The Skull as the Mind: A Symbol of Sin’s Origin
Luke 23:32-34
Two others, who were criminals, were led away to be put to death with him. And when they came to the place that is called The Skull, there they crucified him, and the criminals, one on his right and one on his left. And Jesus said, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do." And they cast lots to divide his garments.
The scripture has brought us to the climax of Jesus’ earthly life, his crucifixion at "The Skull" (Golgotha). In early Christian writings, notably from figures like Origen (in the 3rd century) and later in texts like the "Cave of Treasures" (4th-6th century). It suggests that Golgotha, meaning "Place of the Skull," was named not just for its shape but because Adam’s skull was buried there. This is symbolic in that Jesus, is the "second Adam" who brings redemption (Romans 5:12-21; 1 Corinthians 15:22). And his cross is standing over Adam’s grave symbolizing Christ’s victory over the curse of sin. Some ancient traditions link Golgotha to the site now enshrined in Jerusalem’s Church of the Holy Sepulchre, where a relic called the "Chapel of Adam" beneath the cross commemorates this belief. It's all very interesting but trivial. What significance does it hold for us today?
Maybe there is significance for us today in how it amplifies the passage’s message of forgiveness, redemption, and transformation, offering practical and spiritual wisdom for our lives. Let's see if that's true.
The image of Jesus crucified at Golgotha, possibly over Adam’s skull, underscores that his forgiveness addresses the root of human sin. Jesus’ prayer models forgiving others, even when they don’t deserve it. In a world of division; whether in families, workplaces, or online, choosing forgiveness interrupts cycles of resentment. Think of someone who’s hurt you recently. Instead of replaying the offense in your skull, try praying, "Father, forgive them, for they may not fully understand." This act realigns your heart and your skull with Jesus’ compassion.
Maybe that's the most significant aspect of this lesson, the skull represents the mind of Adam, the first human who introduced sin into the world. Maybe the lesson of the skull has to do with getting our minds right.
The tradition of Adam’s skull at Golgotha, while symbolic, points to Adam’s choice in Eden; his mind yielding to temptation (Genesis 3:6). That decision introduced sin into the world, shaping humanity’s struggle with pride, fear, and rebellion. If Golgotha is "The Place of the Skull," it’s fitting that Jesus’ crucifixion there, coupled with his prayer, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do," confronts this root.
Adam’s sin began with a thought, doubting God’s goodness, desiring autonomy. Wanting to become like God.
In what way does he think he'd be like God?
The forbidden fruit was from the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil. The desire was to know what God knows. To think about the things that God thinks about. And to live forever as God lives. In Genesis 3:4-5, the serpent tells Eve, "You will not surely die. For God knows that when you eat of it your eyes will be opened, and you will be like God, knowing good and evil." Adam, present with Eve (Genesis 3:6), shares in this choice.
The Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil represents a divine prerogative, a divine authority, discerning moral boundaries and ultimate truth. God’s knowledge is infinite, rooted in His perfect wisdom and holiness (Isaiah 55:8-9). And Adam wanted that for himself, he wanted in on the wisdom.
But Adam and Eve weren’t ignorant before the Fall; they knew God’s command and for a while they lived in harmony with Him. But the serpent framed God’s restriction as withholding something essential, implying their knowledge was incomplete without the fruit. And they grew envious, maybe even desperate. Desire overcame their thoughts. They lost their minds.
Their desire wasn’t just curiosity but a grasping for autonomy; to define good and evil for themselves, independent of God. They wanted God’s authority to judge and understand reality on their own terms, bypassing trust in His revelation.
Sound familiar?
Seem like how things have changed in our own times, doesn't it?
The serpent’s lie suggested God’s thoughts were accessible through a shortcut, eating the fruit rather than through relationship and obedience. Adam wanted the "mind of God" without the submission that comes with it.
Sound familiar?
Adam and Eve, though created for eternal fellowship with God, were mortal in essence, dependent on Him for life. And I suppose they wanted to be set free from that curse as they saw it. Many people see religion in that way today. Many people are desperate to be free from the curse (as they see it) of humanity's reliance upon God's good graces. They rail against God's word and his people of faith. They scold them and troll them. But they're not alone. Many "believers" do likewise as they do battle against one another over what the truth of what truth is. Today they're filled with division and conflict. Fighting over the truth. Still doing battle for dominance over spiritual autonomy.
Defining good and evil independently, seeking shortcuts to divine wisdom, and rejecting dependence on God; it all resonates deeply in 2025.
Many in 2025 reject God’s revelation, Scripture, and any moral absolutes, in favor of self-defined morality. Social media amplifies this, with X posts often debating what’s "right" based on personal feelings or cultural trends. It’s Adam’s skull of desire to judge reality on his own terms, repackaged as "live your truth." People dismiss biblical ethics; on sexuality, justice, or forgiveness, as outdated, insisting they can determine what’s good without a divine standard.
