NOT CONTRADICTORY, BUT COMPLEMENTARY

"Dear Kuya Jeff, I hope you’re doing well! I am one of the regular students in your free Catholic Bible Study every Friday on Zoom. I really enjoy learning and following the study. I have some questions about the story of Jesus coming into Jerusalem. I noticed that the different Gospel writers said different things. For example, Mark said that Jesus rode a donkey, but Matthew said Jesus rode a donkey accompanied by its mother. In Luke, the people shouted "Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord," while in the other Gospels, they shouted "Hosanna." Lastly, only John mentioned that people were holding palm branches, but we call it "Palm Sunday," which comes from John's story. I’m a little confused—are they all saying different things? Aren’t they supposed to tell the same story? I hope you can help me understand this before Palm Sunday on April 13. Thank you for teaching us, and I hope you have a peaceful Holy Week." - Curious Carlo

​Four friends—Marcus, Mattheus, Lucas, and Johann—sat around a table, staring at a pizza. Each was convinced they had identified the one true flavor. “Clearly, this is pepperoni,” Marcus declared, pointing at a slice loaded with the spicy meat. “Bold, fiery, and traditional!” “Wrong!” Mattheus argued, gesturing to the pineapple-topped slice. “It’s Hawaiian—sweet, tangy, and an undeniable classic!” Lucas, eyeing a slice with olives, mushrooms, and peppers, said, “No, it’s obviously vegetarian. Healthy, balanced, and full of history!” Johann, admiring the cheese-heavy slice, shook his head. “You’re all mistaken. This is quattro formaggi—elegant, refined, and philosophical!” They debated fiercely, each convinced their perspective was the only valid one, until an intern walked by, overheard them, and calmly said, “It’s a four-flavor pizza. Each of you is correct.” The friends paused, then burst out laughing. It turned out their arguments weren’t contradictory—they were complementary. And so, they each enjoyed their slice, savoring both the pizza and the lesson.

The story of Jesus entering Jerusalem is a big moment in His life, and all four Gospel writers—Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John—talk about it. They each tell it a bit differently, but that’s not because they’re contradicting each other. Instead, each one is highlighting a different side of the same amazing event, helping us see a richer, fuller picture of who Jesus is and what His mission is all about.

1. MARK
In Mark 11:1–11, Jesus’ arrival in Jerusalem feels serious and full of quiet anticipation. Mark pays close attention to the details—like how Jesus tells His disciples to get a colt that no one has ever ridden before. That little detail shows us how sacred Jesus’ mission is and hints at His royal role. Interestingly, after He enters Jerusalem, He simply looks around the Temple and leaves—no drama, just calm. Luc Cola, CICM, says Mark wrote his Gospel to give hope to Christians who were being persecuted in Rome. This peaceful scene reminds us that Jesus wasn’t some helpless victim—He was in control the whole time, willingly choosing the road to the cross. As Scott Hahn puts it, Jesus didn’t just die—He gave His life as an act of love.

2. MATTHEW
According to Bible scholar Raymond E. Brown, PSS, Matthew really focuses on how Jesus fulfills Old Testament prophecies, especially as the “Son of David.” In Matthew 21:1–11, Jesus rides into Jerusalem, fulfilling Zechariah’s prophecy (9:9). Matthew even mentions both a donkey and a colt—he’s taking the prophecy literally. Riding on a donkey (instead of a war horse) shows Jesus is a peaceful king, not a fighter. The colt, which had never been ridden, was brought along with its mother to keep it calm. That simple act shows Jesus' kindness and concern even for animals. When the crowd calls Him “the prophet from Nazareth,” it ties into Matthew’s theme—Jesus is both the long-awaited King and a humble servant.

3. LUKE
Luke, who’s writing mostly for non-Jews, gives a detailed and thoughtful account in Luke 19:28–44. Scholars like Luke Timothy Johnson and Darrell Bock say he wanted to make sure his readers could trust what he wrote. One unique thing Luke includes is Jesus crying over Jerusalem. He’s heartbroken that the city doesn’t recognize the peace He brings. The people celebrate, shouting praises like at His birth, but the Pharisees try to quiet them. Jesus replies that even the stones would cry out if the people didn’t. That moment shows how big and unstoppable His mission is. While there’s sadness, there’s also a hopeful message: salvation isn’t just for Israel anymore—it’s for everyone.

4. JOHN
John Pilch and Raymond Brown both affirm that the Gospel of John was composed to strengthen the faith of those who already believed in Jesus—both Jewish and Gentile Christians. They emphasize that the Gospel aimed to affirm and defend Jesus’ divinity, presenting Him as equal with God and sent by the Father. John’s version, found in John 12:12–19, is all about showing who Jesus really is—God in the flesh. He connects Jesus’ grand entrance to the raising of Lazarus, which had caused a lot of people to believe in Him. That’s why there was such a huge crowd waving palm branches—a detail only John mentions. The palms were symbols of victory and royalty. Interestingly, John points out that the disciples didn’t fully get what was happening until later, after Jesus was glorified. And when the Pharisees grumble that “the whole world is following Him,” it shows just how wide-reaching Jesus’ mission really is. John's account reminds us that Jesus came to bring everyone to God.

What’s the takeaway? These four accounts do not contradict each other—they offer different windows into the same truth. Each Gospel writer, guided by the Holy Spirit, highlights a particular dimension of Jesus’ identity: Mark presents Jesus as the Messiah who enters silently, fully aware of what lies ahead. Matthew shows Jesus as the prophesied King, humbly fulfilling Scripture. Luke reveals Jesus as the compassionate Lord who weeps for the lost. John proclaims Jesus as the God Man, drawing all people to Himself. Together, they form a harmonious picture of one event, one Lord, and one saving mission—for all people and for all time.

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