The Passion According to the Four Gospels — Answers (Week Four)

  1. Darkness over the land
    The darkness from noon until three in the afternoon is recorded in Matthew, Mark, and Luke.
    References: Matthew 27:45; Mark 15:33; Luke 23:44
    Omission: John does not record this sign, focusing instead on Jesus’ final words and the fulfillment of Scripture.
  2. The inscription in multiple languages
    Only John specifies that the inscription on the Cross was written in Hebrew, Latin, and Greek.
    Reference: John 19:19–20
    Other accounts: Matthew, Mark, and Luke mention the inscription but do not describe the languages, emphasizing its content rather than its universal reach.
  3. Wine mixed with myrrh
    The offering of wine mixed with myrrh, which Jesus refuses, is recorded in Mark.
    Reference: Mark 15:23
    Elsewhere:
    • Matthew records wine mixed with gall (Matthew 27:34).
    • Luke and John omit this specific detail, though John later records Jesus receiving wine at the end of His life (John 19:28–30).
  4. The piercing of Jesus’ side
    Only John records the piercing of Jesus’ side, from which blood and water flow. This detail underscores both eyewitness testimony and theological symbolism.
    Reference: John 19:34
  5. Casting lots for Jesus’ garments
    All four Gospels mention the soldiers dividing Jesus’ garments by casting lots.
    References: Matthew 27:35; Mark 15:24; Luke 23:33–34; John 19:23–24
    Scriptural fulfillment: John alone explicitly connects this act to the fulfillment of Scripture (Psalm 22), quoting it directly.
  6. The women at the Cross
    John most strongly emphasizes women standing near the Cross, uniquely placing them at the foot of the Cross rather than observing from a distance.
    Reference: John 19:25-27
    Other accounts: Matthew, Mark, and Luke mention women observing from a distance, naming some but keeping them removed from the immediate scene.
  7. The centurion’s confession
    Mark records the centurion confessing, “Truly this man was the Son of God.”
    Reference: Mark 15:39
    Variations:
    • Matthew echoes this confession with added cosmic signs (Matthew 27:54).
    • Luke records the centurion glorifying God and declaring Jesus innocent (Luke 23:47).
    • John does not include a centurion’s confession, focusing instead on witness and fulfillment.