The Death of Jesus : A Level Religious Studies

We have all heard about the crucifixion of Jesus, however there are many different aspects that are of interest. This article discusses his death, the torment he went through, as well as what his death would go on to mean.

The Death of Jesus

As Jesus is taken away from Pilate to fulfil his final mission on Earth, we are presented with a frenzied account of how Jesus was subjected to torturous treatment and abandoned by all his supporters. The use of imagery in the synoptic accounts are plentiful which go some way to increasing the mysticism of the person of Christ. Matthew tells us that Jesus is roughly dressed in a scarlet robe, a crown made from thorns and with a reed thrust into his hands. (Matt 27:28-29.) Mark’s account differs only slightly stating that Jesus was dressed in purple with a crown of thorns and was beaten by a reed. (Mark 15:17.) Luke does not mention these details within his account. Although the colour of the robe differs, it is clear that both red and purple are colours associated with royal pageantry.

The crown of thorns was need added to merely cause Jesus pain, but was also used as a tool to mock ‘his’ claims that he was the king of the community. The reed would have been used to symbolise a sceptre, another symbol of royalty. We are told in both accounts that Jesus was mocked and taunted regarding his questionably royal status amongst the Jews. Again the images used highlight the cruelty Jesus suffered at the hands of the Jewish people. This is all the more relevant as he was in fact suffering at the hands of his own people who would not accept him.

In all synoptic gospels we are told of only one true act of kindness prior to Jesus being raised up on the cross. All accounts tell us that Simon intervened and carried Jesus’ cross for him. (Luke 23:26 Mark 15:21 Matt 27:32.) Even this incident differs however, as Mark tells us of this man’s lineage, Matthew and Mark both record that Simon was ‘compelled’ to carry the cross and Luke records that Simon was ‘seized’ in order to assist. It is also interesting to note that Jesus was still ministering right up until his end, in Luke’s account, as he is seen to be discussing the events with the women in the crowd (Luke 23: 28-31.)

All authors agree on the location of the crucifixion although Mark and Matthew are more specific in telling us that they went to Golgotha, whereas Luke states the meaning of the word ‘the skull.’ (23:33.) This in itself has significant meaning to Christians today, and also presents the lay reader with a disturbing image of Christ dying in a place of numerous deaths, the skull itself representing death and destruction. The accounts also inform us that there is an inscription over Jesus on the cross; however, what is strange is the different wording in each gospel. If we consider that Mark’s gospel was the earliest to be written, it is no surprise that the inscription in his account states simply ‘The King of the Jews.’ (Mark 15:26.) Luke tells us that ‘This is the King of the Jews’ (Luke 23:38) and Matthew adds ‘This is Jesus the King of the Jews’ (Matt 27:37.) What makes these variations particularly surprising is that these accounts are highlighting one of the last living images of the Christ’s life on Earth.

One would imagine it to be an enduring image of a suffering man, suspended for many hours, with this insulting sign above him, supposedly acting as a warning to all who may follow him. Why then is the language different in this instance when it is identical on less significant occasions? This question cannot be answered categorically but it is plausible that this may be due to the varying translations of the original sources. We do know, however, that placing such an inscription near to the condemned man was standard Roman practice so this is likely to be a fairly accurate version of events.

All accounts tell us that at the moment of Jesus’ death, the curtains of the Temple are torn in two. (Mark 15:38, Luke 23:45 Matt 27:51.) This imagery is fairly obvious to the reader at this stage. Jesus’ death has culminated in the destruction of the Temple which signifies the death of the old religion. It also heralds the start of a new faith and, in turn, a new place of worship. The image also directly relates to Jesus’ relationship to the Temple elders and his unhappiness at the use of the Temple for purposes other than worship. As dramatic as this image is, it does not satisfy Matthew, who added that at this point the Earth also shook and the Saints were raised.

All of the authors end their accounts of Jesus’ death by stating that Jesus had been clothed in a linen shroud and placed in the tomb while the women waited outside. Luke also informs us that the women were waiting to anoint Jesus but would have to stay away for now as the Sabbath was beginning.


This article has been put together by the distance learning organisation Start Learning who are experts in home study.

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Kerrana McAvoy
Academic Director – Start Learning
http://www.start-learning.co.uk