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Religious Literature Section ---- > Gospels
Four Gospels dealing with death and resurrection of Jesus
The following indicates similarities and differences of each Gospel written by Matthew, Mark, Luke and John from J.B. Phillips translation.
The Last Supper
Three of the Gospels (Matthew, Mark and Luke) address preparations for the Passover meal, sends some disciples (Matthew doesn’t say who, whereas Mark and Luke say its Peter and John.) The three mention that they are to meet with someone (Mark and Luke say one who is carrying water) who will assist in providing a place for the Passover meal (Mark provides the most detail about this exchange.) The three agree that the room is upstairs.
In Matthew and Luke’s version, Jesus now speaks of a betrayer, disciples either wonder who is the one or claim they aren’t the one, Jesus assures that is one of the twelve, “it is one who is dipping his hand into dish with me”. Tells them that scriptures have foretold this prophecy. Mark’s version specifically has added, when Judas asks – Jesus says “as you say”
Jesus conducts what will be known as the first communion, taking bread and blessing it, giving it to his disciples and saying “take and eat, it is my body”. Afterwards he takes a cup, gives thanks to God for it and shares it, saying “drink, my blood, blood of new agreement to set many free from their sins” – “I won’t drink of this till later in my Fathers Kingdom.”
In Mark’s version he adds, Jesus explained how he has longed to eat this meal with them, and won’t eat it again until kingdom of God is fulfilled. Mark also adds comments about Jesus teaching again about humility as the Disciples are debating who among them would do this, and then a dispute arose as to who is considered the most important. Jesus explains that unlike the world realm, God’s is different; the greatest is to become the servant.
John has a slightly different version of this account starting with Jesus teaching about being a servant first. Jesus takes off his outer clothes, picks up a towel, pours water into a basin and begins to wash the feet of the disciples drying them with the towel. When He got to Peter, Peter refused, but Jesus replied, unless he did, Peter couldn’t share his lot with him. Peter then told him, then wash my hands and feet as well. Jesus alludes to the fact that not all of them are clean (as one would betray him.) After this, Jesus explains what he had just done and what example he was leaving for them (to serve others and find happiness in doing so.) Jesus says that he will now tell them about things before they happen, so that they will believe He is who He claims to be, and that anyone who accepts his messenger will accept him and the one who sent him.
John then adds his version on how Jesus tells them that one will betray him. Disciples wondered who among them, Peter asks John, John asks Jesus, who? Jesus answers “the one I will give this bread to after I have dipped it in the dish.” Then He did so giving it to Judas. After this Satan had entered Judas’ heart. Jesus told him to “Be quick about your business!” No one else at the table knew what He meant, some felt it may have said this because Judas was the one who handled money for the disciples and told him to pay for the meal or give to the poor.
In the Garden of Gethsemane
Luke starts his version with “Jesus tells Peter that Satan has asked to have all of them sifted like wheat.” To which Peter exclaims that he is ready to go to prison or die for Jesus. Jesus replies with prediction that Peter will before the cock crows twice he will have denied three times that he knows him. Jesus then reminds them of the time when he sent them out without anything (no purse, wallet, shoes), and asks if they found that they needed anything? They replied, No, nothing. Jesus then explains that if they have a purse or wallet, now is the time to take it and if they don’t have a sword, to sell something to get one. He then says that the scripture must be fulfilled in him. The disciples said look here are two swords. Jesus replied, “That is enough (probably meaning that they needed to be strong and determined in a spiritual, not physical battle and that is enough talk of violence.)
Matthew and Mark both say that after the meal they sang a hymn together before going to the Mount of Olives. There Jesus told them that “tonight each of them will lose his faith in him,” “scriptures stated that the shepherd would be struck and the flock scattered.” “But after I have risen, I shall go before you into Galilee!” Peter exclaims that he’ll never lose faith, Jesus replies with prediction that Peter will before the cock crows he’ll have disowned him three times. Peter once again, asserts that he won’t, even if it means dying for Him. (In Mark’s version he mentions that likewise the others said the same.)
