The four Gospels, Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, each present Jesus during the Passion Narrative in distinct ways, highlighting different aspects of his identity and mission. Here's a breakdown:
Mark: The Suffering Servant
* Emphasis: Mark emphasizes Jesus' suffering and humanity. He portrays Jesus as feeling abandoned by God and facing intense physical and emotional anguish.
* Key Traits:
* Suffering: Jesus experiences fear and anguish in Gethsemane (Mark 14:32-42).
* Silence: He is often silent before his accusers, fulfilling the prophecy of the suffering servant (Isaiah 53).
* Abandoned: Jesus cries out on the cross, "My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?" (Mark 15:34).
* Authority Questioned: The question of Jesus' authority is prominent, especially in the challenges from the Jewish leaders.
* Purpose: To show that Jesus, the Son of God, willingly endured suffering and death as a sacrifice for humanity's sins. This challenges the reader to embrace the "way of the cross" in their own lives.
* Focus: The cross is the central and defining event. The resurrection, though present, is less emphasized in Mark's original ending (16:8).
Matthew: The King of the Jews
* Emphasis: Matthew presents Jesus as the promised Messiah, the King of the Jews, and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
* Key Traits:
* Fulfillment of Prophecy: Matthew frequently quotes Old Testament prophecies to demonstrate how Jesus' life and death fulfill God's plan.
* Royal Imagery: Matthew portrays Jesus as a king, even in his suffering. The mocking of the soldiers with the crown of thorns and purple robe underscores this (Matthew 27:27-31).
* Guards at the Tomb: Matthew includes the detail of guards being placed at Jesus' tomb to prevent theft of the body, emphasizing the Jewish leaders' concern about Jesus' claims (Matthew 27:62-66).
* Responsibility of the Jewish Leaders: Matthew more clearly places the responsibility for Jesus' death on the Jewish leaders.
* Purpose: To demonstrate to a Jewish audience that Jesus is the Messiah they have been waiting for and to show how his death and resurrection fulfill God's promises.
* Focus: Jesus as the rightful King who fulfills the Davidic covenant and establishes the kingdom of God.
Luke: The Compassionate Savior
* Emphasis: Luke highlights Jesus' compassion, forgiveness, and concern for the marginalized.
* Key Traits:
* Compassion and Forgiveness: Jesus heals the ear of the high priest's servant (Luke 22:50-51) and asks the Father to forgive those who crucify him (Luke 23:34).
* Innocence: Luke emphasizes Jesus' innocence through Pilate's repeated declarations and Herod's lack of judgment.
* Conversations with Others: Luke includes dialogues with the women of Jerusalem (Luke 23:27-31) and the criminal on the cross (Luke 23:39-43), highlighting Jesus' concern for others, even in his suffering.
* Spirituality: Luke portrays Jesus as prayerful, especially in the Garden of Gethsemane.
* Purpose: To present Jesus as the universal savior, whose compassion and forgiveness extend to all people, especially the poor, the outcast, and the sinners.
* Focus: Jesus' concern for the marginalized and his offers of forgiveness. The resurrection is presented as a powerful and joyful event.
John: The Divine Son of God
* Emphasis: John portrays Jesus as the divine Son of God, emphasizing his glory, authority, and control over events.
* Key Traits:
* Divine Authority: Jesus acts with deliberate purpose and authority, even in his suffering.
* "I AM" Statements: John uses "I AM" statements to connect Jesus to the divine name of God in the Old Testament (e.g., "I am the bread of life," "I am the good shepherd").
* Glorification: Jesus' death is seen as his glorification, the moment when his divine nature is fully revealed.
* Triumphant Death: Jesus willingly lays down his life, knowing what is to come, and declaring "It is finished" (John 19:30) before dying.
* Emphasis on Love: John emphasizes Jesus' love for his disciples and his desire that they love one another.
* Purpose: To persuade readers to believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and that by believing they may have life in his name (John 20:31).
* Focus: Jesus' divine identity and his ultimate victory over death through the resurrection, which is presented as a powerful demonstration of his divine glory.
In summary:
* Mark: Jesus, the suffering servant, facing human anguish.
* Matthew: Jesus, the King of the Jews, fulfilling prophecy.
* Luke: Jesus, the compassionate savior, offering forgiveness.
* John: Jesus, the divine Son of God, revealing his glory.
Each Gospel's portrayal contributes to a richer understanding of Jesus' identity, mission, and significance for humanity. They are not contradictory, but rather complementary perspectives on the same central figure. Studying these different portraits allows for a deeper appreciation of the complexities and nuances of the Gospel message.