How can we boldly proclaim that Calvary is enough in a world constantly demanding more? In this episode, let me take you on a rich, multi-layered journey from Golgotha to your heart as we explore the power and meaning behind the place, the sacrifice, and the impact of Jesus’ crucifixion. Anchored in Scripture and inspired by Brooke Ligertwood’s compelling lyrics in her song “Calvary’s Enough,” we will slow down and soak in the truth of what happened on the cross—and why it still matters today.
Key Points
- “Calvary” is a Place and a Symbol: The word Calvary is Latin for Golgotha, meaning the skull. While we often refer to it symbolically, it’s helpful to remember it is an actual location where Christ was crucified.
- The Power of the Sacrifice: The episode guides listeners from the literal place of Calvary, through the crucifixion event, to the profound spiritual implications of Christ’s sacrifice.
- Learning for Learning’s Sake: It’s okay to explore Scripture with curiosity even when there’s no immediate application—this builds a foundation for future understanding.
- Jesus’s Last Words Matter: “It is finished” (John 19:30) refers to the completed work of atonement—the payment of our sin debt.
- Christ Our High Priest: The Gospels and Hebrews reference Jesus seated at the right hand of God, which shows the fulfillment of His role post-Calvary.
- Response Matters: Like Paul, we are called to “resolve to know nothing but Christ crucified” (1 Corinthians 2:2). This is a deliberate decision to center our lives on the gospel.
- Don’t Idolize Messengers: Paul confronted the church in Corinth about elevating personalities over the message of Christ crucified, a reminder that is still relevant today.
Key Scriptures
- Matthew 27:33, Mark 15:22, Luke 23:33, John 19:17 – Descriptions of the place of crucifixion (Golgotha / Calvary).
- Hebrews 8:1 – Jesus seated at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven.
- Matthew 26:64, Mark 14:62 – Jesus foretells His position at God’s right hand.
- Romans 3:21–26 – The atonement and justification through Christ.
- 1 Peter 2:21–25 – Christ’s suffering as our example and healing through His wounds.
- 1 Corinthians 2:1–2 – Paul’s resolve to preach only Christ crucified.
- 1 Corinthians 1:22–23, 1:30–31 – Christ as wisdom and power; a stumbling block to some, salvation to others.
- 1 Timothy 2:5–6 – Christ as the one mediator and ransom for all.
- John 19:30 – “It is finished” — Jesus’ declaration of a completed mission.
- Mark 15:29 – Passersby mocked Jesus, showing Calvary’s visibility and public impact.
- Romans 16:13 – Possible connection of Simon of Cyrene’s family to the early church.
Bible Interaction Tool Exercises (BITEs)
- Listen to Scripture – I used the audio version of the Gospels (Matthew 26–27, Mark 14–15, Luke 22–23, John 18–19) to focus on what happened at Calvary.
- Repetition – Listening or reading the same passage multiple times to deepen understanding.
- Cross-referencing – Connecting verses across the Bible to deepen theological understanding.
- Compare & Contrast – Examine how different gospel accounts depict the same event (e.g., who carried Jesus’s cross).
- Use Your Imagination – Picture scenes described in Scripture to better engage with the text.
- Explore Word Origins – Tracing the etymology and biblical languages behind the word “Calvary.”
- Ask Questions – “What does this mean?” and “Why do I think that?” to challenge assumptions and encourage deeper study.
- Study in Context – Ensuring interpretation aligns with literary and canonical context.
- Non-utilitarian Study – Learn without needing immediate application—build a rich foundation in the Word.
You have permission to learn stuff for the fun of learning something new and that’s it. It doesn’t always have to have some great spiritual meaning or DO anything for you or anyone else.
Enjoy the official music video below.
More Than a Song Playlist
Additional Resources
- Lyrics – New Release Today
- What did Jesus mean when He said, “It is finished”? – GotQuestion.org Article
- Baker Encyclopedia of the Bible – Place of the Skull Article – Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link
- Learn more about my favorite Bible Study Software with a 30-day free trial and links to my all-time favorite Bible resources – Logos Bible Software Affiliate Link
This Week’s Challenge
Read or listen to all four accounts of the scenes leading up to and at Calvary. Use the Episode Guide to help. It’s free and uncomplicated. It’s just a one-page PDF to guide you. After you’ve read or listened to the gospels a time or two, consider what details pop out to you. This is a good place to meditate, follow cross-references, and jot down observations. Make observations about the place of Calvary, the details of what happened there, its significance and meaning, and potential responses to it. At some point, hop over to 1 Corinthians chapters 1-2 to see why Paul resolved to know nothing but Christ and Him crucified and why Calvary is enough.
