Galatians 3:13

NASB	NLT	VOICE
13 Christ redeemed us from the curse of the Law, having become a curse for us – for it is written: “Cursed is everyone who hangs on the tree” –	13 But Christ has rescued us from the curse pronounced by the law. When he was hung on the cross, he took upon himself the curse for our wrong doing. For it is written in the Scriptures, “Cursed is everyone who is hung on a tree.”	13 the Anointed One, the Liberating King, has redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us. It was stated in the Scriptures, “Everyone who hangs on a tree is cursed by God.”

Christ Conquers the Curse

The “curse of the Law” that Paul mentions refers to the penalties and condemnation that comes from failing to follow the Mosaic Law perfectly. This law was given to Israel as a covenant and failing to follow it brought curses upon the Israelites. (See Deuteronomy 27 and 28 for more about the covenant and curses). For Christ to redeem us, it means that we are free from the curses of sin and the law’s demands. We see through Christ’s sacrifice that it fulfills the requirements of the law. In its cultural and historical context of the first century, the crucifixion was viewed as a curse and shameful death. It was reserved for the worst criminals. By becoming the curse, Jesus took the punishment due to humanity. Jesus took the place of sinners, bearing the curse for us. 

Christ’s Crucifixion Fulfills the Law

The scripture that they were referring to is Deuteronomy 21:23, which states that a hanged person is cursed by God. In Jewish culture, being hung on a tree was a sign of divine judgment and disgrace. The early Christians knew Jesus’ crucifixion fulfilling this law, as He was literally hung on a wooden cross (viewed as a tree in the ancient world.) Jesus’ death was not only physical death, but a spiritual act of bearing the curse of humanity’s sin. 

The Curse of the Mosaic Law

Let’s talk about the curse a little bit more. What are they? They are a little blanketed (towns, fields, fruitbaskets, breadboards, children, crops, offspring of your herds and flocks). However, listen to these: diseases, defeat, madness, blindness, panic, adultery, thievery, heartache, exclusion, ridicule, mockery, weakness, and more. These are things that we experience today. Does that mean that we are failing in abiding by the Mosaic Law? No. The Mosaic Law was not designed for us. It was designed for people in a specific culture and historical time period. However, I have learned over my years of studies that the Mosaic Law connects to God’s moral law: loving God with all of our heart, mind, soul, and strength and loving our neighbor as ourselves. The Mosaic law has a foundation of these two commands. When we read through the Mosaic Law, it’s good to see how these laws connect to God’s moral law to see how we can review them and apply them to our lives. 

Our Need for a Savior

With all those things I mentioned, think about how complex it would be if we tried to solve it all ourselves. We’d be burnt out, exhausted, and most likely – probably asking for our life to end. It’s overwhelming to try and do everything ourselves. It’s showing why we need a Savior. We have someone who has won these battles for us. We have someone that has rescued us from these consequences to allow us to live the lives that God created us to live. It’s not an easy journey. It’s not an easy battle. However, we have the Creator of the universe guiding us, mentoring us, strengthening us, and encouraging us. We can lean on Him through faith that we will have the capabilities to overcome everything that walks in our path. 

Above everything, remember this: I am redeemed from the curse of sin, sickness, and poverty.

Reflection Questions

1. Deuteronomy 28 describes the curses that come from not following the Mosaic Law. How do you feel these apply to our world today? 
2. In the discussion between the Mosaic Law and God’s Moral law, where do you see your Christian walk being?
3. What is one thing you can surrender to God and lean on His ways to find victory in your life?

Call to Action

Read 1 Peter 2:24. Thank God for the sacrifice He made by sending Christ to die a sacrificial death on humanity’s behalf. Ask God how you can lean on that strength more. See what ways you can surrender your life’s struggles to Him so that you can walk in peace.

Check out the next part of the series: Who Am I Again? #12