“They came to a place called Golgotha (which means The Place of the Skull). There they offered Jesus wine to drink, mixed with gall; but after tasting it, he refused to drink it.”
Matthew 27:33-34
A pockmarked limestone bluff near Damascus Gate is likely the place called Golgotha, also known as Calvary. Below this bluff was the site of Christ’s crucifixion—a place of agony, yet also of redemption. The name, meaning “The Skull,” evokes images of torture, death, and judgment. Here, outside the city walls (Hebrews 13:12), Jesus bore the full weight of sin, suffering not only physical torment but also the wrath of God in place of His people.
At Golgotha the religious leaders scoffed, the soldiers gambled, and the world mocked. Yet Christ, in love, endured it all, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice to a holy God. His death at this dark place secured eternal life for all who believe. In a great exchange (2 Corinthians 5:21), my sin was placed on Christ, and I was clothed in His righteousness. Now, when God looks at me, He sees Christ’s righteousness.
As we reflect on Golgotha, let us not only see suffering, but also salvation. There Christ declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30). It was Friday, but Sunday was coming!
At Golgotha the religious leaders scoffed, the soldiers gambled, and the world mocked. Yet Christ, in love, endured it all, offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice to a holy God. His death at this dark place secured eternal life for all who believe. In a great exchange (2 Corinthians 5:21), my sin was placed on Christ, and I was clothed in His righteousness. Now, when God looks at me, He sees Christ’s righteousness.
As we reflect on Golgotha, let us not only see suffering, but also salvation. There Christ declared, “It is finished” (John 19:30). It was Friday, but Sunday was coming!
Scripture Focus
John 19:16-37
Insight
“My sin, not in part, but the whole/ Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more;/ Praise the Lord, … O my soul.” (Horatio Spafford, 1873)
Bible In A Year
- 2 Samuel 11-12
- Psalm 141
- Colossians 3-4