What does Golgotha stand for? - All The Good Seed Daily Devotionals for 2024

… having made peace through the blood of His cross.
Colossians 1:20

What does Golgotha stand for?
The place of execution, Golgotha, was outside the city of Jerusalem, but at the same time not far from it (John 19:17, 20). Since the Romans wanted to create a deterrent effect with their crucifixions, a busy road led past the place (Matthew 27:39).

The word “Golgotha” (Calvary in some translations) means “skull”. Based on archaeological excavations in the area of today’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre, it can be assumed that this site was a large quarry until the first century bc. Golgotha was probably a rock formation on a quarry floor and resembled a skull in shape.

To determine the exact place where the cross of Jesus stood is not possible today. More important is the fact that He was crucified. How had this come about? The Jews had literally blackmailed the Roman governor, Pilate, into having Jesus executed. Because of the lack of evidence for their accusation, in the end they had only shouted “Crucify Him, crucify Him!” In return, Pilate didn’t miss the opportunity to put the title above the cross: “This is Jesus the King of the Jews.”

Was that accurate? Yes, because Jesus Christ is the rightful King of Israel, the Messiah whom the prophets had announced. But He is also the Son of God who voluntarily gave His life to die so that people could be saved from their sins. Through the cross, through the sacrificial death of His own Son, God has now been offering redemption, forgiveness, peace and eternal life to all, without exception, for almost 2,000 years. This is what Golgotha stands for.

Today’s reading: 2 Samuel 5:1-25 · 1 Thessalonians 1:6-10