John 19:17 Carrying his own cross, he went out to the place of the Skull (which in Aramaic is called Golgotha).
For centuries, scholars have debated the reason why this particular hill was called, “The Skull”. In Aramaic, the word is Golgotha. In Latin, the term is calvaria, from which we get our word, “Calvary.” In Greek, it is called kranion, which is where we get the word, “cranium.”
Some scholars believe that particular hill is where David buried Goliath’s skull. Some believe that Adam’s skull is buried there. And some believe the hill itself looked kind of like a skull. The truth is, nobody really knows.
But as I was searching for answers, I was struck by a sense of foreboding, of gloom. The skull has long been the symbol of death, of evil. A skull and crossbones represents poison. In many cultures, the skull represents the underworld.
What an appropriate place for our Lord to die. After all, isn’t that where He took on Himself all the evil, all the sins of the world? Isn’t that where He swallowed the poison of our iniquity? Isn’t that where He left His precious, bleeding body behind to enter the gates of hell, so that we wouldn’t have to?
Oh, God. I am so sorry. It was my sin, my evil, black heart that put You on the cross, at a place called “The Skull.” Imagine it. The holy, sinless God having to die at a place like that.
I’m so glad I know the end of the story. I’m so glad that the evil, the place of the skull was only the beginning of my Lord’s journey. In the end, He was triumphant over the Skull, over the black, sinful, evil that killed Him. In the end, life triumphed over death.
Thank You, Jesus, for what You did for me.
Amen
With skulls so popular now on apparel, (I gasped when my daughter wanted a skull belt buckle!), it’s good to see a positive message!
I know, Christy. They are everywhere! It’s good to remember that the skull represents death. Jesus overcame “The Skull” so we could have life! Great to see you here. 😉
Halelujah! What a Savior!
Jean
Isn’t He great, Jean?