The serpent’s lie that the fruit would make them "like God" promised instant insight for them without submission. Today, technology and the info war tempts us similarly. AI, endless content, or viral "hot takes" on X and other platforms suggest we can master truth without seeking God’s perspective. Sometimes the information overload incorporates God's words but with a twist. And there again we see an echo of the first parents and the serpent.
The serpent didn’t deny God’s command outright but twisted it, casting doubt on His goodness (Genesis 3:1, "Did God really say…?" ). Today, information overload often incorporates Bible verses or Christian lingo, but with a spin, used to justify personal agendas, cultural trends, or division. This happens today for the very same reasons; people want God's agenda to be their own agenda. What God meant for good by his understanding, people make into their own version of "good". It’s the serpent whispering, "Here’s God’s truth, but better."
Our reflection on the "skull" in Luke 23:32-34 as the mind’s battleground is key here. If Golgotha symbolizes Adam’s rebellious mind, where autonomy took root; Jesus’ crucifixion there, praying, "Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do," reclaims it.
How can we learn from this?
Jesus saw the crowd’s blindness but didn’t curse them. In fact he prayed for them. Do likewise. Instead of chasing every "truth" online, pause and seek God’s perspective first; through prayer, Scripture study, or wise counsel, like devotions. The cross points us to God's unchanging truth. When info overload tempts us to redefine good and evil for ourselves, we should return to Scripture as our standard, not X’s trending tab.
Adam chose the fruit over God’s presence. Jesus chose submission, even in pain. Prioritize knowing God; through worship, silence, community (aka fellowship), over endlessly consuming fruity content.
And when you are doom scrolling the controversial topics, if a post twists Scripture (e.g., using "God is love" to excuse sin), check the verse’s context for yourself (like 1 John 4:8 alongside 4:10).
When you see a misleading post or troll attacking our faith, don’t argue. Pray, "Father, forgive them; open their eyes." This mirrors Jesus and frees you from pointless battles. A caution I need to take more often since I tend to do exactly the reverse. Just be sure before engaging with posts, to pray, "God, guide my mind to Your truth."
Try to dig into what's going on in the mind of the person posting the troll. If someone mocks your Christianity online, respond with a kind question; "What shaped your view?", or let it go, trusting God’s work. Think before you react.
Let's circle back now and finish up this message with some finals thoughts on our focus scripture. Our focus began with two criminals being crucified with Jesus at Golgotha. A handful of verses later we see a man who has reached the end of his struggle with truth. The thief’s simple plea in Luke 23:42; "Jesus, remember me when you come into your kingdom", shows a humble surrender that cuts through the noise of pride and self-reliance, much like what we’ve been discussing with the serpent’s lie and today’s info war. In Genesis 3, Adam and Eve sought to "be like God," rejecting dependence for autonomy, as we’ve discussed. The thief on the cross, crucified beside Jesus (Luke 23:39-43), represents the opposite, a mind and heart yielding to God’s grace. He’s a criminal, aware of his guilt (Luke 23:41), and doesn’t debate theology or demand proof. He simply recognizes Jesus’ authority. And we can glean some wisdom in how he handled a troll. His companion was trolling Jesus, mocking him, and he responded like this...
Luke 23:40-42
"Do you not fear God, since you are under the same sentence of condemnation? And we indeed justly, for we are receiving the due reward of our deeds; but this man has done nothing wrong."
He called out a lack of the Fear of The Lord. Something missing today for sure.
His request, "remember me," isn’t a grab for power but a plea for mercy. He trusts Jesus’ kingdom, submitting to God’s plan without needing to control it. Where Adam doubted God’s goodness, the thief sees Jesus’ innocence and kingship. His faith bypasses the serpent’s shortcut, choosing relationship over rebellion. He's not innocent, he was at one time ignorant like the crowds. His life of crime shows a misguided mind; but Jesus’ forgiveness covers him, and his submission opens the door to that grace saving him. The thief didn’t understand every doctrine, yet Jesus promised him paradise (Luke 23:43). We should really let that sink in. In an age of info overload, you don’t need to master every debate or unravel every mystery.
Trust God’s goodness, like the thief did. Surrender trumps control. Submit your plans to God instead of grasping for autonomy. If the skull at Golgotha symbolizes Adam’s rebellious mind, the thief represents the mind redeemed; not by knowing everything, but by submitting to Jesus.
Food for thought: Personal Reflection
"Where am I chasing knowledge or control instead of submitting to Jesus?"
"How can the thief’s plea inspire me to trust God’s plan today?"
Let's Pray:
Jesus, I don’t need to know everything, I just want to know You. Like the thief, I ask, ‘Remember me in Your kingdom.’ Forgive my pride and teach me to submit, forgiving others as You do. Amen.