Read: 1 Corinthians 12:1-3
Yet we esteemed him stricken, smitten by God. (Isa. 53:4)
Imagine that you are part of a gathering for worship at a Jewish synagogue in a typical first-century Greek city—let’s say Corinth—in AD 50, give or take a year or two. The preacher, Saul of Tarsus, tells the story of Jesus’s death on the cross, followed by the still more incredible news of his resurrection from the dead. Then he drives his whole sermon home with a bold declaration. “Jesus is Lord!”
At this a tumult breaks out in the synagogue. Some agree with Paul’s message, but many more are shouting him down. “No,” they cry, “Jesus is accursed!” The Old Testament law stated it plainly: “Anyone hung on a tree is under God’s curse” (Deut. 21:23 NRSV). The law required that a criminal guilty of a capital offense be executed by stoning. Then the body was fixed to a stake or hung from a tree until sundown to proclaim in the most vivid possible way that both sin and sinner were under divine judgment.
“Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us,” explained the apostle Paul (Gal. 3:13). Those who rejected Jesus thought they had it all figured out: Jesus hung from a tree, Jesus was cursed, therefore Jesus was a lawbreaker and not the Messiah. Gospel logic is different: Jesus was cursed (for us), therefore we are blessed—if we know him, trust him, believe in him. Instead of God’s curse, God’s blessing. Instead of God’s condemnation, God’s favor. Instead of God’s rejection, God’s friendship and life.
As you pray, thank Jesus for taking your place and bearing your curse.
About the Author
Rev. David Bast
David Bast is a writer and pastor who served for 23 years as the President and Broadcast Minister for Words of Hope. In his more than 40 years of devotional writing and preaching, he has been encouraging believers around the world to be shaped by God and his Word.
Prior to his ministry and work at Words of Hope, Dave served as a pastor for 18 years in congregations in the Reformed Church in America. A graduate of Hope College and Western Theological Seminary, he is the author of nine devotional books and Bible studies, includingWhy Doesn't God Act More Like God,Christ in the Psalms, andA Gospel for the World.
Dave and his wife, Betty Jo, have four children and eight grandchildren. Dave enjoys reading, growing tomatoes, and avidly follows the Detroit Tigers.