John’s version has Jesus also saying, “Now comes the glory of the Son of Man, and the glory of God in him.” “You will look for me but where I’m going you cannot follow. Then he gives them a new command to love one another, just as he had loved them. This is how men will know that you are my disciples.
At Gethsemane, he instructed them to sit while He went and prayed, taking Peter and two sons of Zebedee (James and John). He tells them of his distress and told them to “stay here and keep watch with him”, your spirit is willing but your human nature is weak. Then walked a little ways, fell on his face and prayed (Mark says that he flung himself on to the ground), “Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from me – yet it must not be what I want, but what you want.” Mark’s version adds, He prayed, “Dear Father, all things are possible to you. Please let me not have to drink this cup, yet it is not what I want, but what you want.”
He came back and found the disciples asleep, He spoke to Peter, “couldn’t you three keep awake with me for a single hour? And then warns them to watch and pray that they would not have to face temptation, your spirit is willing but your human nature is weak. He went a second time and prayed again the same type of prayer. He came back and found them asleep again, so he left them and prayed a third time in the same fashion. Then he came back and spoke to his disciples again asking them if they still going to sleep, because in a moment he would be handed over by his betrayer.
How Jesus is betrayed and then arrested
Matthew, Mark and Luke all explain how Judas, one of the twelve appeared with a great crowd/mob armed with swords, sent by the chief priests and Jewish elders. Judas was to give them a sign, the one he kissed will be the man to arrest which he did without any hesitation. Jesus asked him, “Why are you here?” John’s version has Jesus realizing what was going on and asking, “Who are you looking for? Jesus of Nazareth they answered. “I am the man” said Jesus, they retreated and then fell to the ground. Jesus asked them again. Again the said Jesus of Nazareth. “I have told you that I am the man. Let the others go.”
Then the others came up and seized him. Matthew and Mark points out that one of Jesus disciples (someone, whereas Luke records this as being Peter) drew a sword and slashed at the high priests servant and cut off his ear (Luke and John have this being specifically his right ear and only Luke adds that Jesus then touched his ear and healed him.) Jesus told him to put away the sword, saying all those who take the sword die by the sword. If he wanted he could have appealed to his father and received support from the heavens. Jesus then asks the crowd why they have come after him with swords to capture him like a bandit. He has been present in the temple courts and they never touched him there. At this the disciples all deserted him and made their escape.
Mark’s version adds a small section about how there happened to be a young man among His followers who wore nothing but a line shirt. They seized him, but he left the shirt in their hands and took off naked. (This may have been John Mark since he placed in this vivid detail)
Jesus comes before the Jewish authorities (Peter betrays him)
John’s account starts with Jesus being taken to Annas (father in law of Caiaphas) first, then to the house of the high priest. John also mentioned that Caiaphas had advised the Jews that it would be good for one to die for the sake of his people. John’s version has the chief priest interrogating Jesus about his followers and his teaching. Jesus replied that he has taught openly where the Jews meet, why question him now in secret. Why not question the ones who heard him teach. After this response a servant to the high priest slapped Jesus saying this is no way to speak to a high priest. After this Jesus was taken to the High Priest Caiaphas. John’s version does not mention what happens at the house of Caiaphas. John’s version also adds that John also followed Peter and that John was know by the high priest and arranged for Peter to enter the courtyard. Peter followed at a safe distance right up to the courtyard, then went inside and sat down with the servants and waited to see the end.
