Luke 23:33 – “When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminals—one on his right, the other on his left.”
Extended Explanation
This verse describes the final step in the journey to the cross: Jesus being crucified at a location known as “the Skull” (also called Golgotha). Crucifixion was the most brutal form of execution in the Roman Empire, reserved for the worst criminals. Jesus was nailed to the cross between two criminals, fulfilling the prophecy that the Messiah would be “numbered with the transgressors” (Isaiah 53:12). Despite His innocence, Jesus was treated as if He were guilty.
The image of Jesus being crucified among criminals emphasizes the shame and rejection He endured. But this was more than just a tragic death—this was the moment when Jesus took on the sins of the world and provided the way for humanity to be reconciled to God. The cross, which appeared to be a symbol of defeat, was actually a symbol of victory over sin and death.
Historical Context
The place called “the Skull” (Golgotha in Aramaic) was located just outside the walls of Jerusalem, near a public road. This was intentional, as the Romans wanted crucifixions to be public events that would serve as a warning to others. Crucifixion was designed to be slow and painful, often lasting for hours or even days, with victims dying from a combination of exhaustion, asphyxiation, and blood loss.
The fact that Jesus was crucified alongside criminals shows how completely He was identified with sinners. In the Roman legal system, crucifixion was considered the most shameful way to die, and it was usually reserved for slaves, rebels, and violent offenders. By placing Jesus in this context, the authorities intended to humiliate Him and discredit His followers. But God had a different plan—Jesus’ death would become the means of salvation for all who believe.
Theological Implications
This verse carries deep theological meaning because it marks the moment when Jesus began the final phase of His sacrificial mission. The cross was not just a punishment—it was an act of substitution, where Jesus took the punishment that humanity deserved. As Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 5:21, “God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.”
The presence of the two criminals on either side of Jesus also symbolizes the two possible responses to the Gospel. One of the criminals mocked Jesus, while the other repented and asked for forgiveness (Luke 23:39-43). This reflects the reality that everyone is confronted with a choice when it comes to Jesus—either reject Him or trust Him for salvation.
Literary Analysis
Luke’s description of the crucifixion is simple and direct, yet filled with profound meaning. The brief statement, “they crucified him there,” is packed with theological depth. Luke doesn’t go into graphic detail about the physical suffering, but his audience would have understood the horror of crucifixion. Instead, Luke focuses on the significance of the event—Jesus’ death was not just a legal execution; it was the fulfillment of God’s plan for redemption.
The positioning of Jesus between two criminals also carries symbolic weight. It highlights both His identification with sinners and the universal nature of His offer of salvation. By placing Jesus at the center, Luke emphasizes that He is the dividing line between those who reject God and those who accept His grace.
Biblical Cross-References
- Isaiah 53:12 – The prophecy that the Messiah would be “numbered with the transgressors.”
- Psalm 22:16-18 – A prophecy describing the suffering of the Messiah, including the piercing of His hands and feet.
- John 19:18 – The parallel account of Jesus being crucified with two others.
- Mark 15:27-28 – The fulfillment of the prophecy about Jesus being crucified among sinners.
- Hebrews 12:2 – Jesus endured the cross, despising its shame, for the joy set before Him.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
For Christians, this verse is a reminder of the depth of Jesus’ love and the cost of salvation. Jesus willingly endured the humiliation and agony of the cross so that we could be forgiven and reconciled to God. His death demonstrates that no one is beyond the reach of God’s grace—He was willing to be numbered among sinners so that sinners could be saved.
This verse also challenges believers to reflect on their own response to Jesus. The two criminals represent two possible outcomes: rejection or repentance. Just as one criminal mocked Jesus and the other asked for mercy, every person must decide whether to accept or reject Jesus’ offer of salvation.
Additionally, this verse calls Christians to live lives of humility and gratitude. Knowing that Jesus endured such suffering for our sake should inspire us to follow His example of self-sacrifice and obedience to God.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is fully displayed at the cross. He did not abandon humanity in its sin but sent His Son to take the punishment we deserved. The fact that Jesus was willing to endure the shame and pain of crucifixion shows how deeply God loves us. As Romans 5:8 says, “But God demonstrates his own love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.”
God’s love is also shown in His willingness to offer forgiveness, even to those who were responsible for Jesus’ death. As we see later in Luke 23:34, Jesus prays for the people who are crucifying Him, asking God to forgive them. This act of mercy highlights God’s desire for all people to repent and receive salvation.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is central to understanding who Jesus is and why He came. His death on the cross was not an accident or a failure—it was the fulfillment of God’s plan to redeem humanity. Jesus’ willingness to be crucified shows His obedience to the Father and His love for the world.
The positioning of Jesus between two criminals also connects to His role as the mediator between God and humanity. He was physically placed between two guilty men, symbolizing His spiritual mission to bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful people. Through His death, Jesus became the only way for humanity to be reconciled to God (John 14:6).
- Philippians 2:8 – Jesus humbled Himself by becoming obedient to death, even death on a cross.
- 1 Peter 2:24 – Jesus bore our sins in His body on the cross so that we might die to sin and live for righteousness.
- Colossians 2:13-14 – Jesus canceled the record of debt that stood against us by nailing it to the cross.
- Ephesians 2:13-16 – Through His blood, Jesus reconciled us to God, making peace by the cross.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why is it significant that Jesus was crucified between two criminals?
- What does this verse teach you about the depth of Jesus’ humility and love?
- How does the imagery of the cross impact your understanding of forgiveness and grace?
- What does the choice between the two criminals teach us about responding to Jesus?
- How can you live a life of gratitude, knowing that Jesus endured the cross for your salvation?