Jesus had received the sour wine, he said, 'It is finished,' and he bowed his head and gave up his spirit." His burial is detailed in John 19:38-42, where Joseph of Arimathea and Nicodemus take Jesus' body, wrap it in linen cloths with spices, and lay it in a new tomb in a garden. The resurrection is narrated in John 20:1-18. Mary Magdalene visits the tomb early in the morning and finds the stone removed. She runs to tell Peter and the other disciple, who visit the tomb and find it empty. Jesus later appears to Mary Magdalene, calling her by name and commissioning her to tell the disciples of His resurrection.
These accounts collectively provide a comprehensive and harmonious narrative of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection. They emphasize not only the historical events but also the theological significance of these events for the Christian faith. The resurrection, in particular, is the cornerstone of Christian belief, signifying Jesus' victory over sin and death and His promise of eternal life for all who believe in Him.
The Apostle Paul, writing in 1 Corinthians 15:3-4, succinctly summarizes the Gospel message: "For I delivered to you as of first importance what I also received: that Christ died for our sins in accordance with the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day in accordance with the Scriptures." This passage underscores the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies and the foundational truth of the resurrection.
The significance of the resurrection is further expounded in Christian literature. For instance, in "Mere Christianity," C.S. Lewis eloquently articulates the transformative power of the resurrection: "The New Testament writers speak as if Christ’s achievement in rising from the dead was the first event of its kind in the whole history of the universe. He is the 'first fruits,' the 'pioneer of life,' He has forced open a door that has been locked since the death of the first man. He has met, fought, and beaten the King of Death. Everything is different because He has done so."
In addition to the Gospel accounts, the resurrection appearances of Jesus are further detailed in the Acts of the Apostles and the Epistles, providing additional testimony to the reality of His resurrection and its impact on the early Christian community. Acts 1:3 states, "He presented himself alive to them after his suffering by many proofs, appearing to them during forty days and speaking about the kingdom of God." These post-resurrection appearances served to strengthen the faith of the disciples and empower them to spread the Gospel message.
The resurrection is not merely an event of the past but a living reality that continues to inspire and transform lives today. It is a testament to God's power to bring life out of death, hope out of despair, and victory out of defeat. As believers, we are called to live in the light of the resurrection, embodying the hope and new life that Jesus offers.
In conclusion, the accounts of Jesus' death, burial, and resurrection are found in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John. Each Gospel provides a unique perspective, yet together they present a unified testimony to the central events of the Christian faith. The resurrection, in particular, is the cornerstone of Christianity, affirming Jesus' victory over sin and death and offering the promise of eternal life to all who believe.