The other accounts start off with the men who had seized Jesus took him off to Caiaphas the High Priest. Although they failed, the Chief priests and the council did all they could to find false evidence against Jesus to get him condemned to death. (Mark’s version also says that their testimonies conflicted.) In the end, two claimed that Jesus has said that he could pull down the temple of God and rebuild it in three days (Mark’s version adds that they too conflicted in their testimony.) High priest asked Jesus for an answer. Jesus remained silent. High priest then commanded via oath that Jesus tell them that he was the Christ, Son of god. Jesus replied that he was, (Matthew’s version adds and furthermore that they would see him sitting at the right hand of power and coming on the clouds of heaven.) At this the chief priest tore his clothes saying this was “blasphemy” asking those around him for their verdict, which they replied that Jesus should die. After this they spit on him and knocked him around, asking Jesus to prophesize who it was that hit him. (Mark adds that even the servants did the same to Jesus, Luke’s version has this taking place after Peter denies knowing Jesus.) Peter was still in the courtyard and a maidservant asked him if he was with Jesus, but Peter denied it. He moved out to the porch, were another maid recognized him and asked him the same thing which he denied with an oath (Mark states that after this the cock crowed once.) A few minutes later, another came to Peter saying certainly you are one of them, we can tell by your accent. At which Peter began to swear saying he didn’t know him, then he heard the cock crow, (Luke’s version adds that Jesus then looked at Peter) the words of Jesus came immediately back to him. Then he left weeping bitterly.
When morning came, the chief priests and elders met to decide how they could get him executed. (In Luke’s version they first took him to their own council and asked him if he was really the Christ? He replied, if he told them, they wouldn’t believe him, and then he assures them that he will take his seat at the right hand of God. So they said, you are the Son of God, to which he replied, “You are right, I am.” They said have we need for any more witness, they had heard it from his mouth.) They took him to Pilate the governor. John’s account adds that they did not go into the place for fear of contamination prohibiting them from eating the Passover meal.
When Judas commits suicide
Only Matthew’s version tells us that Judas now realized that he had just handed Jesus over and now he feels condemned, so in an act of remorse he tried to return the 30 pieces of silver he received for his part. The Chief priest and elders told him that was not their problem. Judas threw down the silver coins in the Temple and went out and hung himself. The priests picked up the coins but knew they couldn’t use them to put back into the Temple’s treasury, so that went and purchased the Potter’s field to serve as a burial ground for foreigner (which gave it its nickname of the field of blood) so fulfilling the prophecy by Jeremiah.
When Jesus appears before Pilate
Luke starts his version with the chief priests and elders telling Pilate that Jesus is the one who they found corrupting the people and telling them to not pay taxes to Cesar, and claiming himself to be a King. All other versions start with Jesus standing in front of the governor (Pilate). John’s version adds that Pilate first asked what charge was being made about Jesus. When the chief priests and elders replied, Pilate said that they should judge Jesus themselves according to their own laws. They replied that they laws don’t allow them to put him to death. All versions then have Pilate then asking Jesus if he was the king of the Jews? Matthew, Mark and Luke’s versions say that Jesus replied “yes”. However, while the chief priests and elders were making their accusation, he refused to reply. Pilate even asked, do you have nothing to say against what they are saying about you, but Jesus remained silent.
John’s version has more interaction between Jesus and Pilate, and starts with Jesus asking a question to Pilate, “Are you asking this on your own or because others had told you”, in which Pilate replies that I am not a Jew it’s your people who told me this. Jesus replied that his kingdom is not of this world, if it was his servants would not have allowed this to happen, however his kingdom is founded on all of this. So Pilate replied “so you are a King.” Jesus replied, “I am, the reason for my existence is to witness to the truth, anyone who loves truth will recognize my voice.” Pilate replied with “what is truth!”
In only Luke’s version the chief priests and elders added that Jesus was a trouble maker among the people, he teaches in all of Judea from Galilee to here. When Pilate heard this, he suspected that Jesus was a Galilean who was under Herod’s jurisdiction (Herod was the tetrarch of Galilee) he sent Jesus to him since Herod was present in Jerusalem at the time. Herod was delighted to see Jesus, as he longed to see a miracle that he had heard the people talk about. Herod too questioned Jesus, however Jesus provided no reply, so Herod and his soldiers scoffed and poked at Jesus as well. As they finished, they dressed him in a fine cloak and sent him back to Pilate. Pilate called together the chief priests and elders and told them that although you have brought this many to me a as a trouble maker I have found nothing criminal about him and neither has Herod, and as such has done nothing to deserve a death penalty. Pilate proposed that Jesus be taught a lesson and then let go.
