When they came to the place that is called “The Skull”, they crucified him there with the criminals, one on the right and the other on the left. Luke 23:33 WEB
This scripture describes the setting of the crucifixion of Jesus. The Romans crucified condemned men near well-traveled roads at easily visible locations to send a message of power and deterrence to the local population. Jesus’ death happened at Golgotha; an Aramaic word interpreted as “the place of the skull.” The location is also known as Calvary. The rocky hill eerily resembles a human skull. They crucified him there.
We serve a God of justice, righteousness, and grace. Being righteous and just, God does not tolerate sin. In contrast to the Lord’s holiness, we are corrupt and sinful. This presents a problem for the sinner. How can we be acceptable to God? How can we ever expect him to receive us into his presence?
The answer to these questions is forgiveness. Mercifully, God made a way to forgiveness of sin through Christ. He gave us Jesus as a substitute for our sin. Like a brother paying our fine to get us out of jail, on the cross, Jesus paid our sin debt in full, reconciled us to God, and set us free.
Everlasting Life
Punishment is usually reserved for those who are guilty of some offense. But God had a plan for our salvation. As we read in John 3:16, “For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life. KJV” Although innocent, Christ took our transgressions upon himself at Calvary. Sinners like you and I, with heartless cruelty and mockery, they crucified him there, the Savior of the world, as a common criminal. But what men meant for evil, the Lord used for good as the sins of the world were paid in full by God himself through the sacrifice of his Son, Jesus.
The Gift of God
Romans 6:23 informs us, “For the wages of sin is death; but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ our Lord. WEB” At a place called “The Skull,” Jesus Christ received the death penalty on our behalf. When we accept him as Lord and Savior, when we believe that he is the Son of God who died for our sins and rose on the third day, we are saved from condemnation. We will die, but like Christ we will not stay dead. We will rise as Christ rose and live eternally with the Lord.
An interesting exchange is recorded between the two criminals crucified alongside Christ. One of them insulted the Lord but the other rebuked the man saying that they were guilty, but Jesus was innocent. He then asked Jesus to remember him when he came into his kingdom. Christ responded with these famous words from Luke 23:43, “Assuredly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for making a way for me to be in eternity with you. Give me wisdom to understand your word and help me to share the good news of salvation with the world. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: The Righteousness of God
