Passion of Jesus

Matthias Stom - Christ Crowned with Thorns

The Passion of Jesus refers to the short final period in the life of Jesus of Nazareth covering his visit to Jerusalem leading up to his crucifixion on Mount Calvary. The Passion is an important event in Christianity on which much of its theology, especially concerning salvation and atonement, is based. The accounts of the Passion are found in the four canonical gospels of the New Testament: Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John.

Biblical Accounts

The Passion narratives in the gospels begin with Jesus' Agony in the Garden of Gethsemane, followed by his arrest by the Temple guards of the Sanhedrin through the betrayal by Judas Iscariot. After his arrest, Jesus is taken to the Sanhedrin, where he is mocked, beaten, and questioned. He is then taken to Pontius Pilate, the Roman governor, who finds no reason to charge Jesus but, succumbing to the pressure of the crowd, sentences him to be crucified. Jesus is then scourged, crowned with thorns, and mocked. He carries his cross to Calvary, where he is crucified alongside two thieves. Jesus' death is followed by his burial in a tomb by Joseph of Arimathea.

Theological Significance

The Passion is of crucial significance in Christian theology for several reasons. It is seen as the fulfillment of prophecies in the Old Testament concerning the Messiah and serves as the ultimate act of sacrifice for the atonement of sin. The events of the Passion are central to the doctrine of salvation in Christianity, illustrating both the depth of human sin and the height of God's love in seeking to redeem humanity.

Liturgical Observance

In Christian liturgy, the Passion is commemorated during Holy Week, starting with Palm Sunday and culminating in Good Friday and Easter. Various traditions observe the Passion through specific rituals and readings. The Stations of the Cross, a devotional practice, retraces the final journey of Jesus to Calvary. The Passion also plays a central role in the Mass and the Divine Office, especially during Holy Week.

Artistic Depictions

The Passion has been a central theme in Christian art, inspiring countless works in all forms of media, from painting and sculpture to film and music. Artistic depictions often focus on key moments such as the Agony in the Garden, the Trial before Pilate, the Scourging, the Crowning with Thorns, and the Crucifixion. These artworks serve as meditations on the suffering of Christ and as expressions of Christian devotion.

Controversies and Interpretations

The Passion narratives have been subject to various interpretations and controversies throughout history. Some debates have centered on the historical accuracy of the gospel accounts, the role of the Jewish authorities and the Roman government in the crucifixion, and the theological implications of the Passion. Interpretations of the Passion have also varied across different Christian denominations and theological traditions.