All the versions then continue with the custom at festival-time for the governor to release any prisoner the crowd chose. When the crowd assembled they asked this request. Pilate gave them the choice, Jesus or Barabbas (a known violent and convicted killer.) Pilate realized that Jesus was handed over through sheer malice. Matthew explains that while this was going on his wife sent message to him to not have anything to do with this man because of some agonizing dreams she had. But the chief priests had persuaded the crowd to ask for Barabbas instead. Pilate then asks the people for their choice in which they shouted, to release Barabbas.
John’s version had Pilate then taking Jesus and having him flogged. During this the soldiers twisted thorn-twigs into a crown and put it on his head, gave him a purple robe and exclaimed “hail king of the Jews!” as they slapped him. He then brought Jesus out to the crowd. When Pilate asked the people what he should do with Jesus, they all exclaimed, crucify him! Pilate insisted that he found no crime in Jesus. Pilate then told the Jewish people to take him and crucify him themselves, but the Jews answered that according to their law Jesus must die because he made himself out to be the Son of God. Pilate become more uneasy and asked Jesus where he came from to which Jesus did not reply. Pilate then said, why won’t you speak to me, I have the power over whether you live or die. Jesus replied with you have no power over me, except that given to you from above. The reason the one who handed me over is even guiltier than you. Pilate tried even harder to set him free but the Jews shouted, you won’t be a friend of Cesar if you let him go as one saying he is a king is anti-Cesar. Pilate presented Jesus to the people and said here is your King. The crowd replied, take him away and crucify him. Pilate said, I am to crucify you king? To which they replied that Cesar is our only king. At this Pilate handed Jesus over for crucifixion.
The other versions have Pilate asking the people what he should do with Jesus, they all exclaimed, crucify him! Pilate insisted that he found no crime in Jesus, to which the crowd cried even louder to crucify him. Fearing that a riot may ensue he was persuaded to satisfy them. Only Matthew’s version adds that Pilate washed his hands in a bowl of water before the crowd saying the he takes no responsibility in the death of this man, to which the crowd replied, let his blood be on us and our children. Matthew and Mark’s version both have Pilate releasing Barabbas and having Jesus flogged and then handed over for crucifixion.
How Jesus is ill-treated and tortured
Then they spit on him and knocked him around saying, Prophesy to us, who just hit you. Pilate then had Jesus flogged and handed over for crucifixion. The roman governors soldiers took Jesus back to the governors palace and stripped him and put a cloak (Matthew’s version said scarlet cloak, Mark’s had purple cloak, Luke didn’t mention a cloak at all) upon him. They twisted thorn-twigs into a crown and put a stick in his right hand, bowed before him saying “hail king of the Jews.” Then they continued to spit on him and hit him with the stick. After finishing with their fun, they re-dressed him and led him off for crucifixion.
When Jesus is Crucified and Dies
Matthew, Mark and Luke’s versions tell of the soldiers compelling a man named Simon (native of Cyrene in Africa) to carry Jesus cross. Only Luke records that a huge crowd followed, including women in which Jesus turned to them “do not shed tears for me, but for your you and your children”. All gospels mention that they went to a place called Golgotha (or Skull.) Matthew, Mark and Luke’s versions tell of them offering Jesus a drink of wine mixed with some bitter drug but when he tasted it he refusing it. Only Mark’s version mentioned that Jesus was nailed to the cross and that the guards kept watch over him. All version speak of the guards dividing his clothes by drawing lots, however John’s version differs slightly adding that they shared his clothes, but only drew lots on the seamless shirt which couldn’t be divided, which fulfilled a prior scripture.
