Crucifixion Analysis

For the second part of this assignment, you need to read the crucifixion account “horizontally,” comparing John’s version to what you find in Matthew, Mark, and Luke. To do this, read through the other crucifixion narratives (Mark 15:21–47; Matthew 27:32–66; Luke 23:26–54) and note the similarities and differences that you find in John’s account. You don’t need to note every similarity and difference; instead, focus on those that seem potentially significant. (It may be that something that initially appears insignificant takes on importance when you notice that all four gospels include the same small detail in their accounts.) Unique material might include whole episodes, but it might also include unique changes to dialogue and other story elements. You don’t need to mention every small change, just those that seem potentially significant. But be alert: sometimes small changes can be significant.

To satisfactorily complete this part of the assignment, your submission should include:

A list of similarities. The list should be at least a half a page, but don’t go over one page. The list can include whole scenes/episodes and small details such as lines of dialogue. Use bullet points to enumerate your list, but make sure that your bullet points clearly identify the material are you describing. For example, “Joseph of Arimathea” would not be descriptive enough, but “Joseph of Arimathea asks for the body of Jesus” would suffice. *****
A list of distinctive features of John’s account. List any scenes that are unique to John’s account. Also, if applicable, list any standard scenes (those that appear in the other crucifixion accounts) that John omits. You might also list any small changes that John makes to material shared by the other gospels. I don’t expect you to be exhaustive, but do your best to identify the potentially significant differences. Use bullet points to enumerate your list, and highlight how John differs from others. For example, “No Simon” would be insufficient; instead, explain the difference: “The Synoptic Gospels describe Simon of Cyrene carrying Jesus’s cross; however, in John’s account Jesus carries his own cross.” This list should also be at least half a page long without going over one page. *****
*****A paragraph analyzing John’s characterization of Jesus. Write a paragraph describing the portrait of Jesus that John’s account of the crucifixion paints. What are the most significant differences, and how does that shape the reader’s understanding of Jesus? For example, as noted above, John depicts Jesus carrying his own cross rather than relying on Simon. What difference does this detail make in how Jesus is depicted?