GOSPELS HARMONY (232)

0. Introduction

a) All four books in the Bible that tell the story of Jesus Christ - Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John - stand alone, emphasizing a unique aspect of Jesus' life. But when these are blended into one complete account, or harmonized, we gain new insights into the life of Christ.

III. Events: Death & Resurrection of Jesus Christ

1. Pilate hands Jesus over to be crucified.

a) Matthew 27:15-26

i) ¹⁵ Now at the feast the governor was accustomed to releasing to the multitude one prisoner whom they wished. ¹⁶ And at that time they had a notorious prisoner called Barabbas. ¹⁷ Therefore, when they had gathered together, Pilate said to them, “Whom do you want me to release to you? Barabbas, or Jesus who is called Christ?” ¹⁸ For he knew that they had handed Him over because of envy. 

¹⁹ While he was sitting on the judgment seat, his wife sent to him, saying, “Have nothing to do with that just Man, for I have suffered many things today in a dream because of Him.” ²⁰ But the chief priests and elders persuaded the multitudes that they should ask for Barabbas and destroy Jesus. ²¹ The governor answered and said to them, “Which of the two do you want me to release to you?”
They said, “Barabbas!”

²² Pilate said to them, “What then shall I do with Jesus who is called Christ?” They all said to him, “Let Him be crucified!” ²³ Then the governor said, “Why, what evil has He done?” But they cried out all the more, saying, “Let Him be crucified!”

²⁴ When Pilate saw that he could not prevail at all, but rather that a tumult was rising, he took water and washed his hands before the multitude, saying, “I am innocent of the blood of this just Person. You see to it.” ²⁵ And all the people answered and said, “His blood be on us and on our children.” ²⁶ Then he released Barabbas to them; and when he had scourged Jesus, he delivered Him to be crucified. (Matthew 27:15-26 NKJV)

b) Other Gospel references

i) Mark: 15:6-15

ii) Luke: 23:13-25

iii) John: 18:38-19:16