Only John’s account specifies that while the soldiers did this, Jesus’ mother was standing nearby with her sister and two other Mary’s. Jesus saw her and the disciple he loved (probably John) and said to her “look, there is you son!” and then he said the disciple “and there is your mother!” From that time the disciple took Mary into his own home. Matthew, Mark and John’s version tell of a placard that was placed above Jesus head that said, “this is Jesus, king of the Jews”, John’s account mentions that this was written by Pilate and that the Chief priests objected to the way he had written this insisting that Jesus had said that “I am the king of the Jews”, to which Pilate replied what I have written, I have written.
All versions mention the two bandits that were crucified along with him on each side. Matthew, Mark and Luke, tell of those who had passed by mocking Jesus by saying “one who could pull down the Temple and rebuild it in three days, why not save yourself.” Or “if you are the Son of God, step down.
Matthew and Mark add that the Chief priests also added to the jeers by saying “He saved others, but He can’t save himself” or “if he is the king, have him come down now and we will believe” or “He trusted God, let God rescue him” and that even the bandits being crucified with him joined in on the jeering. Luke however states that one of the bandits joined in and also said, “Since your are the Christ, save yourself and us to” while the other checked him saying, “aren’t you afraid of God, our punishment is fair for us, but this man doesn’t deserve this, he didn’t do anything wrong.” He then asked Jesus to remember him when he when to his kingdom. Jesus answered him, “Today you will be with me in paradise”
Matthew and Mark tell of how from midday until three o’clock darkness spread over the whole countryside, and then Jesus crying out with a loud voice, “My God, My God, why have you forsaken Me.” Luke writes that it was now about midday; darkness came over the whole countryside until three in the afternoon, for there was an eclipse of the sun. The veil in the Temple sanctuary was split in two. Then Jesus gave a great cry and said, “Father, into your hands I commend my spirit.” And with this he died.
Matthew and Mark’s accounts say that some nearby heard Jesus spoke in Aramaic and thought he was calling for Elijah. On of them ran off and fetched a sponge, soaked it in vinegar and put it on a long stick and held it up for him to drink. But other said to let him alone, let’s see if Elijah will come and save him. But Jesus gave one more great cry and died. While John writes that Jesus realizing that everything was not completed said “I am thirsty” There was a bowl of sour wine standing there, so they soaked a sponge put it on a spear and pushed it towards his mouth. When he had taken it, he cried, “it is finished”, his head fell forward and he died.
Those around him at the time of death
Matthew writes of the Roman centurion’s who while keeping guard over Jesus saw the earthquake and all that was happening they were terrified, saying “indeed he was the Son of God!” Mark and Luke have a single Roman centurion who stood in front of Jesus and saw how he died, saying “This man was certainly a son of God!” (Matthew) or “Indeed this was a good man! (Luke). Matthew, Mark and John write of how there were many women watching from a distance. They had followed Jesus from Galilee to minister to his needs (Mary of Magdala, Mary the mother of James and Joseph and the mother of James and John.) Luke writes of the how the crowd who had collected to watch this saw what had happened they went home in deep distress.
His Burial
In John’s Gospel he writes, The Jews wanted to avoid having bodies left on the crosses through Passover Holiday, hey requested that Pilate have the men’s legs broken and bodies removed. The soldiers broke the legs of the two criminals around Jesus, but when they came to him noted that he was already dead so they didn’t break his legs. One of the soldiers however did piece Jesus’ side with a spear and out came blood and water (this happened to fulfill prior scripture prophecy.
Thereafter each Gospel account has a slightly different description of what happens next. Matthew and Mark write that in the evening, Joseph a wealth man from Arimathaea, himself a disciple of Jesus, went to Pilate and asked for the body of Jesus and Pilate gave orders for the body to be handed over. Thereafter Joseph took it, wrapped it in clean linen and placed it in his own new tomb which had been hewn in the rock. Then he rolled a large stone across the doorway and left. Mary from Magdala and the other Mary (mother of James) remained, sitting in front of the tomb. The next day (Saturday) chief priests and Pharisees went to Pilate and said that they needed guards to be posted at the tomb, in case his followers try to steal the body and tell others that he has risen from the dead, which would leave us with a worse deception than the first. So Pilate granted them their guards. In addition however, Mark added that Pilate was surprised that he should be dead already and he sent for the centurion and asked whether he had been dead long. On hearing the centurion’s report, he gave Joseph the body. Joseph brought a linen winding-sheet, took Jesus down and wrapped him init and the put him a tome which had been hewn out of the solid rock, rolling a stone over the entrance to it. Mary of Magdala and Mary the mother of Joseph were looking on and aw where he was laid.
Luke had written that a good and just man named Joseph from the Jewish council would did not agree with and vote for the councils plan. He came from the Jewish city of Arimathaea. He went to Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. He too it down and wrapped it in linen and placed it in a rock-hewn tomb which had not be used yet. It was now the day of preparation and the Sabbath was beginning to dawn, so the women who had accompanied Jesus from Galilee followed Joseph, noted the tomb and position of the body and then went to prepare spices and perfumes. On the Sabbath they rested in obedience o the commandant.
Whereas John records, that afterwards, Joseph (from Arimathaea) requested Pilot that he might take Jesus’ body and Pilate granted him permission. Nicodemus also arrived brining a mixture of myrrh and aloes, weighing about a hundred pounds. They took Jesus body and wound it round with line strips with spices. In the place were he was crucified there was garden near by containing a tomb not yet in use. Because it was preparation day and the tomb was empty they laid Jesus in it.
The empty tomb
Each Gospel speaks of how after the Sabbath, very early the next morning women (John only speaks of one, Mary of Magdala) came the tomb to anoint Jesus’ body with spices and perfumes, however each Gospel then goes on to tell a slightly different story of what happens next.
Matthew’s account indicates that at that moment an earthquake occurred for angel came from heaven and rolled back the stone and took a seat upon it. His appearance was stunning. At this the guards fainted from shock. The angel spoke to the women, “don’t be afraid, Jesus is not here, he has risen just as he said, come and see for yourselves and then go swiftly tell the others. At this the women left at once to see the disciples, filled with awe and great joy. And adds these statements not mentioned by the others. While on their way, the sentries went into the city and reported to the chief priests all that occurred. They in turn got with the elders and after consultation decided to give the soldiers a great deal of money to report that the his disciples came at night and stole the body while you were sleeping. We will set things right with the governor to keep you out of trouble. The sentries took the money and obeyed these instructions.
Mark’s account states that the women were asking each other “Who will roll the stone back they asked each other?” As they looked closer they saw that the stone was already rolled back, so they went inside and saw a young man in white sitting at the right-hand side. He told them that there was no need to be surprised, Jesus has risen, look he is not here. Go and let his disciples know. Jesus will go to Galilee before you, you will see him there. They left in a hurry extremely excited, but kept it to themselves.
Luke’s account indicates that they discovered the stone had already been rolled away, but didn’t find the body of Jesus inside. Then two men stood next to them dressed in a stunning light and startled them. The men asked them why they are looking for the living among the dead. He is not here, he had risen! Remember what he told you in Galilee, that the Son must be betrayed and then crucified to rise on the third day. Then they remembered and left at once to the disciples to tell them.
Whereas John writes that when Mary arrived at the tomb early in the morning and notice the stone had been taken away from the tomb. She ran at once and found Peter and John and told them, they have taken Jesus and I don’t know where they put him. Peter and John ran to the tomb. John got there first and inside he found only the linen clothes. Peter then arrived and went inside, noting the linen lying on the ground and the handkerchief that had covered Jesus’ head neatly rolled up nearby. They went back home. However, Mary stood outside and just cried, as she stood there she saw two angels in white. The angels asked why she was crying, Mary replied because they have taken Jesus and I don’t know where they put him.
Resurrection appearances of Jesus
Matthew and Mark’s versions only mention a few things regarding Jesus’ appearances, where as Luke and John go into a lot of detail. Matthew’s version indicates that quite suddenly as the Mary’s ran from the empty tomb Jesus stood before them and said “Peace be with you.” They moved forward and embraced his feet and worshipped him. Jesus told them, “do not be afraid, go and tell the disciples that I will meet them in Galilee.” The disciples went to the hill-side in Galilee where Jesus had prearranged to meet them; however some of them were unconvinced. Mark records that when Jesus rose early on the first day of the week, he appeared first of all to Mary of Magdala, and she reported to the others, however they didn’t believe her. Later, he appeared in a different form to two of his followers (not the disciples) as they were out walking on the road. They came back and told the others, still they didn’t believe. Later he appeared to them and reprimands them for their lack of faith and reluctance to believe those who had seen him.
Luke however tells several stories, starting with on the same day; two of them were traveling to Emmaus a village about seven miles from Jerusalem. As they went along, they were in deep conversation about all that occurred. While in the midst of discussion Jesus approached and walked along with them, but something keep them from recognizing him at first. He asked them “What they were talking about?” They stopped, faces drawn with mystery and the one named Cleopas replied, “You must be the only one who hasn’t heard of the things that occurred recently.” What things asked Jesus? “About Jesus from Nazareth, a prophet strong in words and actions in God’s eyes, haven’t you heard how the chief priests handed him over for execution and had him crucified? We were hoping he was the one who had come to set Israel free. It’s been about three days and some of the women have disturbed us greatly, for when they went to the tomb, he was missing, but instead saw an image of angels who said he was alive. Jesus replied to them that they didn’t understand what the prophets had said about him and how it was expected that his should suffer and thus find his glory. Then Jesus continued to tell them first with Moses and then continuing with all the other prophets everything in scriptures that referred to him. As they approached a village the two persuade him to stay the evening with them. He went indoors and suddenly realized that it was Jesus, but suddenly he vanished. At once they returned to Jerusalem and found the others where they learned that Jesus appeared to Peter. They proceeded to tell what had happen to them.
Luke continues with while they were still talking Jesus appeared to them and said “Peace be with you all!” But they shriveled in fear for they thought they were seeing a ghost. “Why are you concerned” asked Jesus, “and why do you doubt, look at my hands and feet, feel and see, do ghosts have flesh and bones like this?” They stood in amazement, and Jesus asked “do you have anything to eat?” They provided him with fish and honeycomb which he ate in front of them. Then he said “everything written about me must have come true.”
In John’s version, Mary of Magdala at the tomb then turned and noticed Jesus standing there, but didn’t realize it was him. “Why are you crying, who are you looking for” he asked. Thinking he was a Gardner said “Sir, If you have carried him away, please tell me where he is, I will claim him? Jesus said “Mary” and she turned around and said “Master.” “No, do not hold me now, I have not yet gone up to the Father, go and tell my brothers that I am going up to my Father and your Father, to my God and you’re God.” Mary went at once and told them “I have seen the Lord” and told them what had happened.
John then goes on to tell in detail several of Jesus encounters with the disciples starting with in the evening of the first day, the disciples had met together with doors locked because of their fears. Jesus came and stood right in the middle of them and said “Peace be with you!” He proceeded to show them his hands, feet and side and when they say they were ecstatic. Then he said, just as the Father as sent me, so I am going to send you. And then he breathed upon them and said, “Receive the Holy Spirit. If you forgive men’s sins, they are forgiven, if you hold them unforgiving, they are unforgiving.
One of them, Thomas, was not with them when Jesus appeared. The others told him that they had seen the risen Lord, but he replied “unless I see the mark of the nail in his hands and put my finger were they were and put my hand into his side, I will never believe.” A week later, the disciples were outdoors and this time Thomas was with them. Jesus came and stood in the middle of them and said “Peace be with you!” Then he told Thomas, “Put your fingers here, take my hand, put it in my side, you must not doubt, but believe.” Thomas exclaimed, “My Lord and my God.” Jesus said “is it because you have seen me that you believe?”, “Happy are those who have never seen me and sill believe.” Jesus continued to give a number of signs in the presence of his disciples that are not recorded here. But these have been written so that you may believe that Jesus is the Christ, the Son of God, and in that faith you might have a life as his disciple.
Later on, Jesus showed himself again to his disciples on the shore of Lake Tiberius, and he did it in this way. Peter, Thomas, Nathaniel, James and John and two others were together when Peter said I’m going fishing.” “They replied that they will go with him. So they proceeded out on a boat at night but caught nothing. Just as dawn occurred, Jesus stood on the beach although the disciples didn’t recognize who it was. “Had you caught anything” Jesus asked. “No” they replied. He then instructed them to cast the net onto the right hand side of the boat and they’ll get a catch. So they did as he instructed and found that now they were not strong enough to even pull it in. When this occurred John said to Peter, “That is Jesus!” Hearing this Peter jumped from the boat and swam ashore (while the others followed in the boat dragging in the fish.) As they landed they saw a fire burning with a single fish on it and some bread. Jesus said for them to bring fish they just caught. Peter got into the boat and hauled the net ashore full of large fish (about 153.) Jesus told them to come and have breakfast.
Commission He gives to preach the Gospel (Good News)
Each Gospel gives differing accounts regarding this. Matthew’s says that Jesus spoke these words to them, “All power in Heaven and earth has been given to me. You are to go and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Teach them to observe all that I have commanded you and, remember, I am with you always, even to the end of the World.”
Mark’s says then he said to them, “You must go out to the whole world and proclaim the Gospel to every creature. He who believes it and is baptized will be saved, but he who disbelieves will be condemned. These signs will follow those who do believe: they will drive out evil sprits in my name; they will speak with new tongues; they will pick up snakes, and if they drink anything poisonous it will do them no harm; they will lay their hands upon the sick and they will recover.
Luke writes that then he opened their minds so that they could understand the scriptures, and said “this is how it was written, and that is why it was inevitable that Christ should suffer, and rise from the dead on the third day. So must the change of hear which leads to the forgiveness of sins are proclaimed in his name to all nations, beginning at Jerusalem. You are eye-witnesses of these things. Now I hand over to you’re the command of my Father. Stay in the city, then, until you are clothed with power from on high.” Then he led them outside to Bethany, where he blessed them with uplifted hands.
Whereas John writes in more details, when they had finished breakfast, Jesus said to Peter, “do you love me more than these others?”, “yes, you know that I am your friend” said Peter. “Then feed my lambs,” returned Jesus. Then a second time he said, “do you love me more than these others?”, “yes, you know that I am your friend” said Peter. “Then feed my lambs,” returned Jesus. Then for a third time Jesus asked, “Do you love me more than these others?”, “yes, you know that I am your friend” said Peter. “Then feed my lambs,” returned Jesus. “I tell you truly, Peter, that when you were younger, you used to dress yourself and go where you liked, but when you are an old man, you are going to stretch out your hands and someone else will dress you and take you where you do not want to go, You must follow me,” Jesus said. Then Peter turned and noticed John following them. So he said, “what about him?” “If it is my wish for him to stay until I come, is that your business, you must follow me.” This gave rise to the saying that this disciple would not die, yet of course, Jesus did not say, “He will not die”, but “If it is my wish for him to stay until I come, is that your business.”
Jesus ascends to Heaven
Only the Gospels of Mark and Luke speak of this event. Mark writes, after these words, Jesus was taken up into Heaven and was instated at the right hand of God. The disciples went out and preached everywhere. The Lord worked with them, confirming their message by the signs that followed.
Luke writes, while he was in the act of blessing them, he was parted from them and carried up to Heaven. They worshiped him and turned back to Jerusalem with great joy, and spent their days in the Temple, praising and blessing God.
An Epilogue to John’s Gospel
At the end of his Gospel, John writes, that it is he who is herby giving his testimony to these things and has written them down. We know that his witness is reliable. Of course, there are many other things which Jesus did, and I suppose that if each one were written down in detail, there would not be room in the whole world for all the books that would have to be written.